Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electronic properties of DNA

DNA plays a pivotal role in biology as the carrier of genetic information in all living species. Recently, however, physicists and chemists have become increasingly interested in the electronic properties of the "molecule of life". According to some, DNA is a molecular wire that can conduct charge carriers with virtually no resistance. Others, however, find that DNA behaves as an insulator. Experiments are now starting to provide the first clues about the mechanisms that underlie charge transport in DNA.
Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Protein Hydrolysate from Muscle of Barbel (Barbus callensis)

The present study investigated angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of barbel muscle protein hydrolysate prepared with Alcalase. The barbel muscle protein hydrolysate displayed a high ACE inhibitory activity ( mg/mL). The antioxidant activities of protein hydrolysate at different concentrations were evaluated using various in vitro antioxidant assays, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method and reducing power assay. The barbel muscle protein hydrolysate exhibited an important radical scavenging effect and reducing power. These results obtained by in vitro systems obviously established the antioxidant potency of barbel hydrolysate to donate electron or hydrogen atom to reduce the free radical. Furthermore, these bioactive substances can be exploited into functional foods or used as source of nutraceuticals.
Sepsis Associated Encephalopathy Predicts Poor Outcome among Acute Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Coma

Background: Both sepsis associated encephalopathy (SAE) and supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) are a significant cause of coma and death throughout the world. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of SAE among acute SICH with coma would predict a poor outcome. Methods: A retrospective of consecutive patients was selected for study. All registered an adult intensive care unit (ICU) of university teaching hospital between June, 2013 and July, 2015. Brain computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed on admission and at coma onset or after coma onset. Univariate and Cox regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 379 SICH with coma was studied. Among these, 245 (64.6%) SICH patients with coma due to SAE and 134 (35.4%) SICH with coma no SAE was compared. Our data showed that the frequency of the SAE in SICH patients increased at about double the proportion over the four SIRS criteria. The SICH patients with SAE were more likely to present with infection (100% vs 35.8%) and multiple organ failure (1.2 ± 0.9 vs 0.1 ± 0.3), especially nosocomal brain failure (60.4%). The 30 days mortality was significantly higher in the SAE group than those who did not (60.8% vs 11.2%). In Cox multivariate logistic analysis, the SAE (RR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.296 - 8.422; P = 0.000) was more likely to related to risk on death in SICH patient with coma. Conclusions: SAE is a frequent complication of SICH, which greatly increased risk of death among SICH patients with coma.
FACTORS AFFECTING ACCESS TO FINANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) OF BANGLADESH

This study addresses the issues that impede SMEs of Bangladesh in obtaining finance from the financial institutions. To accomplish our goals we collected data from a sample of 86 SMEs to investigate the problems and suggest policy recommendations. We collected data by directly interviewing the respondents with the help of a questionnaire for self-guidance. We also used secondary data for this purpose. Findings revealed that the size and age of the firms, education and skills of the owners, and unfavorable credit terms such as high interest rates, lack of collateral security, corruption by bank officials etc. are some of the biggest hurdles that SMEs in Bangladesh face in getting loans from financial institutions. The limitation is that the study has included one city in its sample population. A nationwide study where there are SMEs in large numbers could lead to better results for this kind of study. The implication is that small businesses, as opposed to the larger ones, face funding obstacles and are discriminated by the financial institutions in granting loans. Built on current literatures and research on SMEs, specially in regard to their ability to access finance, this study captures the information relating to problems identified by SMEs in having access to finance and suggesting the ways and means needed for strengthening the SMEs access to finance for their expansion and growth.
Effects of Lower Limb Vibrations in the Supine Position on Autonomic Activity inHealthy Adults

Background: Short duration massage of the lower limbs reduces fatigue sensation in working adults. However, the effects of lower limb vibrations on autonomic activity, which potentially could improve sleep onset, have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of lower limb vibrations on heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of autonomic activity. Methods: The study involved two aspects. In the first experiment, the optimal frequency of vibration was determined in five healthy adults (one male and four females; mean age, 20.4 ± 0.5 years). The second experiment involved assessing the effects of vibration at the optimal frequency on nine healthy adults (four males and five females; mean age, 26.3 ± 16.8 years). Electrocardiograms (recorded with bipolar lead CM5) were obtained in the supine position, and HRV was used as an index for autonomic activity. The power spectra at 0.04-0.15 Hz (low frequency (LF) power) and 0.15-0.40 Hz (high frequency (HF) power) were quantified, and HF power and LF/HF ratio were calculated. In the first experiment, vibrations at four different frequencies (i.e., 25, 30, 35, and 40 Hz) were randomly applied for 10 minutes. In the second experiment, HF power and LF/HF ratio were measured at a vibration frequency of 35 Hz for 10 minutes and for 10 minutes of interruption. As a control, HF power and LF/HF ratio were recorded for 20 minutes without vibration. Findings: The percent change in HF power tended to be higher at a vibration frequency of 35 Hz compared to vibrations at frequencies of 25, 30, and 40 Hz. Vibrations at this frequency significantly increased HF power and reduced the LF/HF ratio compared to when vibrations were not applied. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the lower limbs vibration in the supine position at the frequency of 35 Hz may increase parasympathetic activity and presumably promote the rapid onset of sleep.
Preliminary observations on home ranges and natural history of Scotinomys teguina in Costa Rica

