Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of 1-thioglycerol capped CdSe and Cu (copper) doped CdSe nanoparticles at Room Temperature

Copper doped cadmium selenide nanoparticles (CdSe:Cu) have been successfully synthesized by solution based chemical technique using 1-thioglyce rol as surfactant. The as prepared nanoparticles we re characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis sp ectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area diffraction (SAD) and energy dispersive spectr o scopy EDS). Powder X-ray diffraction reveals the fo rmation of cadmium selenide nanoparticles with hexagonal (wurtzite) structure. It was observed the presence of copper does not alter the structure of CdSe. EDS measurements are presented to confirm successful doping of the wurtzite CdSe. Particle size and the crystallinity of CdSe:Cu NPs were confirmed through HRTEM and SAD patterns. The UV-Visible (UV-Vis) studies show that pure and CdSe:Cu showed blue shift with respect to the bulk value. PL spectrum revea ls that the PL spectra ( λex = 400 nm) of CdSe has a emission band located at 6 75 nm and CdSe:Cu at 694nm for (0.1M and 0.3M) concentrations. It was observed increase in the concentration of copper slightly shifts the emission towards the higher wavelength.
Graph Based Image Saliency Detection

In this paper, we propose a new saliency detection method based on graph. The method firstly uses SLIC to segment the image into a set of superpixels which are not overlapped, and regards these superpixels as nodes of the graph, then constructs a partly connected graph with these nodes. Secondly, the saliency values of these nodes are computed via absorbing Markov chain and manifold ranking, and a saliency map are obtained corresponding to each image. Finally, it uses a contrast stretching function to correct the above saliency map for improving the quality of image. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can more easily distinguish salient objects from background, and performs better than some methods in terms of robustness and performance. Keywords-Image Saliency; Absorbing Markov chain;
The association of self-efficacy and self-management behavior in adult patients with chronic kidney disease: an integrative review

Objectives: The objective of this integrative review was to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and self-management behavior in CKD patients and identify components of self-efficacy that may improve selfmanagement behavior in adults diagnosed with stage 1-5 CKD. Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising in prevalence worldwide, as shown by increases of attributive disease, as well as increases in incidence and prevalence of end-stage kidney disease. Best practice guidelines describe the beneficial outcomes of self-management intervention and indicate that a targeted self-management program is successful in enhancing patient selfmanagement and patient-centered outcomes. The essential elements of self-efficacy and self-management for CKD patients should be identified correctly in the early stage of CKD. However, it is not clear how to identify those relevant and sufficiently validated self-efficacy components that can lead to the development of a self-efficacy and self-management instrument or intervention suitable for patients with CKD. Design: An integrative literature review was conducted. Methods: A search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, ProQuest, Ovid, and Google Scholar. Published qualitative and quantitative studies, abstracts or dissertations describing the components and factors of self-efficacy associated with outcomes of self-management behaviors and interventions for people with CKD, and published in English between 2007 to 2017, were included. The associations were identified and described, and evidence was presented using Whittemore and Knafl’s framework [1] and Cooper’s method [2] to guide each stage of the review. Results: Eighteen publications related to self-efficacy and self-management behaviors in patients with a variety of CKD stages were identified. Selfefficacy was mostly found to involve educational interventions. Educational, physical and psychological interventions to improve self-efficacy were evident, but few interventions led to significantly improved self-efficacy. Self-efficacy health contexts reflected in the studies were found as associations with selfmanagement behaviors related to management of CKD and its condition, adoption and maintenance of self-management behaviors, and mediation or modification of self-management behaviors to improve the effectiveness of self-care. Conclusions: Various forms of self-efficacy can support self-management behaviors by persons with CKD. Understanding the function and concept of self-efficacy is important in developing simple and targeted implementations and supporting the efforts of CKD patients to manage their illness.
The wage policy of firms: comparative evidence for the US and Germany from personnel data

The wage policy of a German firm and a US firm is subjected to a comparative analysis, focusing on the relation between wages and hierarchies. While previous studies have examined only one particular firm, this paper investigates two plants belonging to the same owners with similar production processes but in different institutional environments. Convex wage profiles over the hierarchy levels of both plants are found. The US plant shows considerably higher intensity of intra-firm competition in terms of higher intra-level wage inequality and annual promotion rate. In contrast, wages are more distinctly attached to hierarchy levels in the German firm, as shown by wage regressions. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies.
Robust Diagonal Loading Algorithm for Worst-Case Performance Optimization

