Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of solids retention time on dissolved methane concentration in anaerobic membrane bioreactors

We assessed the effect of solids retention times (SRT) on dissolved methane concentration in a lab-scale anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) operated at SRT 20d and 40d at ambient temperature (23±1°C). Daily methane production was 196±17 mL/d and 285±18 mL/d for SRT 20d and 40d, respectively. In comparison, the average concentration of dissolved methane in AnMBR permeates was 9.9±2.3 mg/L for SRT 20d (close to thermodynamic equilibrium), which was decreased to 4.3±0.3 mg/L for SRT 40d. We often found oversaturation of dissolved methane at SRT 20d, which means that mass transfer of dissolved methane from liquid to gas phase is dynamic at this short SRT. However, we never detected oversaturation of dissolved methane at SRT 40d, due to slow endogenous decay kinetics. Higher daily methane production at SRT 40d than that at SRT 20d indicates that methane was supplementarily produced from biomass electrons by endogenous decay. This study shows that operation of AnMBRs under long SRT can keep low dissolved methane concentration in AnMBR permeate, along with high methane yield.
Proteasome inhibitors: Poisons and remedies

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has been approved as a cytostatic drug for the therapy of multiple myeloma, and is currently being tested in clinical trials for a variety of other malignancies. At the same time, a growing number of animal studies suggest that proteasome inhibitors may also prove to be valuable remedies for the treatment of non‐tumorous diseases. In this review, we will revisit the current applications of proteasome inhibitors in clinical research according to the cellular effects of proteasome inhibitors as poisons, which induce apoptosis, or as remedies, which modulate cellular function and protect from cell death. We postulate that the correct distinction of a poison from a remedy depends on cell type and on the degree of proteasome inhibition. Dose‐dependent and differential inhibition of the proteasome may affect specific sets of substrates, thereby conferring substrate specificity. According to this idea, we suggest that inhibition of the proteasome to a defined degree may offer a promising tool in achieving desired therapeutic effects in various diseases. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 2, 309–327, 2008
Building sentiment lexicons based on recommending services for the Polish language

Sentiment analysis has become a prominent area of research in computer science. It has numerous practical applications; e.g., evaluating customer satisfaction, identifying product promoters. Many methods employed in this task require language resources such as sentiment lexicons, which are unavailable for the Polish language. Such lexicons contain words annotated with their emotional polarization, but the manual creation of sentiment lexicons is very tedious. Therefore, this paper addresses this issue and describes a new method of building sentiment lexicons automatically based on recommending services. Next, the built lexicons were used in the task of sentiment classification.
Novel N - way Power Divider and Array Configuration for RFID Readers operating at 5.8 GHz

A novel N - way power divider has been designed to be used in arrays for the development of readers in RFID systems. In contrast with the conventional power dividers, this power divider can accommodate any number of power division starting from 1 to 16 and higher from one central circular microstrip patch acting like a hub. Like other conventional power dividers, this power divider can also be put in cascade. The power divider is broadband in nature and greatly reduces space used by arrays compared to the conventional designs. Additionally, the scope of this power divider to be used in RFID systems is huge opening an entire new approach to tracking electronics.
Entrepreneurial Finance and Innovation: An Introduction and Agenda for Future Research

The increasingly large role played by financial intermediaries, such as venture capitalists and angels, in nurturing entrepreneurial firms and in promoting product market innovation has led to great research interest in the area of entrepreneurial finance and innovation. This paper introduces the special issue of the Review of Financial Studies dedicated to entrepreneurial finance and innovation and highlights some of the promising topics for future research in this area. The special issue combines papers presented at the June 2010 "Entrepreneurial Finance and Innovation (EFIC)" conference, which was jointly sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation and the Review of Financial Studies, with other related papers. The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. , Oxford University Press.
The effects of medical image processing techniques on the computational haemodynamics

Many of the diseases affecting the cardiovascular system include a variety of disorders and conditions that are related in part to the haemodynamics, as well as genetic predisposition and biochemistry amongst others. With respect to the haemodynamics, the commonly sought factors are near-wall mechanical properties including wall shear stress (and derived parameters) and transport phenomena, such as mixing and mass transport. These factors are susceptible to large variations amongst individuals, and in order to perform accurate clinical evaluation careful interpretation of patient specific information is required. Taking an example of a configuration of the aorto-illiac bifurcation, we examine the effects of image filtering and contrast enhancement on the reconstructed geometry and the resulting computed haemodynamics. The algorithms used to quantify the processed images are based on pixel intensity variance, peak signal-to-noise ratio and segmentation. In this study we focus on the effects of uncertainty in clinically acquired medical images to the variability in the reconstructed vessel geometry, and the subsequent error propagation to the computed haemodynamics with emphasis on factors related to diseased states.
Surface Modeling and Analysis Using Range Images: Smoothing, Registration, Integration, and Segmentation

