Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional multilayer films formed with reduced graphene oxide

Graphene a new material consisting of single layer of sp – bonded carbon atoms with unique two-dimensional nanostructure attracts attention of many specialists from various branches of science. Since its discovery in 2004 [1], graphene has emerged as the “material of the future” due to its unique nanostructure and electrical, thermal and mechanical properties [2,3]. It is considered as a promising material for application in various technological fields such as transparent conductive films [4], solar cells [5], gas storage media [6] or next generation of electronic devices [7]. Sequential adsorption of charged nanoobjects, as polyelectrolytes, micelles, nanoparticles or proteins (known also as the “Layer by layer” (LbL) deposition method) [8], is considered as one of the most promising techniques of surface modification and formation of highly tailored functional thin films for the wide range of possible applications, including: selective membranes, biosensors and drug delivery systems. As graphene is a hydrophobic material, it cannot be directly used for construction of multilayer films with the LbL method. Therefore, in this work we have proposed to use suspension of graphene oxide (GO) for formation of such films and its subsequent reduction to the reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Since GO is negatively charged it can be easily suspended in water and used as an anionic layer for the film formation. For the formation of multilayer films we deposited sequentially, at various substrates (gold, polyimide), layers of polycation polyethylene imine (PEI) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and GO. Then we compared several reduction methods to turn GO into reduced graphene oxide, e.g. thermal reduction, UV irradiation, chemical reduction by hydrazine and electrochemical reduction. We noticed that the thermal reduction of GO above the temperature 180C is the most effective process leading to formation of sp-bonded carbon atoms. The examination of XPS spectra indicated that after the reduction the ratio of the sp carbon increased to c.a. 80 at. %. The atomic ratios of carbon to oxygen for GO before and after reduction determined by XPS were corroborated by EDS analysis. The structure and properties of the films before and after reduction were investigated also using ellipsometry, ATRFTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). By measuring surface conductivity with the four point method we showed that using the proposed method it is possible to obtain ultrathin conductive films on quartz and polyimide (PI) plates. Formation of such films on PI allows creating flexible electrodes, which can find applications in biomedicine as disposable, electroactive sensors. The same methodology was applied to obtain the electroactive films containing PAH/Prussian blue nanoparticles/rGO at the gold electrode surface. We demonstrated that such sensor layers can be used for the electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide.
Proposing a Model to Explain Teachers' Intention to Use Technology: Identifying Constructs and Formulating Hypotheses

In this paper, the author identifies the constructs that influence teachers' intention to use technology for instructional purposes. Drawing from widely used and validated theories and models with origins from social psychology, a total of seven constructs were identified to develop a research model. Following, twelve hypotheses were formulated to describe the relationships among the constructs and the teachers' intention to use. Further studies on the research model for greater validity and expansion are suggested.
Reconsidering algorithms for iterative solvers in the multicore era

Efficient solution of computational problems require a match between the algorithm and the underlying architecture. New multicore processors feature low intra-chip communication cost and smaller per-thread caches compared to single-core implementations, indicating that data locality issues are more important than communication overheads. We investigate the impact of these changes on parallel multigrid methods. We present a temporally blocked, naturally ordered, smoother implementation that improves the data locality as much as ten times compared with the standard red-black algorithm. We present results of the performance of our new algorithm on an SMP system, an UltraSPARC T1 (Niagara) SMT/CMP, and a simulated CMP processor.
Generalization to new compositions of known entities in image understanding

Recurrent neural networks can be trained to describe images with natural language, but it has been observed that they generalize poorly to new scenes at test time. Here we provide an experimental framework to quantify their generalization to unseen compositions. By describing images using short structured representations, we tease apart and evaluate separately two types of generalization: (1) generalization to new images of similar scenes, and (2) generalization to unseen compositions of known entities. We quantify these two types of generalization by a large-scale experiment on the MS-COCO dataset with a state-of-the-art recurrent network, and compare to a baseline structured prediction model on top of a deep network. We find that a state-of-the-art image captioning approach is largely “blind” to new combinations of known entities (∼2.3% precision@1), and achieves statistically similar precision@1 to that of a considerably simpler structured-prediction model with much smaller capacity. We therefore advocate using compositional generalization metrics to evaluate vision and language models, since generalizing to new combinations of known entities is key for understanding complex real data.
Needs and user acceptance of older adults for mobile service robot