Traditional adaptive beamforming methods are known to undergo serious performance degradation in the presence of mismatches between the assumed array response and the true array response. In this paper, we propose a robust algorithm for worst-case performance optimization which belongs to the class of diagonal loading approach, and the diagonal loading factor is computed automatically from the array observation vectors without the need of specifying any user parameters. The proposed algorithm is based on the oblique projection of the signal steering vector to mitigate the effect of noise and interference. Moreover, in order to reduce the computational cost, the weight vector is updated iteratively via the gradient descent method. The proposed algorithm provides better robustness against the signal steering vector mismatches, yields improved array output performance and has a faster convergence rate. Some simulation results are presented to compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm. Copyright © 2014 IFSA Publishing, S. L.
Methodological Challenges in Translational Drug Response Modeling in Cancer

Translational models directly relating drug response-specific processes observed in vitro to their in vivo role in cancer patients constitute a crucial part of the development of personalized medication. Unfortunately, ongoing research is often confined by the irreproducibility of the results in other contexts. While the inconsistency of pharmacological data has received great attention recently, the computational aspect of this crisis still deserves closer examination. Notably, studies often focus only on isolated model characteristics instead of examining the overall workflow and the interplay of individual model components. Here, we present a systematic investigation of translational models using the R-package FORESEE. Our findings confirm that with the current exploitation of the available data and the prevailing trend of optimizing methods to only one specific use case, modeling solutions will continue to suffer from non-transferability. Instead, the conduct of developing translational approaches urgently needs to change to retrieve clinical relevance in the future.
Title Breaking It Down Is Better : Haptic Decomposition of Complex Movements Aids in Robot-Assisted Motor Learning Permalink

Training with haptic guidance has been proposed as a technique for learning complex movements in rehabilitation and sports, but it is unclear how to best deliver guidance-based training. Here, we hypothesized that breaking down a complex movement, similar to a tennis backhand, into simpler parts and then using haptic feedback from a robotic exoskeleton would help the motor system learn the movement. We also examined how the particular form of the decomposition affected learning. Three groups of unimpaired participants trained with the target arm movement broken down in three ways: 1) elbow flexion/extension and the unified shoulder motion independently (“anatomical” decomposition), 2) three component shoulder motions in Euler coordinates and elbow flexion/extension (“Euler” decomposition), or 3) the motion of the tip of the elbow and motion of the hand with respect to the elbow, independently (“visual” decomposition). A control group practiced the same number of movements, but experienced the target motion only, achieving eight times more direct practice with this motion. Despite less experience with the target motion, part training was better, but only when the arm trajectory was decomposed into anatomical components. Varying robotic movement training to include practice of simpler, anatomically-isolated motions may enhance its efficacy.
Expression profiling of two sucrose transporter genes during post-anthesis in wheat

Sucrose transporters (SUTs) are critical for distribution and storage of sucrose between the source and sink tissues and considered as an important key for an efficient growth of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during post-anthesis as well as during senescence stage. Therefore, a complete study including molecular and biochemical experiments was carried out to assess the TaSUT1 and TaSUT2 genes expression, reactive oxygen species: superoxide radical (O2• ‒) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), production and antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), activity as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants: ascorbate, α-tocopherol and carotenoid, content in flag leaf and other leaves of promising line N81-18 of wheat during post-anthesis. The TaSUT1 and TaSUT2 genes expression was identified in both flag leaf and other leaves, as the flag leaf had the highest genes expression. The activity of SOD and CAT significantly increased in both flag leaf and other leaves, which caused a decrement of O2• ‒ and H2O2 content, respectively. Moreover, the ascorbate, α-tocopherol and carotenoid content significantly increased as a cellular defence mechanism to minimize the damage due to oxidative stress caused during post-anthesis and leaf senescence. Overall, it can be concluded that flag leaf had the highest TaSUT1 and TaSUT2 genes expression as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants that could be considered as the main key for future genetic studies and practical breeding programs.
Speculative Attacks within or Outside a Monetary Union: Default Versus Inflation (What to Do Today)

In this analytical policy brief, CEPS Director Daniel Gros explores whether there is a fundamental difference between a formal sovereign default with a haircut and debt monetisation, which reduces the purchasing power for investors by the same amount. He argues that there is indeed a difference because a formal sovereign default invariably leads to a banking crisis. Moreover, within a monetary union a sovereign is more exposed to liquidity problems than a country with an independent currency and any of its problems quickly spill over into the banking system, which cannot survive without a reliable source of liquidity given that banks are by nature highly leveraged institutions. In terms of policy prescriptions, one conclusion is that less effort and financing should be devoted to trying to lower yields on peripheral government debt, but a lender of last resort is needed for both sovereigns and the banks. Another policy priority should be to stabilise the banking system in such a way that it can survive even if government debt yields increase.
AVALIAÇÃO DA EFICIÊNCIA DE AGENTES ANTI-HIPERESTÉSICOS NO TRATAMENTO DA

