Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Muslims in Ireland: adaptation and integration

This study explores the lived experiences of Muslims living in Ireland. It focuses particularly on challenges that Muslims face in relation to the practice of their religion and in relation to their integration with the wider non-Muslim Irish society. The research has adopted a phenomenological approach and has utilized a qualitative method of data collection. Twenty-one semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with Muslims from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds. The research has found that simplified categorizations of identity and integration are inadequate to portray the nuanced levels of diversity present within the Muslim population of Ireland. It found that the significant challenges that Muslims in Ireland face in relation to the practice of their religion and their adherence to religiously prescribed rules can be overcome through adaptation to Irish culture and society. It also found that discrimination and misunderstandings of Islam constitute the major challenges that Muslims face in relation to integration and that these are fuelled by meta-narratives of Islam as enemy and media misrepresentations.
Haemodynamic effects of intact digoxin antibody and its Fab fragments in experimental hypertension.

The effects of i.v. injection of intact digoxin antibody (0.3 mg/rat) and of its Fab fragment (40 mg/rat) on blood pressure, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance were measured in conscious spontaneously hypertensive and deoxycorticosterone hypertensive rats. In vitro findings showed that Fab fragment bound radio-labelled digoxin, digitoxin and ouabain more efficiently than did intact antibody. In vivo, Fab fragment prevented the increase of total peripheral resistance induced by i.v. injection digoxin. However, Fab fragment of digoxin antibody did not alter blood pressure, cardiac output or total peripheral resistance in normal and salt-loaded spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in uraemic SHR and in deoxycorticosterone hypertensive rats. We confirmed that intact digoxin antibody--bearing Fc domains with complement activating properties--lowered blood pressure in SHR and in deoxycorticosterone hypertension. This was due to a decrease in total peripheral resistance. Our data suggest that a circulating endogenous digitalis-like factor is unlikely to be important in blood pressure regulation in salt-loaded hypertension in the rat.
On some PDF based moment closure approximations of micro-macro models for viscoelastic polymeric fluids

In this paper we will discuss several issues related to the moment-closure approximation of multiscale models for viscoelastic polymeric fluids. These moment-closure approaches are based on special ansatz for the probability density function (PDF) in the finite extensible nonlinear elastic (FENE) dumbbell micro-macro models which consists of the coupled incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and the Fokker-Planck equations. We present the exact energy law of the resulting closure systems and introduce a post-modification scheme to preserve the positivity of PDF. The scheme not only reduces the region of negative PDF values but also preserves the structure of the induced stress tensor resulting from the molecular behaviors such as stretching and rotation. Numerical verifications are provided for the moment-closure system with some standard external flows. We also explore the relation of the maximum entropy principle (MEP) and the moment-closure approach. 1. Introduction. In this paper, we consider the hydrodynamical systems of dilute polymeric fluids. The viscoelastic flow of rheological complex fluids can be described by a multiscale (micro-macro) model. The multiscale-multiphysics model includes the coupling between the continuum mechanic theory [5] in macroscopic level and the kinetic theory in microscopic level. This micro-macro model also reflects the interaction between two different scales as the macroscopic flow/deformation will affect the microscopic structure through kinematic transport/deformation relation; while the averaging (coarsening) effects of the microscopic molecular configurations such as stretching and orientation will affect the macroscopic flow field through the induced elastic stresses. In many applications, we are more interested in the macroscopic quantity, such as the induced elastic stresses, rather than the detail behavior of molecular/microscopic variables. These stresses, resulting from the average of molecular behaviors, can be described in many situations by the moments of distribution function of molecular configurations. Notice that the PDF of the molecular configurations carries all the microscopic information of the system. Among different molecular models, the two most used well-known models are the Hookean dumbbell model, which is related to the Oldroyd-B viscoelasticity [1, 12], and the finite-extensible-nonlinear-elastic (FENE) dumbbell model [1, 2]. While the Hookean models are the best understood one and form the basis for most analytic studies, in this paper we focus on the FENE spring dumbbell model
Online Submission ID : 0262 Sketch and Match : Scene Montage Using a Huge Image Collection

We present a sketch-based approach to find matching source images for seamless image composition, by leveraging a large amount of image corpus collected from the Internet. Given a target image where the user draws a rough sketch to indicate the desired object fill-in, our system automatically searches a large image database, and returns a sparse set of matching images. These matching images contain salient regions semantically similar to the usersupplied sketch. Once the user has selected the preferred source region, it will be seamlessly pasted onto the target image where the sketch is drawn.
qualitative research: is meaning lost in translation?