Abstract We conducted a brief radiotelemetry study of Scotinomys teguina (Alston’s singing mice) in Costa Rica to better understand their natural history and spatial ecology. We radio-collared five mice, one of which was quickly eaten by a pitviper. The home ranges of the remaining mice were in moist habitats and ranged from 255 to 1620 m2, with extensive overlap between adjacent individuals. Singing mice, being small, diurnal, uniformly dark-colored insectivores foraging in dense forest floor habitats, have an adaptive syndrome similar to soricids, which may be due to the low diversity of shrews through Central America.
A PDMS / PAPER HYBRID MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE INTEGRATED WITH GRAPHENE OXIDE-BASED NANO-BIOSENSORS FOR MULTIPLEXED PATHOGEN DETECTION

We have developed a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) /paper hybrid microfluidic system integrated with aptamerfunctionalized graphene oxide (GO) nano-biosensors for one-step multiplexed pathogen detection. The paper substrate used in this hybrid microfluidic system facilitated the integration of nano-biosensors on the chip, and avoided complicated surface treatment and aptamer probe immobilization in a PDMS or glass-only microfluidic system. Lactobacillus acidophilus was first used as a bacterium model to develop the microfluidic platform, with a limit of detection of 11.0 cfu/mL obtained. We have further successfully extended this method to multiplexed detection of two infectious pathogens-Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica.
III . Results And Disscussion 3 . 1 Demonstration Spray Painting Exposure on Lung function of Painters at Studied Painting Workshops

Vehicle and furniture painting workers are artisan that could be occupationally at risk hazardous attributed to the chemical composition of paints. The present study was focusing on occupational air pollution found in spray painting workshops to evaluate the health hazards that might generate from paints. Hence, the prospective study was conducted to demonstrate the risk health effects to airborne particles and solvents of painting on lung functions of exposed painters in the car and furniture painting workshops, as well as compared with a non-exposed control. The results indicated all painters had significantly lower % predicted lung function (FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC) compared with the non-exposed controls. Although, the workers in the car painting workshops had more significant decrease in pulmonary function than those in painting furniture workshops, there was no a significant difference in lung function parameters between the both of them. These findings observed also the rats that exposed to spray painting in the car and furniture painting workshops, induced changes in histopathology of trachea and lungs when compared with controls. These pathological changes were related to increasing duration of exposure. Therefore, the present study is to consider the health implications of exposure to paint. Hence great attention must be also paid to environmental protection in planning future social and economic development for exposure to airborne particles and organic solvent, especially spray painting exposure.
Associations of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 with dyslipidemia and carotid atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 D

Background and aim: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been associated with mineral disorders and poor outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since FGF23 shares structural similarities with FGF19 subfamily members, which play a role in lipid metabolism, we examined the relationship of FGF23 with lipid metabolism and carotid atherosclerosis in CKD patients. Material and methods: A sample of 180 patients with CKD stages 3-5D, and 50 controls were recruited. Baseline serum intact FGF23 levels were measured and the associations of FGF23 with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and body mass index (BMI) were explored. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed using ultrasound. Results: In CKD patients, a per SD increase in logFGF23 was associated with lower TC (β=-0.37; P=0.041), LDL-C (β=-0.33; P=0.040), HDL-C (β=-0.14; P=0.027), BMI (β=-1.15; P=0.030), increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) (β=0.03; P=0.037), higher risk of carotid plaque (OR=3.74; P=0.012) and atherosclerosis (OR=3.68; P=0.015), after adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, albumin, mineral metabolism markers, CKD stage, lipid lowering drug use, and vitamin D analogues. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for multivariate regression models to predict carotid atherosclerosis showed that the full model including serum FGF23 had the highest model discrimination (AUC=0.940, 95% CI: 0.900, 0.980, P<0.001). Conclusions: Serum FGF23 is closely associated with dyslipidemia and could become a useful marker for the prediction of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with CKD stages 3-5D.
Correct Interpretation of Latent Versus Observed Abilities