Dentinal hypersensitivity is a complex sensorial condition which can cause considerable concern in the dental office. Despite the large number of different proposed kinds of treatment, there is no product or therapy reported in literature that could be considered ideal to eliminate this uncomfortable situation. The aim of this study, comprised by two manuscripts, was: (1) to critically review the literature related to the main evidences about the etiology and the management of dentinal hypersensitivity; (2) to evaluate the clinical performance of different dentine desensitizers in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. In study 1, the scientific literature related to the issue was analyzed through the results of laboratory and clinical investigations searched using medline and manual tracing of references cited scientific papers. In study 2, a total of 164 teeth, from 30 patients with clinical diagnosis of moderate or severe dentinal hypersensitivity, were randomly divided into three groups and clinically evaluated according to the desensitizing treatment under study: gallium-aluminun-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser therapy, 3% potassium oxalate application and placebo gel application. Treatment sessions were performed at seven-day intervals for four consecutive weeks and the degree of sensitivity in response to tactile (probe) and evaporative (air blast) stimuli was assessed according to a visual analogue scale at baseline, immediately after and three months after the last treatment session. Data scores were submitted to KruskalWallis statistical analysis (p=0.05) and were analyzed by dentinal hypersensitivity reduction for each observational moment in relation to baseline. The critical review presented in study 1 showed that the reviewed literature points out several treatment modalities ranging from simple procedures, which can be performed by the patient him/herself, to complex procedures that involve the combination of therapies. The results of study 2 demonstrated that the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity performed with both active and control groups produced statistically significant reduction of pain in response to evaporative and tactile stimulation immediately after and three months after treatment (p<0.05). No significant differences among the three groups could be detected in both immediate and mediate evaluations irrespective of the applied stimulus (p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of these studies suggest that knowledge about the available desensitizing products and the factors involved in the mechanism of the dentinal hypersensitivity is indispensable in order to perform an effective treatment. Besides, it could be concluded that the three treatments performed in the clinical study were effective for treating dentinal hypersensitivity and that the placebo effect plays an important role in sensitivity reduction.
A Quantitative Single-Cell Proteomics Approach to Characterize an Acute Myeloid Leukemia Hierarchy

In recent years, cellular life science research has experienced a significant shift, moving away from conducting bulk cell interrogation towards single-cell analysis. It is only through single cell analysis that a complete understanding of cellular heterogeneity, and the interplay between various cell types that are fundamental to specific biological phenotypes, can be achieved. Single-cell assays at the protein level have been predominantly limited to targeted, antibody-based methods. However, here we present an experimental and computational pipeline, which establishes a comprehensive single-cell mass spectrometry-based proteomics workflow. By exploiting a leukemia culture system, containing functionally-defined leukemic stem cells, progenitors and terminally differentiated blasts, we demonstrate that our workflow is able to explore the cellular heterogeneity within this aberrant developmental hierarchy. We show our approach is capable to quantifying hundreds of proteins across hundreds of single cells using limited instrument time. Furthermore, we developed a computational pipeline (SCeptre), that effectively clusters the data and permits the extraction of cell-specific proteins and functional pathways. This proof-of-concept work lays the foundation for future global single-cell proteomics studies.
Combining syndrome and laboratory surveillance with genetic analysis to monitor for emergence of vaccine escape mutants after identification of a rapid rise in rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (RAGE) among children visiting HMOs, Israel, January 2014

Background: In Israel during the first weeks of 2014, computerized HMO records indicated a rise in acute gastroenteritis among children < 2 yr with a concomitant increase in rotavirus-positive stools. Children (80%) received 3 doses of pentavalent rotavirus vaccine since 2011. Retrospective analysis showed a vaccine effectiveness of 70% for pediatric RAGE cases between September 2013 and January 2014. Aim: To rule in or out the presence of a vaccine escape mutant. Methods: Point prevalence genomic analysis (rapid genotyping of rotavirus from rotavirus–positive dipsticks collected from community cases between January 20 to 23, 2014) and continued syndrome surveillance. Results: Twelve of 24 rotaviruses identified from 23 dipsticks (one was a double infection) were G12P[8] rotaviruses. The initial rapid rise in RAGE cases was not sustained. Conclusion: The overall genetic pattern of isolated rotavirus was consistent with endemic circulation of different rotaviruses, reflecting the global emergence of G12 strains, rather than circulation of a specific emerging monophyletic genotype. This interpretation was strengthened by the subsequent falloff of additional RAGE cases. Conducting different surveillance strategies in parallel (in this case syndrome surveillance, laboratory surveillance, and rapid genetic characterization of isolates) strengthens the reliability of interpreting data from any one of the platforms especially when sample sizes are small and the ability to detect and characterize potential spreading events at early stages. *Correspondence to: Lester M. Shulman, Public Health Services, Israel Ministry of Health, Central Virology Laboratory (CVL), Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel, Tel: (972)-3-530-2341; E-mail: lester.shulman@sheba.health. gov.il
Slow dynamics of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation

