Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation of direct blue 129 diazo dye by Spirodela polyrrhiza: An artificial neural networks modeling

ABSTRACT Phytoremediation potential of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrrhiza was examined for direct blue 129 (DB129) azo dye. The dye removal efficiency was optimized under the variable conditions of the operational parameters including removal time, initial dye concentration, pH, temperature and amount of plant. The study reflected the significantly enhanced dye removal efficiency of S. polyrrhiza by increasing the temperature, initial dye concentration and amount of plant. Intriguingly, artificial neural network (ANN) predicted the removal time as the most dominant parameter on DB129 removal efficiency. Furthermore, the effect of dye treatment on some physiologic indices of S. polyrrhiza including growth rate, photosynthetic pigments content, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were studied. The results revealed a reduction in photosynthetic pigments content and in multiplication of fronds after exposure to dye solution. In contrast, malondialdehyde content as well as catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities significantly increased that was probably due to the ability of plant to overcome oxidative stress. As a result of DB129 biodegradation, a number of intermediate compounds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis. Accordingly, the probable degradation pathway of DB129 in S. polyrrhiza was postulated.
Rural intentions: factors affecting the career choices of family medicine graduates.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the reasons for family medicine graduates' career choices. DESIGN Qualitative study using focus groups and one-on-one interviews. SETTING University of Calgary in Alberta. PARTICIPANTS Seventeen male and female second-year family medicine residents, representing a range of ages and areas of origin, enrolled in the 2004 urban and rural south streams of the family medicine residency program at the University of Calgary. METHOD During the final month of training, 2 focus groups were conducted to determine graduating students' career choices and the reasons for them. After focus-group data were analyzed, a questionnaire was constructed and subsequently administered to participants during face-to-face or telephone interviews. MAIN FINDINGS Most residents initially planned to do urban locums in order to gain experience. In the long term, they planned to open practices in urban areas for lifestyle and family reasons. Many residents from the rural stream had no long-term plans to establish rural practices. Most residents said they felt prepared for practice, but many indicated that an optional third year of paid training, with an emphasis on emergency medicine, obstetrics, and pediatrics, would be desirable. Reasons cited for not practising in rural areas were related to workload, lifestyle issues, family obligations, and perceived lack of medical support in the community. Only 4 female graduates and 1 male graduate intended to practise obstetrics. The main reason residents gave for this was inadequate training in obstetrics during residency. Finances were cited as a secondary reason for many choices, and might in fact be more important than at first apparent. CONCLUSION Despite its intention to recruit family medicine graduates to rural areas and to obstetrics, the University of Calgary residency training program was not successful in recruiting physicians to these areas. The program likely needs to re-examine the effectiveness of current approaches. If other programs are having similar difficulties recruiting graduates to obstetrics and rural practice, perhaps changes in policies should be considered.
Automatic discourse structure generation using rhetorical structure theory

This thesis addresses a difficult problem in text processing: creating a System to automatically derive rhetorical structures of text. Although the rhetorical structure has proven to be useful in many fields of text processing such as text summarisation and information extraction, Systems that automatically generate rhetorical structures with high accuracy are difficult to find. This is because discourse is one of the biggest and yet least well defined areas in linguistics. An agreement amongst researchers on the best method for analysing the rhetorical structure of text has not been found. This thesis focuses on investigating a method to generate the rhetorical structures of text. By exploiting different cohesive devices, it proposes a method to recognise rhetorical relations between spans by checking for the appearance of these devices. These factors include cue phrases, noun-phrase cues, verb-phrase cues, reference words, time references, substitution words, ellipses, and syntactic information. The discourse analyser is divided into two levels: sentence-level and text-level. The former uses syntactic information and cue phrases to segment sentences into elementary discourse units and to generate a rhetorical structure for each sentence. The latter derives rhetorical relations between large spans and then replaces each sentence by its corresponding rhetorical structure to produce the rhetorical structure of text. The rhetorical structure at the text-level is derived by selecting rhetorical relations to connect adjacent and non-overlapping spans to form a discourse structure that covers the entire text. Constraints of textual organisation and textual adjacency are effectively used in a beam search to reduce the search space in generating such rhetorical structures. Experiments carried out in this research received 89.4% F-score for the discourse segmentation, 52.4% F-score for the sentence-level discourse analyser and 38.1% F-score for the final output of the System. It shows that this approach provides good performance comparison with current research in discourse.
Metabotropic glutamate receptors activate dendritic calcium waves and TRPM channels which drive rhythmic respiratory patterns in mice