This dissertation presents a framework for 3D reconstruction and scene analysis, using a set of range images. The motivation for developing this framework came from the needs to reconstruct the surfaces of small mechanical parts in reverse engineering tasks, build a virtual environment of indoor and outdoor scenes, and understand 3D images. The input of the framework is a set of range images of an object or a scene captured by range scanners. The output is a triangulated surface that can be segmented into meaningful parts. A textured surface can be reconstructed if color images are provided. The framework consists of surface smoothing, registration, integration, and segmentation. Surface smoothing eliminates the noise present in raw measurements from range scanners. This research proposes area-decreasing flow that is theoretically identical to the mean curvature flow. Using area-decreasing flow, there is no need to estimate the curvature value and an optimal step size of the flow can be obtained. Crease edges and sharp corners are preserved by an adaptive scheme. Surface registration aligns measurements from different viewpoints in a common coordinate system. This research proposes a new surface representation scheme named point fingerprint. Surfaces are registered by finding corresponding point pairs in an overlapping region based on fingerprint comparison. Surface integration merges registered surface patches into a whole surface. This rev search employs an implicit surface-based integration technique. The proposed algorithm can generate watertight models by space carving or filling the holes based on volumetric interpolation. Textures from different views are integrated inside a volumetric grid. Surface segmentation is useful to decompose CAD models in reverse engineering tasks and help object recognition in a 3D scene. This research proposes a watershedbased surface mesh segmentation approach. The new algorithm accurately segments the plateaus by geodesic erosion using fast marching method. The performance of the framework is presented using both synthetic and real world data from different range scanners. The dissertation concludes by summarizing the development of the framework and then suggests future research topics.
Diet and acne: an exploratory survey study of patient beliefs

Background: In the past, medical literature reflected that diet was not a proven cause of acne. However, studies in recent years have substantiated a link between certain dietary factors and acne. It is unclear whether patients are aware of recent research findings. Objectives: Acne patients were surveyed to explore beliefs regarding the link between diet and acne, to determine whether these beliefs translated into behavior change and to identify health information sources. Patients/Methods: Upon Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, surveys were administered to 50 acne patients at an academic dermatology clinic in 2014, with 49 completed in full and included in this analysis. Results: Ninety-two percent of respondents believed that diet could affect acne. Seventy-one percent attempted to change their diet to improve acne. Seventy-one percent believed acne to be caused by fried or greasy foods, although chocolate (53%), dairy (47%), and soda drinks (35%) were highly implicated. Patients obtained information from Google searches (49%), dermatologists (43%), family members and TV (41% each), and medical websites (31%). Conclusions: In this exploratory study, patients reported utilizing a diversity of information sources, a majority from the Internet. In those surveyed, there was a persistence of long-held belief that fried/greasy foods and chocolate may serve as acne triggers, and less belief in trigger foods supported by recent research, including refined carbohydrates and sugar. Given the multiplicity of beliefs and utilized sources among acne patients in our survey, there is a need to establish up-to-date and reliable methods to educate patients on diet and acne.
Screening for trisomy 18 by fetal nuchal translucency and maternal serum free β ‐hCG and PAPP‐A at 10–14 weeks of gestation

In a study of 50 cases of trisomy 18 compared with 947 controls we have found the median multiple of the median (MoM) of maternal serum free β human chorionic gonadotrophin to be significantly decreased (0.281 MoM) in samples collected between the 10th and 14th week of gestation. Similarly, maternal serum pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) levels are also decreased (0.177 MoM), whilst the median nuchal translucency is significantly higher (3.272 MoM). Free β‐hCG MoM was less than the 5th centile of normal in 64 per cent of cases of trisomy 18 and for PAPP‐A was less than the 5th centile in 78 per cent of cases. Also, in 78 per cent of cases the nuchal translucency was above the 95th centile. When combined together in a multivariate algorithm with maternal age, we predict that 89 per cent of cases of trisomy 18 could be detected at a 1 per cent false‐positive rate. We conclude that specific trisomy 18 risks should be part of developing risk algorithms combining maternal serum biochemistry and nuchal translucency for use in first trimester screening alongside those for trisomy 21. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recoverable/stretchable polymer spring with embedded CNTs electrical routing for large-area electronic applications