[1] Unraveling the dynamics of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation (NHG) in the Pliocene is a key step toward a quantitative theory of the climate transition from a greenhouse to an icehouse world. Extracting the ice volume signal from marine oxygen isotope (δ18O) records corrupted with “temperature noise” can be accomplished using statistical time series analysis. We use 45 δ18O records from benthic and planktonic foraminifera and globally distributed sites to reconstruct the dynamics of NHG initiation. We compare δ18O amplitudes with those of temperature proxy records and estimate a global ice volume–related increase of 0.4‰, equivalent to an overall sea level lowering of 43 m. We find the NHG started significantly earlier than previously assumed, as early as 3.6 Ma, and ended at 2.4 Ma. This long-term increase points to slow, tectonic forcing such as closing of ocean gateways or mountain building as the root cause of the NHG.
eismic structure of the crust and uppermost mantle of the Capricorn and aterson Orogens and adjacent cratons , Western Australia , from passive eismic transects

The seismic structure of the Proterozoic Capricorn and Paterson Orogens and adjacent Archaean Yilgarn and Pilbara Cratons, Western Australia, is determined using a passive seismic approach. We use recordings of distant earthquakes made along two transects of 3-component broadband stations. The stations were deployed for approximately 1 year (mid 2006–2007) during which time 70 earthquakes were recorded at each station with a suitable signal to noise ratio for receiver function analysis and hence the S wavespeed profiles of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath each recording station are determined. We investigate the deep crustal constraints on terrane boundary locations, the patterns of seismic discontinuities in the crust, and the variations in the depth and character of the Moho. This broad-scale information regarding the present day crustal architecture, and hence the crustal evolution, of Western Australia, complements previous surface geological and other geophysical studies. Western Australia is an exceptionally large, well preserved region of ancient crust and hence this work also adds to the body of knowledge regarding Proterozoic orogenic processes in general. The new passive seismic work shows a region of double crust or upper mantle discontinuities beneath the Glenburgh Terrane, adjacent to the northwest Yilgarn Craton. The upper crust of the orogens is always layered whereas the cratons have a simple upper crust. Both the Capricorn and Paterson Orogens are characterised by deeper Moho discontinuities with a lesser wavespeed contrast than the very sharp discontinuity observed beneath the adjacent Pilbara and Yilgarn Cratons. This is consistent with the weaker orogenic crust of the Capricorn and Paterson Orogens accommodating most of the horizontal deformation during assembly and reworking of the West Australian Craton while the Pilbara and Yilgarn Cratons acted as rigid crustal blocks.
Return migration : Theory and evidence from returning migrants to Western Mexico

We present a model in which return migration is explained by a simple idea: Workers differ in the way they like the host country but they don’t have the information to be sure how much they like it. Information is revealed over time only if they live and work there. The worker decides to migrate because the wage plus the expected value of living in the host country is higher than in the home country. After some time, information about the real value of living in the host country is revealed stochastically and some workers may return. The empirical implication of the model is that the hazard rate of return is increasing and, after some periods, becomes forever decreasing. This implication is confirmed by data on return migrants to Western Mexico.
Hedgehog Signaling Regulates Neurogenesis in the Larval and Adult Zebrafish Hypothalamus

Visual Abstract Neurogenesis is now known to play a role in adult hypothalamic function, yet the cell-cell mechanisms regulating this neurogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we show that Hedgehog (Hh)/Gli signaling positively regulates hypothalamic neurogenesis in both larval and adult zebrafish and is necessary and sufficient for normal hypothalamic proliferation rates. Hh-responsive radial glia represent a relatively highly proliferative precursor population that gives rise to dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurons. In situ and transgenic reporter analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity in cell-cell signaling within the hypothalamic niche, with slow cycling Nestin-expressing cells residing among distinct and overlapping populations of Sonic Hh (Shh)-expressing, Hh-responsive, Notch-responsive, and Wnt-responsive radial glia. This work shows for the first time that Hh/Gli signaling is a key component of the complex cell-cell signaling environment that regulates hypothalamic neurogenesis throughout life.