Respiration in vertebrates is generated by a compact network which is located in the lower brainstem but cellular mechanisms which underlie persistent oscillatory activity of the respiratory network are yet unknown. Using two‐photon imaging and patch‐clamp recordings in functional brainstem preparations of mice containing pre‐Bötzinger complex (preBötC), we examined the actions of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1/5) on the respiratory patterns. The agonist DHPG potentiated and antagonist LY367385 depressed respiration‐related activities. In the inspiratory neurons, we observed rhythmic activation of non‐selective channels which had a conductance of 24 pS. Their activity was enhanced with membrane depolarization and after elevation of calcium from the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. They were activated by a non‐hydrolysable PIP2 analogue and blocked by flufenamate, ATP4− and Gd3+. All these properties correspond well to those of TRPM4 channels. Calcium imaging of functional slices revealed rhythmic transients in small clusters of neurons present in a network. Calcium transients in the soma were preceded by the waves in dendrites which were dependent on mGluR activation. Initiation and propagation of waves required calcium influx and calcium release from internal stores. Calcium waves activated TPRM4‐like channels in the soma and promoted generation of inspiratory bursts. Simulations of activity of neurons communicated via dendritic calcium waves showed emerging activity within neuronal clusters and its synchronization between the clusters. The experimental and theoretical data provide a subcellular basis for a recently proposed group‐pacemaker hypothesis and describe a novel mechanism of rhythm generation in neuronal networks.
Carbonic anhydrase. Purification and nature of the enzyme.

UNDER the name of carbonic anhydrase Meldrum & Roughton [1933] 2 described a new enzyme present in red blood corpuscles which catalyses both phases of the reversible reaction: H2CO3, CO2+ H20. They purified this enzyme from mammalian erythrocytes and gave a detailed account of its properties and the kinetics of the reactions which it catalyses. The greatly purified enzyme preparation obtained by them had a very high catalytic activity, was a colourless substance free from haematin and from other known enzymes, stable within pH 3-12, thermolabile, and very sensitive to KCN, H2S, NaN3 and to several heavy metals. The amouht ofthe purified enzyme obtained by these workers was, however, very small and hardly sufficient to recognize it with certainty as a protein compound. The true nature of this enzyme and especially of its active group remained unknown until very recently. While studying the metallo-protein compounds present in the red Nood corpuscles we have found that the fractions of our preparations left after complete removal ofhaemocuprein [Mann & Keilin, 1938] had a very high content of Zn and a high carbonic anhydrase activity. By adapting our methods of purification to preparations on a larger scale, taking special care to increase the yield of the Zn fraction, we have obtained from the red blood corpuscles of the ox a highly active preparation of carbonic anhydrase as a colourless protein contAining 0-31-034% Zn. These results, together with some other considerations, have led us to the conclusion, put forward in a preliminary communication [Keilin & Mann, 1939], that the carbonic anhydrase is a Zn-protein compound. In this paper we propose to give a detailed account ofthe methods of purification ofthis enzyme and to bring forward fresh evidence of its Zn-protein nature.
Designing Exercise Regimens to Increase Bone Strength

TURNER, C.H. , and A.G. ROBLING. Designing exercise regimens to increase bone strength. Exerc. Sport Sci. Rev., Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 45–50, 2003. Exercise is a very effective way to strengthen bones, particularly during childhood and adolescence. A collection of studies from the clinic and laboratory have provided new insights into how bone building effects of exercise can be maximized. From the available data we have calculated an “osteogenic index” for exercises.
On a Class of Hybrid Systems via a Novel Approach for Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm with Hybrid Selection

A real-coded genetic algorithm (RGA) approach with hybrid selection method to compute the optimal control and cost (fitness) of a single stage hybrid system is investigated. A typical numerical example is included to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm, which gives the better solution in comparison with forward algorithm. Several statistical tests are also carried out to prove the improved performance of the proposed algorithm. ANOVA test and t-test are also done to verify the betterment of the RGA with hybrid selection. From the experimental approach of the various proportion of the hybrid selection, the right proportions of the hybrid selection is identified and tested.
Information Controller to Maximize and Minimize Information

We propose an information controller to maximize and simultaneously minimize information in neural networks. The controller can be used to improve generalization performance and interpret explicitly internal representations. An apparently contradictory operation of the simultaneous maximization and minimization is possible by assuming two kinds of information: collective information and individual information, representing collective activities of hidden units and activities of individual input-hidden connections, respectively. By maximizing the collective information and minimizing the individual information, simple networks can be generated in terms of the number of connections and number of hidden units. This method was applied to the inference of the maximum onset principle and the sonority principle of artificial languages. In these problems, it was shown that the individual information could be sufficiently minimized and simultaneously the collective information was maximized. Experimental results confirmed improved generalization performance by the suppression of overtraining. In addition, internal representations created by information maximization and minimization could easily be interpreted.
A Framework for Designing Computer Supported Learning Systems with Sensibility

