Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to aggregation of web documents by semantic suffix tree and self organizing feature map methods

The amount of information available on the internet became enormously high because of the rapid development in the electronic medium. Now days, managing and retrieving useful information from the web becomes the very tedious job. Web document clustering is a methodology which tries to group the available web documents in a meaningful way. There are lot of issues are identified in this area like, heterogeneous sources of information, no universal model, dynamicity of information, the huge volume of data, etc. most of the existing document clustering models follows the “bag-of-words” document representation. The proposed model presents an incremental analysis of web documents based on semantic suffix tree which analyses web documents by means of concepts to improve the cluster quality. The concepts are evaluated at three levels, a sentence level analysis, a document level analysis and domain level analysis. The proposed model also uses self organizing feature map (SOFM) to group similar documents together in a cluster and organize similar clusters close together unlike most other clustering methods. A set of experiments using the proposed model on different data sets have been conducted. The experiment result shows a significant improvement in the cluster quality.
Histidine kinases: diversity of domain organization

Histidine kinases play a major role in signal transduction in prokaryotes for the cellular adaptation to environmental conditions and stresses. Recent progress in the three‐dimensional structure determination of two representative members of histidine kinases, EnvZ (class I) and CheA (class II), has revealed common structural features, as well as a kinase catalytic motif topologically similar to those of the ATP‐binding domains of a few ATPases. They have also disclosed that there are significant differences in domain organization between class I and II histidine kinases, possibly reflecting their distinct locations, functions and regulatory mechanisms. In spite of this diversity, both class I and II histidine kinases use similar four‐helix bundle motifs to relay phosphoryl groups from ATP to regulatory domains of response regulators. The previously known so‐called transmitter domain of histidine kinase is further dissected into two domains: a CA (Catalytic ATP‐binding) domain and a DHp (Dimerization Histidine phosphotransfer) domain for class I, or a CA domain and an HPt (Histidine‐containing Phosphotransfer) domain for class II histidine kinases. From a comparative analysis of the CA domains of EnvZ, CheA and their ATPase homologues, the core elements of the CA domain have been derived. The apparent resemblance between DHp and HPt domains is only superficial, and significant differences between them are discussed.
Dominance for vestibular cortical function in the non-dominant hemisphere.

The aim of this (15)O-labelled H(2)O bolus positron emission tomography (PET) study was to analyse the hemispheric dominance of the vestibular cortical system. Therefore, the differential effects of caloric vestibular stimulation (right or left ear irrigation with warm water at 44 degrees C) on cortical and subcortical activation were studied in 12 right-handed and 12 left-handed healthy volunteers. Caloric irrigation induces a direction-specific sensation of rotation and nystagmus. Significant regional cerebral blood flow increases were found in a network within both hemispheres, including the superior frontal gyrus/sulcus, the precentral gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule with the supramarginal gyrus. These areas correspond best to the cortical ocular motor centres, namely the prefrontal cortex, the frontal eye field and the parietal eye field, known to be involved in the processing of caloric nystagmus. Furthermore, distinct temporo-parietal activations could be separated in the posterior part of the insula with the adjacent superior temporal gyrus, the inferior parietal lobule and precuneus. These areas fit best to the human homologues of multisensory vestibular cortex areas identified in the monkey and correspond to the parieto-insular vestibular cortex (PIVC), the visual temporal sylvian area (VTS) and areas 7 and 6. Further cortical activations were seen in the anterior insula, the inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulum. The subcortical activation pattern in the putamen, thalamus and midbrain is consistent with the organization of efferent ocular motor pathways. Cortical and subcortical activation of the described areas was bilateral during monaural stimulation, but predominant in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the stimulated ear and exhibited a significant right hemispheric dominance for vestibular and ocular motor structures in right-handed volunteers. Similarly, a significant left hemispheric dominance was found in the 12 left-handed volunteers. Thus, this PET study showed for the first time that cortical and subcortical activation by vestibular caloric stimulation depends (i) on the handedness of the subjects and (ii) on the side of the stimulated ear. Maximum activation was therefore found when the non-dominant hemisphere was ipsilateral to the stimulated ear, i.e. in the right hemisphere of right-handed subjects during caloric irrigation of the right ear and in the left hemisphere of left-handed subjects during caloric irrigation of the left ear. The localization of handedness and vestibular dominance in opposite hemispheres might conceivably indicate that the vestibular system and its hemispheric dominance, which matures earlier during ontogenesis, determine right- or left-handedness.
The microbial ecology of the large bowel of breast-fed and formula-fed infants during the first year of life.