This study presents a large-area chip-network using polymer stretchable spring with embedded carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs as piezo-resistive sensing element and metal routing was located on the node and spring to achieve functional device. The mechanical and electrical connections of surrounding devices were linked by CNTs-polymer stretchable spring. The polymer spring stretches and expands the device nodes by several times of magnitude area to establish a 2D chip-network system. Merits of this approach: (1) polymer stretchable spring with large fracture strain acts as mechanical connection; (2) the polymer spring has better recoverability after stretching; (3) vertically-aligned CNTs are exploited as electrical routing and promising sensing material for different stress state; (4) the chip-network with flexibility can apply to curved surfaces.
Spiro[chromane‐2,4′‐piperidine]‐Based Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors with Improved in vivo Activity

A series of spiro[chromane‐2,4′‐piperidine] derivatives based on a previously published lead benzyl spirocycle 1 and bearing various N‐aryl and N‐alkylaryl substituents on the piperidine ring were prepared as novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. The compounds were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit nuclear HDACs, their in vitro antiproliferative activities, and in vitro ADME profiles. Based on these activities, 4‐fluorobenzyl and 2‐phenylethyl spirocycles were selected for further characterization. In vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) studies showed that both compounds exhibit an overall lower clearance rate, an increased half‐life, and higher AUCs after intravenous and oral administration than spiropiperidine 1 under the conditions used. The improved PK behavior of these two compounds also correlated with superior in vivo antitumor activity in an HCT‐116 xenograft model.
Incremental topological modeling using local Voronoi-like graphs

In the field of mobile robotics, one important issue is to allow the robot to navigate in an a priori unknown and non-specific large scale environment. Large dimensions raise strong limitations of geometric modeling, and topological or mixed metric-topological models are now studied to better fit the problem. We present a method for incrementally building a topological model of an indoor environment from sensor range data. The approach consists in merging each local perception of the topology with the current state of the global graph. This local topology is captured through the construction of a Voronoi-like graph that takes into account not only visible features but also visibility constraints (hidden regions, limited sensing ranges,.). We give the outline of the method and show first encouraging results on real data.
A review of medically unnecessary surgeries in dogs and cats.

JAVMA • Vol 248 • No. 2 • January 15, 2016 In ancient Rome, during the First Century CE, Lucius Columella wrote that it was proper to remove the tails of puppies to prevent their growth to an “abominable length” and to prevent madness, which is presumed to refer to rabies.1 Although the idea that this procedure could protect dogs against rabies has long since been abandoned, tail docking is still commonly performed, both because of a belief that it reduces the incidence of injuries and because of the resulting perceived improvements in aesthetics. However, the effectiveness of this procedure in preventing injuries has been questioned, and the idea of performing this and other surgical procedures on animals solely for cosmetic reasons has been heavily criticized in many parts of the world.2 In fact, some countries have passed legislation restricting these types of surgeries. While anecdotal reports suggest that certain cosmetic procedures such as ear cropping are in decline in North America, to our knowledge there are no reliable estimates on the numbers of these procedures performed annually. Most surgical procedures performed on dogs and cats in North America are performed for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive purposes; that is, they are medically necessary. In contrast, procedures that are not necessary for maintaining health or that are not beneficial to the animal can be classified as MUSs. This would include procedures performed mainly to alter the appearance of animals (eg, ear cropping and tail docking in dogs), procedures performed solely to prevent behaviors that are destructive or annoying (eg, devocalization and defanging in dogs and onychectomy in cats), and procedures of dubious or minimal benefit (eg, dewclaw removal in dogs). Note that elective neutering of healthy dogs and cats has historically been performed to prevent or reduce the risk of future health problems (eg, pyometra, mammary gland neoplasia, and reproductive tract–related neoplasia) and to prevent unplanned breeding, which benefits the population as a whole by reducing the number of unwanted animals.3 Thus, for the purposes of the A review of medically unnecessary surgeries in dogs and cats
Early experience with the bird's nest inferior vena‐caval filter

Anticoagulation failure with multiple layers and surfaces that act as a barrier to the passage of emboli (Figures 2 and 3). All filters were inserted percutaneously under local anaesthesia in the Department of Radiology. The insertion time ranged from 10 to 15 minutes. All patients were followed-up clinically for at least six months after the insertion of a bird's nest filter . Nine bird's nest filters were inserted into eight patients (five of whom were male), who ranged in age from 30 to 75 years. All filters were inserted by the femoral route. Although a tail of thrombus often was present within the femoral and/or the iliac veins, the guide-wire, sheath and catheter could be passed easily into position without dislodging pieces of thrombus during the manipulations. The Table summarizes the clinical features and reasons for the insertion of a bird's nest filter in the eight patients. Anticoagulation therapy was contraindicated in four patients, a further three patients had suffered a venous thrombosis and/or a pulmonary embolism while they were receiving therapy and, in one patient, a filter was inserted as a prophylactic measure . Of the eight patients, four patients suffered multiple, recurrent pulmonary emboli; three patients had suffered extensive deep venous thromboses and one patient FIGURE3: Radiograph of the bird's nest filter end-on. Note the extensive crisscrossing network of wires which form an effective barrier to the passage of emboli while allowing blood to pass with minimal disturbance to flow.
Indexation de sous-collections pour l'amélioration de la haute précision