The population in the world is getting older and the need for the new technical solutions supporting independent life of elderly people is increasing. The needs and expectations of the senior people are the most important factors that define the acceptance of such solutions. In the current paper, we study qualitatively with few older adults how a service robot with a multimodal control interface can support people in this phase of life. The results reveal that multimodality of the control interface and functionalities involving safety and entertainment are very important for end-user acceptance. The user acceptance increases if the available functionalities can be customized for different users and if the commands for both screen-based and voice-based control use the same words and phrases. This approach also allows to decrease the memory load on the user. The possibility to customize the interfaces could open broad possibilities to use the robot also by the disabled people.
Beware of overtreating children!

Some years ago I witnessed a clinical catastrophe involving a 4-year-old boy. A history of headaches led to skull roentgenograms that disclosed a large pituitary fossa. This triggered a series of clinical decisions that were climaxed by a carotid hemorrhage during transsphenoid biopsy. Autopsy revealed an empty sella and a benign lymphangioma in adjacent bone. The case was a source of fascination and much earnest and perplexed discussion. The consultants had little experience with similar cases and it was not entirely clear who was in charge. The cause of the headaches in this otherwise-normal boy was never known, and the long-range outlook without intervention was strictly speculative. However, it was an avoidable catastrophe and the case sensitized me to the factors that cause overtreatment of children. Four recent journal articles have crystallized some random thoughts about this problem. Stickler 1 discussed two infants who underwent unnecessary surgery that completed a
The year in cardiology 2015: acute coronary syndromes.

The year 2015 has been productive in studies on pathophysiology of ACS. In particular on the different mechanisms of disease and related outcomes. New information has been published on the early diagnosis of ACS and on prevention and treatment of microvascular obstruction. With regard to antithrombotic treatment, the year 2015 has brought important new data that will change practice. Both the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)1 and the American College of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology (ACC/AHA)2 have published new guidelines on the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in patients without persistent ST-segment elevation. In this review, we briefly highlight new recommendations only. With regard to early diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) ESC guidelines, for the first time, give a 1B recommendation for a rapid rule-out and rule-in protocol at 0 and 1 h if a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin test with a validated 0/1 h algorithm is available, with additional testing after 3–6 h if the first two troponin measurements are not conclusive and the clinical condition is still suggestive of ACS, while ACC/AHA recommend to measure troponin at presentation and 3–6 h after symptom onset. Both guidelines recommend an immediate invasive strategy within 2 hours of presentation in very high-risk patients, an early invasive strategy within 24 h in high-risk patients and an invasive strategy within 72 h in intermediate risk patients. Finally, ESC guidelines give 1A recommendation for the radial approach in experienced centres and provide a new flow chart for the management of antithrombotic drugs in patients with concomitant non-valvular atrial fibrillation ( Figure 1 ). They also give for the first time 3B recommendation for not to preloading patients in whom …
Potential applications of telenephrology to enhance global kidney care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important public health issue that increasingly affects more patients globally and is associated with adverse clinical consequences with huge economic impact. Effective management of patients with CKD requires delivery of kidney care in a primary care setting where possible and at a higher level with a nephrologist when necessary to improve outcomes. In many instances and for various reasons, it is not possible to follow this pathway of care delivery. With improving telecommunication technologies worldwide, it is hoped that increasing utilisation of electronic communication devices can be used to facilitate kidney care to improve the quality of care delivered to patients, especially those who live in remote regions. Kidney care and therefore outcomes for patients with CKD is often compromised due to lack of access to a nephrologist, either because of distance or shortage of nephrologists, high proportion of patients being unaware they have CKD, lack of population screening for early detection of CKD and risk factors and prevention programmes and poor patient adherence and absence of appropriate CKD management strategies. Telenephrology can play a significant role in addressing these factors and therefore can be leveraged to improve CKD outcomes globally, especially in low to middle-income countries. This paper provides an overview on the potential role of telenephrology in enhancing access to and quality of care delivered to patients with CKD to improve outcomes.
Endovascular treatment of central venous stenoses in patients with dialysis shunts.