The succession of bacterial populations in the large bowel of seven breast-fed and seven formula-fed infants was examined during the first year of life. The composition of the intestinal microflora varied according to the infant's diet. During the first week of life breast-fed and formula-fed infants were colonised by enterobacteria and enterococci followed by bifidobacteria, Bacteroides spp. , clostridia and anaerobic streptococci. From week 4 until solid foods were given, breast-fed babies had a simple flora consisting of bifidobacteria and relatively few enterobacteria and enterococci. Formula-fed babies during the corresponding period were more often colonised by other anaerobes in addition to bifidobacteria and had higher counts of facultatively anaerobic bacteria. The introduction of solid food to the breast-fed infants caused a major disturbance in the microbial ecology of the large bowel as counts of enterobacteria and enterococci rose sharply and colonisation by Bacteroides spp. , clostridia and anaerobic streptococci occurred. This was not observed when formula-fed infants began to take solids; instead, counts of facultative anaerobes remained high while colonisation by anaerobes other than bifidobacteria continued. At 12 months, the anaerobic bacterial populations of the large bowel of breast-fed and formula-fed infants were beginning to resemble those of adults in number and composition and there was a corresponding decrease in the number of facultative anaerobes. These changes are discussed in relation to changes in susceptibility to gastro-intestinal infection.
Lifelong physical training prevents the age-related impairment of heart rate variability and exercise capacity in elderly people.

AIM Aging is associated with a reduction on heart rate variability (HRV) and working capacity. Aim of this study was to evaluate in a group of elite master athletes the effect of a lifelong history of endurance running on HRV and exercise working capacity. METHODS Twenty athletes (males, age 68.5+/-4.5 years) who practiced endurance running for at least 40 years, and 20 age-sex-matched control subjects with sedentary lifestyle were studied. All the participants underwent a maximal stepwise electrocardiogram (ECG) on effort (work-rate increments of 25 Watts every 2 min) and a 24-hour ECG monitoring. RESULTS All the time domain measures of HRV and the LF and HF powers were significantly higher in elderly athletes than in sedentary subjects (P<0.001), while the LF/HF ratio was comparable between the 2 groups. Athletes exhibited significantly higher workload than controls (1610+/-489 vs 687+/-236 W, P<0.0001). Both the groups achieved, at maximum workload, similar heart rate (142+/-10 vs 138+/-18 bpm, ns), systolic blood pressure (226+/-18 vs 220+/-16 mmHg, ns), and rate-pressure product (32,596+/-2952 vs 30,838+/-3675, ns). Maximum work-rate attained in athletes was 225 W. By contrast, none of the controls reached a work-rate higher than 150 W. In the whole group we also showed a positive correlation between the time domain HRV parameter SDNN and maximum workload (r=0.58, P<0.001). CONCLUSION Long-term endurance training induces in elderly subjects an increased HRV and a higher exercise working capacity, which are well-established predictors of cardiovascular and overall mortality.
Orbscan Global Pachymetry: Analysis of Repeated Measures

Purpose. The Orbscan II is a hybrid slit-scanning and Placido disc corneal topographer capable mapping global pachymetry over a 10-mm corneal diameter. In this study, the repeatability of the Orbscan global pachymetry was determined. Methods. Five consecutive Orbscan examinations were performed on one eye of 20 healthy volunteers by one examiner in one session. Mean, standard deviation, range of readings, and coefficient of variance were calculated for the central, thinnest point and global pachymetry. Results. Orbscan repeatability for the central pachymetry was 3.62 &mgr;m (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–6.66) with a coefficient of variance of 0.67% (95% CI, 0.09–1.25) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.978 (95% CI, 0.959–0.990). Thinnest point pachymetry had a repeatability of 4.25 &mgr;m (95% CI, 1.19–7.31) with a coefficient of variance of 0.80% (95% CI, 0.19–1.42) and ICC of 0.973 (95% CI, 0.950–0.988). Global pachymetry had a coefficient of variance <1.5% in the central 4 mm and ≪2.5% across the entire cornea. Global pachymetry showed an area of greatest repeatability (≪±5 &mgr;m) within a central 3.0-mm horizontal and 4.0-mm vertical diameter. Discussion. Orbscan is capable of giving repeatable pachymetry readings that are comparable to the ultrasound pachymeter within the central and thinnest point of the cornea. There is a gradual loss of repeatability toward the peripheral cornea possibly as a result of a lack of overlapping data points.
New Orleans Educational System in Public Schools Pre/Post Hurricane Katrina as Perceived by Special Education Teachers

This modified narrative study is an exploration of the perceptions of two special educators who experienced the dramatic changes in the New Orleans public school system as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The participants in this study will consist of two special education professionals (See Table 1). From their perspectives, the reader shall gain a deeper understanding of how the educational system has evolved from its pre-Katrina structure.
Corporate governance and firm performance in Saudi Arabia