This article discusses challenges of language differences in qualitative research, when participants and the main researcher have the same non-English native language and the non-English data lead to an English publication. Challenges of translation are discussed from the perspective that interpretation of meaning is the core of qualitative research. As translation is also an interpretive act, meaning may get lost in the translation process. Recommendations are suggested, aiming to contribute to the best possible representation and understanding of the interpreted experiences of the participants and thereby to the validity of qualitative research.
Zebrafish as a novel experimental model for developmental toxicology

ABSTRACT It is widely believed that embryos and infants during development are highly sensitive to chemicals that cause serious damage to growth. However, knowledge on the mechanisms of developmental toxicity is scarce. One reason for this is limited convenient model system other than organ cultures using rodents to study the various aspects of developmental toxicology. Cultured cells are not always adequate for this purpose, since events in morphogenesis are processed through interactions with other tissues. We focused on zebrafish embryo (Danio rerio), one of the most important organisms in developmental biology. Saturation mutagenesis, applied to droso‐phila and nematode to define the functions of genes, has been carried out in zebrafish but almost no other vertebrate, and several thousand lines are available due to the rapid growth and transparent body of this embryo. Enhanced databases for the genome and ESTs are available at websites with abundant genetic and biological background. By targeted gene knock‐down with morpholino‐modified antisense oligonucleotieds (morpholinos), the translation of a specific protein can be transiently blocked for several days. Many reporter systems in vivo have been established mainly as GFP‐transgenic fish for environmental chemicals. Although several excellent studies have been performed with zebrafish embryos on the effects of chemicals, the developmental toxicology of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) has been most extensively studied to date. We have found that TCDD induces apoptosis in dorsal midbrain with a concomitant decrease in local blood flow, using developing zebrafish. TCDD seems to produce oxidative stress through CYP1A induction in vascular endothelium, resulting in local circulation failure and apoptosis in the dorsal midbrain. In addition to applications in toxicology, an experimental system with zebrafish embryos could help to clarify the mechanism of congenital anomaly, which arises from genetic mutation.
β-Catenin Signalling in Glioblastoma Multiforme and Glioma-Initiating Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a commonly occurring brain tumor with a poor prognosis. GBM can develop both “de novo” or evolve from a previous astrocytoma and is characterized by high proliferation and infiltration into the surrounding tissue. Following treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy), tumors often reappear. Glioma-initiating cells (GICs) have been identified in GBM and are thought to be responsible for tumors initiation, their continued growth, and recurrence. β-catenin, a component of the cell-cell adhesion complex and of the canonical Wnt pathway, regulates proliferation, adhesion, and migration in different cell types. β-catenin and components of the Wnt canonical pathway are commonly overexpressed in GBM. Here, we review previous work on the role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in glioma initiation, proliferation, and invasion. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating GIC biology and glioma progression may help in identifying novel therapeutic targets for GBM treatment.
Inhibition of tissue factor expression by hydroxyurea in polymorphonuclear leukocytes from patients with myeloproliferative disorders: a new effect for an old drug?

Summary. Background: Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from healthy subjects can produce and store tissue factor (TF), which is expressed on PMN surface upon in vitro stimulation with P‐selectin. Results: We report here that platelets and PMN from 12 patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) (six with polycythemia vera, six with essential thrombocythemia) show up regulation of P‐selectin and TF, respectively, in the absence of any in vitro challenge. The number of circulating mixed platelet‐PMN aggregates was also increased. PMN TF expression as well as mixed platelet‐PMN aggregates, but not platelet P‐selectin, were significantly reduced in six MPD patients after treatment with hydroxyurea (HU). In vitro studies performed on PMN separated from healthy donors confirmed HU effects (0–1400 μm). HU prevented both P‐selectin‐induced TF expression and mixed cell aggregate formation. The inhibitory effect of HU was specific for P‐selectin‐induced PMN activation, as it did not affect formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine‐induced PMN TF expression. Conclusions: In MPD patients, platelet P‐selectin‐mediated TF expression on circulating PMN may play a role in thrombus formation and represents a novel target for the antithrombotic activity of HU.
Fading out of vole and predator cycles?

Northern voles and lemmings are famous for their spectacular multiannual population cycles with high amplitudes. Such cyclic vole populations in Scandinavia have shown an unexpected and marked long-term decline in density since the early 1970s, particularly with a marked shift to lower spring densities in the early 1980s. The vole decline, mainly characterized by a strongly decreased rate of change in numbers over winter, is associated with an increased occurrence of mild and wet winters brought about by a recent change in the North Atlantic Oscillation. This has led to a decrease in winter stability and has shortened the period with protective snow cover, the latter considered as an important prerequisite for the occurrence of multiannual, high-amplitude cycles in vole populations. Although the vole decline is predicted to be negative for predators' reproduction and abundance, empirical data showing this are rare. Here we show that the dynamics of a predator–prey system (Tengmalm's owl, Aegolius funereus, and voles), have in recent years gradually changed from 3–4 yr, high-amplitude cycles towards more or less annual fluctuations only.
Effect of carbetocin, oxytocin and prostaglandin E2 and F2α on intrauterine pressure in cows in dioestrus and oestrus