OBJECTIVE Evaluation of long-term results of percutaneous treatment of central vein stenoses or occlusions in patients with haemodialysis shunt. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 26 patients with haemodialysis shunts and confirmed central vein stenosis or occlusion, 28 primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTA) and 5 repeated PTAs (re-PTA) were performed; in three patients a stent was implanted - primary in one patient and due to early restenosis after PTA in two patients. To maintain stent patency, 10 re-PTA were performed. RESULTS The technical success rate of primary interventions was 96 % (100 % in stenoses and 50 % in occlusions). Primary post-PTA patency rate was 70 % at 3 months, 60 % at 6 months and 30 % at 12 months. CONCLUSION PTA with possible stent implantation is a first-choice method in the treatment of stenoses and occlusions of the central venous system. Despite the relatively frequent re-interventions, endovascular treatment is capable to preserve long-term function of the dialysis shunt.
The catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders: a review of supporting evidence.

The "catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders" proposes that some, if not all, depressions are associated with an absolute or relative decrease in catecholamines, particularly norepinephrine, available at central adrenergic receptor sites. Elation, conversely, may be associated with an excess of such amines. Evidence supporting this hypothesis was reviewed. Data from pharmacological studies, mainly in animals, suggest that the actions of both major classes of antidepressant drugs are mediated through the catecholamines. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors increase brain concentrations of norepinephrine while imipramine-like agents potentiate the physiological effects of norepinephrine. Reserpine, a drug which can cause clinical depression, depletes catecholamines, but other amines may also be involved in its mechanism of action. A rigorous extrapolation from pharmacological studies to pathophysiology clearly cannot be made. Clinical studies relevant to the catecholamime hypothesis are limited and the .
Analysis on Data Mining Model Objected to Internet of Things

Three data mining models suitable to data processing have been proposed according to some technical challenges on the characteristics data for Internet of Things. The first model is the multilayer data mining model, which consists of data collection, data processing, event processing and data mining service. The second model is distributed data mining model that could be used to solve the problem of data stored in different locations. The third model is grid-based data mining model, which could utilize the potentially unlimited amount of data by using grid. At the same time, the paper learns from “decomposition build "theory to solve the data mining problem in the internet of things. Finally, the key issues are discussed about model application.
Myocardin Is a Critical Serum Response Factor Cofactor in the Transcriptional Program Regulating Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation

ABSTRACT The SAP family transcription factor myocardin functionally synergizes with serum response factor (SRF) and plays an important role in cardiac development. To determine the function of myocardin in the smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage, we mapped the pattern of myocardin gene expression and examined the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional activity of myocardin in SMCs and embryonic stem (ES) cells. The human and murine myocardin genes were expressed in vascular and visceral SMCs at levels equivalent to or exceeding those observed in the heart. During embryonic development, the myocardin gene was expressed abundantly in a precise, developmentally regulated pattern in SMCs. Forced expression of myocardin transactivated multiple SMC-specific transcriptional regulatory elements in non-SMCs. By contrast, myocardin-induced transactivation was not observed in SRF−/− ES cells but could be rescued by forced expression of SRF or the SRF DNA-binding domain. Furthermore, expression of a dominant-negative myocardin mutant protein or small-interfering-RNA-induced myocardin knockdown significantly reduced SM22α promoter activity in SMCs. Most importantly, forced expression of myocardin activated expression of the SM22α, smooth muscle α-actin, and calponin-h1 genes in undifferentiated mouse ES cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate that myocardin plays an important role in the SRF-dependent transcriptional program that regulates SMC development and differentiation.
Two Phase Validation Commit Protocol for Accuracy and Secure data transactions in Cloud

Analyse in cloud computing be in the receipt of distributedprocess in transacting database utilize over cloud serversentities work in the evidence of authorization that are given anexplanation for collection certified proof of authority. The proofand its status revised and collect over the expended a pointof time duration below the threat of process an authority policyof the client confident actuality not available circumstances. Inthis paper we focus on the felt finding of the problem we aredefining the normal understanding trusted transaction when weare dealing with the proof of authorization in cloud computingand users can obtain there computation and storage to serversand it is also called cloud. Accordingly, we propose several increasingly stringent levels of policy consistency constraints, and present different enforcement approaches to guarantee the trustworthiness of transactions executing on cloud servers. We propose a TwoPhase Validation Commit protocol as a solution, which is a modified version of the basic Two-Phase Commit protocols. We finally analyse the different approaches presented using both analytical evaluation of the overheads and simulations to guide the decision makers to which approach to use.
Analyzing Marketing Strategies in the Emerging Mobile Communications Market: An Agent-Based Approach