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)%%%%Corporate governance in a specific country relates systematically to its social, economic and legal structures. From this standpoint, and since Saudi Arabia has unique cultural, economic and political features, this study aims to explore corporate governance practices in Saudi Arabia. A close look at the influence of these features on the Saudi business environment reveals that agency theory is not the appropriate theory that can be applied in the Saudi context, despite its widespread adoption in the extant studies of corporate governance. Alternatively, stewardship theory seems to be the most relevant theory to the Saudi business environment. Therefore, stewardship theory is adopted as the main theoretical framework for this study, augmented with other theories including stakeholder, resource dependency and institutional theories. Taking these multiple theoretical frameworks as a key point of departure from previous studies, this thesis seeks to examine the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance, focusing on three main areas: board of director characteristics, ownership structure and capital structure. The study uses secondary data obtained from annual reports of all non-financial listed firms in Saudi Arabia over a six-year period from 2009 to 2014. Multiple performance measures including both accounting-based and market-based measures are adopted. A number of firm characteristics including firm size, age, growth, capital expenditure, leverage and industry are employed as control variables. The study utilises quantitative analysis techniques including both descriptive and inferential statistics such as ANOVA, t-tests and regression analysis. A lagged structure method is also employed to address endogeneity problems. Corporate governance in a specific country relates systematically to its social, economic and legal structures. From this standpoint, and since Saudi Arabia has unique cultural, economic and political features, this study aims to explore corporate governance practices in Saudi Arabia. A close look at the influence of these features on the Saudi business environment reveals that agency theory is not the appropriate theory that can be applied in the Saudi context, despite its widespread adoption in the extant studies of corporate governance. Alternatively, stewardship theory seems to be the most relevant theory to the Saudi business environment. Therefore, stewardship theory is adopted as the main theoretical framework for this study, augmented with other theories including stakeholder, resource dependency and institutional theories. Taking these multiple theoretical frameworks as a key point of departure from previous studies, this thesis seeks to examine the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance, focusing on three main areas: board of director characteristics, ownership structure and capital structure. The study uses secondary data obtained from annual reports of all non-financial listed firms in Saudi…
Tea, coffee, and caffeine and early-onset basal cell carcinoma in a case–control study

Tea and coffee are hypothesized to play a protective role in skin carcinogenesis through bioactive components, such as caffeine, yet the epidemiologic evidence is mixed. Existing data support an inverse association with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), more so than for melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma. To understand whether tea, coffee, and caffeine are related to early-onset BCC, we evaluated data from 767 non-Hispanic Whites under age 40 in a case–control study in Connecticut. BCC cases (n=377) were identified through Yale’s Dermatopathology database. Controls (n=390) were randomly sampled from individuals in the same database with benign skin diagnoses and frequency matched to cases on age, sex, and biopsy site. Participants completed an in-person interview including assessment of caffeinated coffee and hot tea. We calculated multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with unconditional logistic regression for regular consumption and frequency and duration measures. Combined regular consumption of caffeinated coffee plus hot tea was inversely associated with early-onset BCC (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.38–0.96). Those in the highest category of caffeine from these sources had a 43% reduced risk of BCC compared with nonconsumers (OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.34–0.95, P-trend=0.037). Our findings suggest a modest protective effect for caffeinated coffee plus tea in relation to early-onset BCC that may, in part, be due to caffeine. This study adds to the growing body of literature suggesting potential health benefits from these beverages.
Novel chelating agents for iron, manganese, zinc, and copper mixed fertilisation in high pH soil-less cultures.

BACKGROUND Studies about simultaneous fertilisation with several micronutrients have increased in recent years, as Fe, Mn and Zn deficiencies may appear in the same culture conditions. In fertigation, the replacement of sulfates by synthetic chelates is essential in areas with high pH irrigation water and substrates. Ethylenediamine-N-(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)-N'-(4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (o,p-EDDHA) and ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) are novel chelating agents whose efficacy in simultaneous fertilisation of Zn, Mn and Cu is unknown. This work evaluates the effectiveness of both ligands compared to traditional ligands (EDTA, HEEDTA and DTPA) applied as micronutrient chelate mixtures to soybean and navy bean plants grown in soil-less cultures at high pH by analysing the SPAD and micronutrient nutritional status, including the Composition Nutritional Diagnosis (CND) analysis tool. RESULTS The application of micronutrients using o,p-EDDHA was more effective in providing Mn and Zn than traditional ligands or sulfates. The application using EDDS increased the Zn nutrition. The results are well correlated with the chemical stability of the formulations. CONCLUSION The combined application of Mn and Zn as o,p-EDDHA chelates can represent a more effective source than traditional chelates in micronutrient fertiliser mixtures in soil-less cultures at a high pH.
Use of monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay for rapid identification of group B Streptococcus types II and III