In the current paper, the authors propose a new conceptual framework in Computer Supported Learning System-CSCL design that takes emotion into account. They conduct their analysis through five layers: physiological, emotional, sociological, technological, and educational, in relation to learning. This study reviews the literature in emotional learning and emotion assessment and proposes a model for the design of a social-emotional computer supported learning system.
Substrate profiling of Zika virus NS2B‐NS3 protease

Zika virus (ZIKV), isolated from macaques in Uganda in 1947, was not considered to be a dangerous human pathogen. However, this view has recently changed as ZIKV infections are now associated with serious pathological disorders including microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Similar to other viruses in the Flaviviridae family, ZIKV expresses the serine protease NS3 which is responsible for viral protein processing and replication. Herein, we report the expression of an active NS3pro domain fused with the NS2B cofactor (NS2BLNNS3pro) in a prokaryotic expression system and profile its specificity for synthesized FRET‐type substrate libraries. Our findings pave way for screening potential intracellular substrates of NS3 and for developing specific inhibitors of this ZIKV protease.
Koineization in medieval Spanish

How and why do changes happen when and where they do? Is it possible to explain changes that occurred centuries ago? These are the central questions addressed in this book, in which the author argues that the development of numerous features of medieval (and modern) Spanish can best be explained as the results of koineization, a process in which mixing among speakers of different dialects leads to the rapid formation of a new mixed and generally simplified variety. The book includes a complete introduction to koineization and detailed study of three stages of dialect mixing in medieval Spanish.
Small signal modeling and stability analysis of virtual synchronous generators

In this paper, the inverter control strategy based on Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) is analyzed and the power loops of VSG are explained. Then the eigenvalue method of small-signal modeling is used to prove the stability of the VSG. The key parameters including inertial coefficient, exciting coefficient, drooping coefficient and the virtual impedance were analyzed by the eigenvalues and sensitivity. The system is simulated and the eigenvalues are calculated by Matlab.
A dynamic key distribution in wireless sensor networks with reduced communication overhead

Wireless Sensor Networks are installed in hostile areas. The security issues in wireless sensor networks are very important. Getting secure links between nodes is a challenging problem in WSNs. They are more vulnerable to security attacks than wired networks. In order to protect the sensitive data in WSN can be protected using secret keys to encrypt the exchanged messages between communicating nodes. Key management is essential for many security services such as confidentiality and authentication. The symmetric or asymmetric key cryptography or Trusted-server schemes are used to solve this problem. Asymmetric key cryptography increases network security but it increases computational, memory, and energy overhead. Symmetric key cryptography provides less security and it is efficient key management scheme. Trusted server schemes use key management server. Because there is usually no trusted infrastructure it is not very suitable for sensor networks. In this paper, we have proposed Mobile Agent (MA) Based Key Distribution (MAKD). In MAKD, Mobile Agents are used for dissemination of public keys and update of shared keys. Each sensor node constructs different symmetric keys with its neighbors, and communication security is achieved by data encryption and mutual authentication with these keys. Simulation results show that MAKD is scalable and with less communication overhead.
Signal Characterization and Receiver Design for Visible Light Communication Under Weak Illuminance

We characterize the received signals and propose corresponding detection methods for the visible light communication under weak illuminance. Photo-multiplier tube is employed as the receiver, which can amplify weak photon-level signal down to a series of electrons. It is observed that under the extremely low transmission power, the received signals can be characterized by the discontinuous pulses. As the received power increases, the density of the pulses increases, and finally, the received signals form continuous waveforms. We provide the sampling-based and pulse counting-based transmitted symbol detection methods for the continuous signal waveform and the discontinuous pulses, respectively. We further improve the symbol detection performance by combining the two types of detection schemes. Numerical results show that the pulse counting detection can outperform the sampling-based detection with lower sampling rate, and the combined detection can improve the detection performance.
The Behaviour of the Pigs Housed in Hot Climatic Conditions