As one of the typical emerging markets, China's 3rd generation 3G mobile communications service is proliferating rapidly recently, and great potentialities are expected in the market. Thus the strategy to improve the share in the emerging 3G service market appears to be an important topic for the mobile communications operators. To study the topic, the authors apply an agent-based model to study the interactions among the individuals and the complex externalities in China's 3G mobile communications market, and analyze several strategies of the operators with computational simulation. Based on the analysis, the efficient strategies for each operator to improve the market share are proposed. Furthermore, the analysis also shows that how the efficiency of the strategies varies depending on the different market environments. Because the emerging markets share some common characteristics, the conclusions can also be applied in other emerging communications markets.
Hydrogen Peroxide Fluxes and Compartmentalization inside Growing Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli generates about 14 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) per s when it grows exponentially in glucose medium. The steady-state intracellular concentration of H2O2 depends on the rates at which this H2O2 is dissipated by scavenging enzymes and by efflux from the cell. The rates of H2O2 degradation by the two major scavenging enzymes, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase and catalase, were quantified. In order to estimate the rate of efflux, the permeability coefficient of membranes for H2O2 was determined. The coefficient is 1.6 × 10−3 cm/s, indicating that permeability is substantial but not unlimited. These data allowed internal H2O2 fluxes and concentrations to be calculated. Under these growth conditions, Ahp scavenges the majority of the endogenous H2O2, with a small fraction degraded by catalase and virtually none persisting long enough to penetrate the membrane and exit the cell. The robust scavenging activity maintains the H2O2 concentration inside glucose-grown cells at <10−7 M, substantially below the level (10−6 M) at which toxicity is evident. When extracellular H2O2 is present, its flux into the cell can be rapid, but the internal concentration may still be an order of magnitude lower than that outside. The presence of such gradients was confirmed in experiments that revealed different degrees of oxidative stress in cocultured scavenger-deficient mutants. The limited permeability of membranes to H2O2rationalizes the compartmentalization of scavenging systems and predicts that bacteria that excrete redox-cycling drugs do not experience the same H2O2 dose that they impose on their competitors.
Vitamin D deficiency and non-lipid biomarkers of cardiovascular risk

Introduction Deficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels have been associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases, though the underlying mechanism of these associations is uncertain. We analyzed associations between vitamin D and other non-lipid biomarkers of cardiovascular risk to better elucidate possible relationships between deficient 25(OH)D and cardiovascular disease. Material and methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 4,591 adults included in a clinical laboratory database from 2009 to 2011 with available measurements for 25(OH)D and the following biomarkers: homocysteine (Hcy), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), cystatin-C, creatinine, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), uric acid, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). We calculated odds ratios (OR) of having high levels of each biomarker associated with 25(OH)D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) compared to optimal levels (≥ 30 ng/ml) using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and lipids. Results The mean ± SD age was 60 ±14 years and 46% of patients were women. In multivariable-adjusted models, adults with deficient 25(OH)D compared to those with optimal levels had increased odds of elevated biomarkers as follows: Hcy (OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.92–3.34), hs-CRP (1.62, 1.36–1.93), cystatin-C (2.02, 1.52–2.68), creatinine (2.06, 1.35–3.14), GGT (1.39, 1.07–1.80), uric acid (1.60, 1.31–1.95), and HbA1c (2.47, 1.95–3.13). In analyses evaluating women and men separately, 25(OH)D deficient women but not men had increased odds of elevated levels of all biomarkers studied. There were significant interactions based on sex between 25(OH)D and Hcy (p = 0.003), creatinine (p = 0.004), uric acid (p = 0.040), and HbA1c (p = 0.037). Conclusions Deficient 25(OH)D is associated with elevated levels of many biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, particularly among women, in a United States population.
Initialization of deformable models from 3D data

The robustness of shape recovery based on deformable models depends in general, on the relative difference of position and topology of the initial model with respect to the data: a close initialization with correct topology guarantees a proper recovery of the object. Furthermore, the closeness of the initial model greatly influences the time of computation needed for the recovery. In this paper, we propose a method for initializing deformable models from range data or volumetric images. The proposed method solves two distinct problems. First, we use the topological segmentation of volumetric images in order to recover the approximate topology of the object. Second, we use an efficient mesh sampling algorithm to control the number of vertices of the initial model. The method takes into account missing data and outliers.