In this study, the authors used structural equation modeling to investigate relationships between ability constructs from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Third Edition (WISC-III; Wechsler, 1991) in explaining reading and mathematics achievement constructs on the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT; Wechsler, 1992). Participants comprised the nationally stratified Linking sample (N = 1,116) of the WISC-III and WIAT. Relating the latent ability variables to the latent achievement variables showed that psychologists must go beyond g in order to meaningfully understand children's trait performance on the WISC-III. Results for reading indicated psychologists must pay attention to the constructs of g and Verbal Comprehension, and for mathematics, that they are obliged to consider g and Freedom From Distractibility. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical, applied, and treatment-related implications.
Analysis of ionospheric electrodynamic parameters on mesoscales – a review of selected techniques using data from ground-based observation networks and satellites

Abstract. We present a review of selected data-analysis methods that are frequently applied in studies of ionospheric electrodynamics and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling using ground-based and space-based data sets. Our focus is on methods that are data driven (not simulations or statistical models) and can be used in mesoscale studies, where the analysis area is typically some hundreds or thousands of km across. The selection of reviewed methods is such that most combinations of measured input data (electric field, conductances, magnetic field and currents) that occur in practical applications are covered. The techniques are used to solve the unmeasured parameters from Ohm's law and Maxwell's equations, possibly with help of some simplifying assumptions. In addition to reviewing existing data-analysis methods, we also briefly discuss possible extensions that may be used for upcoming data sets.
In-Situ Nanocomposite Synthesis: Arylcarbonylation and Grafting of Primary Diamond Nanoparticles with a Poly(ether-ketone) in Polyphosphoric Acid

In a model reaction to demonstrate the presence and reactivity of sp2 C−H, the primary particles (∼5 nm) of detonation nanodiamond (DND) were arylcarbonylated with 2,4,6-trimethylphenoxybenzoic acid in polyphosphoric acid (PPA) via a Friedel−Crafts reaction. The possibility of grafting primary DND particle was supported by the results from FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis. From the latter result, we estimated the degree of functionalization to be ∼2.3 atom %. The arylcarbonylated DND achieved better and stable dispersion than pristine DND in common organic solvents. PPA-treated DND from the control experiment retained most of the pristine DND’s properties, except that its thermo-oxidative stability is noticeably improved as indicated by the result from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA in air). Subsequently, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA) was polymerized in PPA with the pristine DND (1.0−30 wt %) in situ to generate meta-poly(ether−ketone)-grafted DND composites, mPEK-g-DND. It .
A global wetland methane emissions and uncertainty dataset for atmospheric chemical transport models

Wetland emissions remain one of the principal sources of uncertainty in the global atmospheric methane (CH4) budget, largely due to poorly constrained process controls on CH4 production in waterlogged soils. Process-based estimates of global wetland CH4 emissions and their associated uncertainties can provide crucial prior information for model-based top-down CH4 emission 15 estimates. Here we construct a global wetland CH4 emission model ensemble for use in atmospheric chemical transport models. Our 0.5°×0.5° resolution model ensemble is based on satellite-derived surface water extent and precipitation re-analyses, nine heterotrophic respiration simulations (eight carbon cycle models and a data-constrained terrestrial carbon cycle analysis) and three temperature parameterizations for the period 2009-2010; an extended ensemble subset – based solely on 20 precipitation and the data-constrained terrestrial carbon cycle analysis – is derived for the period 20012015. We incorporate the mean of the full and extended model ensembles into GEOS-Chem and compare model against surface measurements of atmospheric CH4; model performance (site-level and zonal mean anomaly residuals) compares favourably against published wetland CH4 emissions scenarios. We find that uncertainties in carbon decomposition rates and wetland extent together account 25 for more than 80% of the primary uncertainty in the timing, magnitude and seasonal variability of wetland CH4 emissions, although uncertainty in the temperature CH4:C dependence is a significant Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss. , doi:10.5194/gmd-2016-224, 2016 Manuscript under review for journal Geosci. Model Dev. Published: 7 September 2016 c © Author(s) 2016. CC-BY 3.0 License.
Detailed budget analysis of HONO in central London reveals a missing daytime source