Streptococci belonging to Lancefield group B are frequently recognized as the etiological agents of sepsis and meningitis in young children. Current methods of identifying these organisms have not been universally accepted because of the time and complexity in performing the studies and a lack of reference antisera. We have developed hybrid myeloma (hybridoma) cell lines which secrete large amounts of antibody against types II and III group B streptococci. Antibodies harvested from supernatants react only with the bacterial strain that was used initially to immunize the animals. We have used the hybridoma antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay and have shown it to be a sensitive and reliable technique for typing group B streptococci. The use of hybridoma antibodies in the enzyme immunoassay may permit early detection of group B streptococcal antigen before cultures are visibly positive.
Evaluation protocol for the DXM2VTS database and performance comparison of face detection and face tracking on video

Video databases and their corresponding evaluation protocols are used to compare classifiers, such as face detection and tracking. In this paper, a six level evaluation protocol for the Damascened XM2VTS (DXM2VTS) database is presented to measure face detection and tracking performance. Additionally, a novel database containing thousands of videos is created by combining video from the XM2VTS database with a set of newly recorded standardized real-life video used as background and with several realistic degradations, such as motion blur, noise, etc. Moreover, two publicly available and published face detection algorithms are tested on the six suggested difficulty levels of the protocol. Their performance on video in terms of false acceptance, false rejection, correct detection, and repeatability, are reported and conclusions are drawn.
Surface-exposed Glycopeptidolipids of Mycobacterium smegmatis Specifically Inhibit the Phagocytosis of Mycobacteria by Human Macrophages

Phagocytosis by macrophages represents the early step of the mycobacterial infection. It is governed both by the nature of the host receptors used and the ligands exposed on the bacteria. The outermost molecules of the nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis were extracted by a mechanical treatment and found to specifically and dose dependently inhibit the phagocytosis of both M. smegmatis and the opportunistic pathogen M. kansasii by human macrophages derived from monocytes. The inhibitory activity was attributed to surface lipids because it is extracted by chloroform and reduced by alkaline hydrolysis but not by protease treatment. Fractionation of surface lipids by adsorption chromatography indicated that the major inhibitory compounds consisted of phospholipids and glycopeptidolipids (GPLs). Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses, combined with chemical degradation methods, demonstrated the existence of a novel family of GPLs that consists of a core composed of the long-chain tripeptidyl amino-alcohol with a di-O-acetyl-6-deoxytalosyl unit substituting the allo-threoninyl residue and a 2-succinyl-3,4-di-O-CH3-rhamnosyl unit linked to the alaninol end of the molecules. These compounds, as well as diglycosylated GPLs at the alaninol end and de-O-acylated GPLs, but not the non-serovar-specific di-O-acetylated GPLs, inhibited the phagocytosis of M. smegmatis and M. avium by human macrophages at a few nanomolar concentration without affecting the rate of zymosan internalization. At micromolar concentrations, the native GPLs also inhibit the uptake of both M. tuberculosis and M. kansasii. De-O-acylation experiments established the critical roles of both the succinyl and acetyl substituents. Collectively, these data provide evidence that surface-exposed mycobacterial glycoconjugates are efficient competitors of the interaction between macrophages and mycobacteria and, as such, could represent pharmacological tools for the control of mycobacterial infections.
Skull Base Chondrosarcoma Originating from the Petroclival Junction

Objective: To define the presentation of patients with skull base chondrosarcoma, to elucidate surgical strategies, and to identify the role of postoperative radiotherapy. Study Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: All patients (n = 33) with skull base chondrosarcoma managed at our institution. The average follow-up time was 7.7 years (range, 0-20 years). Main Outcome Measures: Tumor location, presenting symptoms, presence of residual or recurrent tumor, and mortality. Results: The most common tumor location was the petroclival junction (n = 29). Common presenting symptoms were diplopia (48%) and headache (45%). Surgical approaches included retrosigmoid, transtemporal, transfacial, and frontotemporal craniotomies. Biopsy only was performed in four patients, subtotal resection in 19 patients, and total resection in nine patients. Most patients received postoperative radiotherapy (82%). Follow-up revealed residual, stable disease in 28% of patients and recurrent disease in 24% of patients. The mean time to recurrence was 3.0 ± 2.8 years. The lack of postoperative radiation was significantly correlated with an increased risk of recurrence (odds ratio, 28; p = 0.007) but incomplete tumor resection was not (p = 0.6). Life-table analysis revealed that the 5-year survival rate was 85% and the 10-year survival rate was 77%. Five patients died; four of the deaths attributable to recurrent disease. Conclusion: The characteristic growth pattern of skull base chondrosarcoma is tumor eroding the petroclival junction. Current therapeutic strategy is resection through an extradural subtemporal craniotomy with removal of the petrous apex and clivus. Radical resection of uninvolved structures is often not necessary. Nonetheless, gross total removal is often achievable. Postoperative radiotherapy reduces the chance of tumor recurrence.