The effect of high temperature on the behaviour of growing-finishing pigs was studied. The pigs were housed in a climate controlled chamber, the air temperature was kept constant at 30°C and the relative humidity was 32.5% during the whole 3 months. Aggressive behaviour and daily activities of the pigs were recorded during the light hours, from 6:00 till 18:00. Detailed observations showed that during the experiment, the pigs were most of the time lying (72%, P<0.001). Pigs spent more time lying on the floor without bedding (86.65%, P<0.01) compared to floor with bedding (13.35%, P<0.001). The second activity, which occurred most after lying was eating (16%, P<0.001) then standing (10%, P<0.001). From all observation activities, the least amount of time the pigs were sitting (1%) and moving (1%). Drinking and social contacts – aggression were less frequent. After the each week, a significant decrease in aggression was recorded (P<0.001), an aggressive contacts occurred mainly during the eating and drinking. The pigs were active with peaks in the morning and afternoon. This study confirms that the high temperature influences the behaviour of the animals; the pigs are not very active, the most of the time they are lying on the cool places without bedding.
Simulation of fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments: effect of the dyes on protein folding

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer is a powerful technique which is often used to probe the properties of proteins and complex macromolecules. The technique relies on relatively large fluorescent dyes which are engineered into the molecule of interest. In the case of small proteins, these dyes may affect the stability of the protein, and modify the folding kinetics and the folding mechanisms which are being probed. Here we use atomistic simulation to investigate the effect that commonly used fluorescent dyes have on the folding of a four-helix bundle protein. We show that, depending on where the dyes are attached, their effect on the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the protein may be significant. We find that, while the overall folding mechanism is not affected by the dyes, they can destabilize, or even stabilize, intermediate states.
Macular holes: classification, epidemiology, natural history and treatment.

BACKGROUND Macular hole is a retinal disease primarily affecting elderly women. Its overall prevalence in the Danish population is estimated to be 0.14%. The majority of cases are unilateral. The fully developed macular hole evolves through a series of stages starting with an impending hole. About half of impending macular holes regress spontaneously. The remaining half progress to full thickness macular holes. In a patient with a macular hole in one eye, the risk of development of a macular hole in the fellow eye is less than 2% if posterior vitreous detachment is present. If the posterior vitreous is attached, the risk is approximately 15%. If an impending hole is found in the other eye, the risk rises to 50%. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES Macular hole surgery is able to close full thickness macular holes in approximately 90% of cases. Visual acuity of 20/50 or better can be obtained in approximately half of patients with recent onset of symptoms. Complications include retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, late reopening of an initially successfully closed hole and retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities. Retinal detachment should be expected in less than 5% of cases.
Reproductive Hormones and Follicular Growth During Development of One or Multiple Dominant Follicles in Cattle1

Abstract The mechanisms regulating ovulation rate under natural conditions are not yet defined, particularly for monovular species. In the present study, we evaluated ovarian structures (every 12 h by ultrasonography) and circulating hormones (every 6 h) to determine the differences between cows that developed one (single dominant; n = 16), two (double dominant; n = 8), or three (triple dominant; n = 3) dominant follicles. The four largest follicles were tracked retrospectively, and the data were normalized to the time of expected follicular deviation (F1 ≥ 8.5 mm; hour 0). Follicular dynamics from emergence to deviation were similar, whereas after deviation, expected subordinate follicles continued to grow at a rate similar to the dominant follicle. Triple dominants had greater FSH than double dominants (hour −24 to hour −12) and single dominants (hour −42 to hour −6), and double dominants had greater FSH than single dominants (hour −24 to hour −12). Increased circulating estradiol but lower inhibin were observed in cows that developed multiple follicles. In addition, double dominants had greater LH than single dominants (hour −42 to hour −24 and hour −6 to hour 0) and lower progesterone than single dominants (hour −12 and hour −6). Luteal volume was similar between groups, but milk production was greater for codominant than for single-dominant cows. Thus, selection of multiple dominant follicles during high milk production is related to a transient increase in circulating FSH and LH during the 24 h before follicular selection, producing continued postdeviation growth of follicles that ordinarily would have regressed. Increased FSH and LH probably result from decreased circulating inhibin and progesterone in cows that develop codominant follicles.
Differences in Psychosocial Risk Variables for HIV as a Function of Sexual Experience

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in psychosocial risk variables for HIV as a function of sexual experience in an adolescent population. The study sample consisted of 846 adolescents of both sexes aged between 14 and 19 years. Participants responded to several questionnaires that assessed four psychosocial variables related to risk sexual behavior for HIV infection: 1) perception of peer group norms, 2) condom use self-efficacy, 3) attitudes towards condom use and 4) parental communication about sexuality, STIs, HIV and pregnancy. Participants in both groups with sexual experience (with and without penetration) reported better communication with their mothers on sexuality and scored higher in positive attitudes towards condom use than those in the group without sexual experience. The sexual experience with penetration group perceived more negative peer group norms related to safe sexual behavior than the group without sexual experience; the group without sexual experience had a higher perception of condom use self-efficacy than the sexual experience with penetration group.