Abstract. Measurements of HONO were carried out at an urban background site near central London as part of the Clean air for London (ClearfLo) project in summer 2012. Data were collected from 22 July to 18 August 2014, with peak values of up to 1.8 ppbV at night and non-zero values of between 0.2 and 0.6 ppbV seen during the day. A wide range of other gas phase, aerosol, radiation, and meteorological measurements were made concurrently at the same site, allowing a detailed analysis of the chemistry to be carried out. The peak HONO/NOx ratio of 0.04 is seen at ∼ 02:00 UTC, with the presence of a second, daytime, peak in HONO/NOx of similar magnitude to the night-time peak, suggesting a significant secondary daytime HONO source. A photostationary state calculation of HONO involving formation from the reaction of OH and NO and loss from photolysis, reaction with OH, and dry deposition shows a significant underestimation during the day, with calculated values being close to 0, compared to the measurement average of 0.4 ppbV at midday. The addition of further HONO sources from the literature, including dark conversion of NO2 on surfaces, direct emission, photolysis of ortho-substituted nitrophenols, the postulated formation from the reaction of HO2 × H2O with NO2, photolysis of adsorbed HNO3 on ground and aerosols, and HONO produced by photosensitized conversion of NO2 on the surface increases the daytime modelled HONO to 0.1 ppbV, still leaving a significant missing daytime source. The missing HONO is plotted against a series of parameters including NO2 and OH reactivity (used as a proxy for organic material), with little correlation seen. Much better correlation is observed with the product of these species with j(NO2), in particular NO2 and the product of NO2 with OH reactivity. This suggests the missing HONO source is in some way related to NO2 and also requires sunlight. Increasing the photosensitized surface conversion rate of NO2 by a factor of 10 to a mean daytime first-order loss of ∼ 6 × 10−5 s−1 (but which varies as a function of j(NO2)) closes the daytime HONO budget at all times (apart from the late afternoon), suggesting that urban surfaces may enhance this photosensitized source. The effect of the missing HONO to OH radical production is also investigated and it is shown that the model needs to be constrained to measured HONO in order to accurately reproduce the OH radical measurements.
When Rank Order Isn't Enough: New Statistical-Significance-Aware Correlation Measures

Because it is expensive to construct test collections for Cranfield-based evaluation of information retrieval systems, a variety of lower-cost methods have been proposed. The reliability of these methods is often validated by measuring rank correlation (e.g., Kendall's tau) between known system rankings on the full test collection vs. observed system rankings on the lower-cost one. However, existing rank correlation measures do not consider the statistical significance of score differences between systems in the observed rankings. To address this, we propose two statistical-significance-aware rank correlation measures, one of which is a head-weighted version of the other. We first show empirical differences between our proposed measures and existing ones. We then compare the measures while benchmarking four system evaluation methods: pooling, crowdsourcing, evaluation with incomplete judgments, and automatic system ranking. We show that use of our measures can lead to different experimental conclusions regarding reliability of alternative low-cost evaluation methods.
ON THE ROTHENBERG MASK

The aim of this study was to assess the limitations of the Rothenberg mask for flow measurements at high frequencies. Both the flow response of the mask and the possible distortion of radiated speech recorded outside the mask were investigated. It was found that the flow amplitude response is consistent up to 1 kHz. A pronounced zero at about 1.5 kHz restricts the useful range to well below this frequency. The speech signal radiated through the mask was not distorted for frequencies below 1 kHz. Above this frequency an overall attenuation of the amplitude was found in combination with a slight peak at about 1.3 kHz and a slight valley between 2 and 2.5 kHz. To conclude, the Rothenberg mask is a useful device for measurements of air flow up to 1 kHz. For higher frequencies a sound pressure recording should be used. If this recording is done simultaneously with a mask recording, the distortions introduced by the mask need to be taken into account. INTRODUCTION In many studies of source characteristics the flow measured at the lips is of great interest. One way to measure this flow is to use a "circurnferentially vented pneumotachograph mask" as designed by Rothenberg in 1973. This device has been used to obtain the flow in many experiments (see for example Badin, 1989; Gob1 & Ni Chasaide, 1988; Herteghd, 1989; Holmberg, Hillman, & Perkell, 1988; Karlsson, 1985; 1988). The aim of this study was to assess the limitations of such a device, concentrating on frequencies above 100 Hz, with respect to both the flow response of the mask, and a possible distortion of the radiated speech sounds. The principle of a pneumotachograph mask is to measure the pressure drop across a fine metallic or nylon wire screen of known acoustic resistance through which the unknown flow is directed. The Rothenberg mask consists of a face-mask in which a number of holes are drilled (Rothenberg, 1973). The holes are covered with a steel wire screen. The edge of the mask is equipped with a rubber joint to avoid leakage. A differential microphone with one input close to the wire screen inside the mask, and the other input close to the wire screen outside the mask provides a measure of the pressure drop across the acoustic resistance, and thus an estimation of the flow. In the first section of the paper, tries are made to estimate the upper frequency limit of the flow response of the mask, which has not been studied thoroughly so far. The upper frequency limit is determined by the acoustics of the mask proper and by the properties of tht. wire screen, as well as by the characteristics and location of the differential nlicrophotle. The second section deals with the purely acoustic influence of the mask enclosure upon the radiation of the sound from the speaker's lips and nostrils. In the last section the consequences of these limitations on inverse filtering are discussed. *Institut de la Communication ParlCe (UA CNRS), INPG Univ. Stendhal, 46 av. F. Viallet, F-38031 Grenoble Cedex, France **Dept. of Logopedics and Phoniatrics, Huddinge Hospital, Karolinska Institute, S-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden l ~ a m e s in alphabetic order