This paper presents an information retrieval method based on a two stages indexing. The objective of this work is to analyze the impact of refining indexing and search on a homogeneous sub-collection in the quality of the results. We evaluate the impact of this approach in terms of precision using okapi BM25 and TF-IDF models on TREC-7 and TREC-8 ad hoc collections. The results show that this method improves high precision at least on 44% of the queries.
The C‐type lectin superfamily in the immune system

Summary: Protein‐carbohydrate interactions serve multiple functions in the immune system. Many animal lectins (sugar‐binding proteins) mediate both pathogen recognition and cell‐cell interactions using structurally related Ca2+‐dependent carbohydrate‐recognition domains (C‐type CRDs). Pathogen recognition by soluble collections such as serum mannose‐binding protein and pulmonary surfactant proteins, and also the macrophage cell‐surface mannose receptor, is effected by binding of terminal monosaccharide residues characteristic of bacterial and fungal cell surfaces. The broad selectivity of the monosaccharide‐binding site and the geometrical arrangement of multiple CRDs in the intact lectins explains the ability of the proteins to mediate discrimination between self and non‐self. In contrast, the much narrower binding specificity of selectin cell adhesion molecules results from an extended binding site within a single CRD. Other proteins, particularly receptors on the surface of natural killer cells, contain C‐type lectin‐like domains (CTLDs) that are evolutionarily divergent from the C‐type lectins and which would be predicted to function through different mechanisms.
El consumo de medios informativos y las actitudes hacia los inmigrantes Media Exposure and Attitudes towards Immigrants

Despite evidences of the media’s infl uence on shaping the attitudes of the Spanish population towards the immigrant community, survey indicators have seldom been designed to explain the relationship between media coverage of immigrants and the attitudes of native towards this phenomenon. Using a sample of students, we examined the validity of different types of indicators used to measure the frequency of media consumption, the recall of news regarding immigration and the degree of media credibility in order to explain racist and xenophobic attitudes. Results reveal a clear association between the news media and native group attitudes towards immigration, thus demonstrating the usefulness of these indicators.
Transcriptional regulation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system

Type III secretion systems (T3SS) function by translocating effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells and are important for the virulence of many Gram‐negative bacterial pathogens. Although the secretion and translocation machineries are highly conserved between different species, each pathogen translocates a unique set of effectors that subvert normal host cell physiology to promote pathogenesis. The uniqueness of each pathogen is further reflected in the diversity of mechanisms used to regulate T3SS gene expression. Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes a complex set of signalling pathways to modulate T3SS expression in response to extracellular and intracellular cues. Whereas some pathways are dedicated solely to regulating the T3SS, others co‐ordinately regulate expression of the T3SS with multiple virulence functions on a global scale. Emerging regulatory themes include coupling of T3SS transcription with type III secretory activity, global regulatory control through modulation of cAMP biosynthesis, repression by a variety of stresses, involvement of multiple two component regulatory systems, and an inverse relationship between T3SS expression and multicellular behaviour. Factors controlling activation of T3SS expression likely contribute to the environmental survival of the organism and to the pathogenesis of acute P. aeruginosa infections. Conversely, active repression of the T3SS might contribute to the persistence of chronic infections.
Size Matters: Cardinality-Constrained Clustering and Outlier Detection via Conic Optimization

Plain vanilla K-means clustering has proven to be successful in practice, yet it suffers from outlier sensitivity and may produce highly unbalanced clusters. To mitigate both shortcomings, we formulate a joint outlier detection and clustering problem, which assigns a prescribed number of datapoints to an auxiliary outlier cluster and performs cardinality-constrained K-means clustering on the residual dataset, treating the cluster cardinalities as a given input. We cast this problem as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) that admits tractable semidefinite and linear programming relaxations. We propose deterministic rounding schemes that transform the relaxed solutions to feasible solutions for the MILP. We also prove that these solutions are optimal in the MILP if a cluster separation condition holds.