Summary Objective: To describe the physiological activity of the myometrium in oestrus and dioestrus and the induced activity after medication in cows with particular reference to segmental differences. Material and methods: Six cows were given the pharmaceuticals carbetocin, oxytocin and prostaglandin (PG) F2α (dinoprost) intramuscularly and PGE2 intravenously. The physiological myometrial activity was recorded for 15 minutes and the induced activity for 105 minutes by using a transcervically attached pressure probe containing six pressure micro-transducers. Results: Lower pressures were measured in dioestrus com pared to oestrus before (dioestrus 3.2 ± 8.88 mmHg, oestrus 12.4 ± 13.23 mmHg, p < 0.0001) and after the drug administration. Carbetocin provoked the longest lasting effect (60 minutes in dioestrus, 75 minutes in oestrus) followed by PGE2 (45 minutes in dioestrus, 60 minutes in oestrus), PGF2α (30 minutes each) and oxytocin (15 minutes in oestrus only). In contrast to the other drugs carbetocin did not cause any pressure decrease beneath the base level after the primary pressure increase in dioestrus. In dioestrus the pressure before drug administration was significantly higher in the cervix (3.6 ± 19.40 mmHg) and the uterine body (7.1 ± 36.10 mmHg) than in the uterine horn (1.1 ± 7.21 mmHg). Conversely, in oestrus the pressure in the uterine horn (16.6 ± 17.73 mmHg) was significantly higher than in the uterine body (6.2 ± 16.59 mmHg) and the cervix (10.4 ± 17.91 mmHg). Drug administration in dioestrus caused a cornual pressure increase and the pressure in the uterine body decreased, whereas in oestrus the pressure increased in all uterine segments. The physiological frequency of the pressure waves in dioestrus was 5.2 ± 3.02 in 15 minutes compared to 7.5 ± 2.89 in 15 minutes in oestrus. No traceable changes of the contraction frequency were found after medication. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Carbetocin caused the most enduring increase in intrauterine pressure in dioestrus and oestrus and may therefore be indicated best for therapeutic use. The tested drugs had the same effects on the various uterine segments and no effect on the contraction frequency.
Bragg peak prediction from quantitative proton computed tomography using different path estimates

This paper characterizes the performance of the straight-line path (SLP) and cubic spline path (CSP) as path estimates used in reconstruction of proton computed tomography (pCT). The GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit is employed to simulate the imaging phantom and proton projections. SLP, CSP and the most-probable path (MPP) are constructed based on the entrance and exit information of each proton. The physical deviations of SLP, CSP and MPP from the real path are calculated. Using a conditional proton path probability map, the relative probability of SLP, CSP and MPP are calculated and compared. The depth dose and Bragg peak are predicted on the pCT images reconstructed using SLP, CSP, and MPP and compared with the simulation result. The root-mean-square physical deviations and the cumulative distribution of the physical deviations show that the performance of CSP is comparable to MPP while SLP is slightly inferior. About 90% of the SLP pixels and 99% of the CSP pixels lie in the 99% relative probability envelope of the MPP. Even at an imaging dose of ∼0.1 mGy the proton Bragg peak for a given incoming energy can be predicted on the pCT image reconstructed using SLP, CSP, or MPP with 1 mm accuracy. This study shows that SLP and CSP, like MPP, are adequate path estimates for pCT reconstruction, and therefore can be chosen as the path estimation method for pCT reconstruction, which can aid the treatment planning and range prediction of proton radiation therapy.
Crowding Externalities from Tourist Use of Urban Space

Popular urban tourist destinations are attracting large numbers of both overnight visitors and excursionists. Since urban cities perform a multitude of functions, the space requirements of tourists can, at times, interfere with those of local users. This paper addresses the issue of disutilities of space congestion through a dichotomous choice experiment model in order to offer a monetary valuation of tourist crowding in urban public space. A resident survey was carried out in the city of Amsterdam in order to estimate a random parameter logit model through which the residents' willingness to pay to avoid unfavourable crowding situations could be assessed. Their willingness to pay in order to increase the use levels by visitors in the Dam area from ‘not at all crowded’ or ‘not crowded’ to ‘crowded’ was, respectively, €1.36 and €0.83 annually, while the mean willingness to pay for a decline in the use level from ‘very crowded’ to ‘crowded’ was estimated to be €11.06 a year. While tourism is only partly responsible for these crowding levels, the results demonstrate that the social effects of tourist consumption can be positive as well as negative, depending on the existing use level and attitudinal perceptions of residents.
The Effect of Bandpass Uncertainties on Component Separation

Multifrequency measurements of the microwave sky can be decomposed into maps of distinct physical components such as the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect. Each of the multifrequency measurements is a convolution of the spectrum on the sky with the bandpass of the instrument. Here we analytically calculate the contamination of the component maps that can result from errors in our knowledge of the bandpass shape. We find, for example, that for Planck an unknown 10% ramp across each band results in a CMB map δT = δTCMB - 4.3 × 10-3δTSZ plus the usual statistical noise. The variance of this contaminant is more than a factor of 100 below the noise variance at all angular scales and even further below the CMB signal variance. This contamination might lead to an error in the velocity of rich clusters inferred from the kinetic SZ effect; however, the error is negligible, 𝒪(50 km s-1), if the bandpass is known to 10%. Bandpass errors might be important for future missions measuring the CMB-SZ effect correlation.
Suppression of p53 function in normal human mammary epithelial cells increases sensitivity to extracellular matrix–induced apoptosis

Little is known about the fate of normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) that lose p53 function in the context of extracellular matrix (ECM)–derived growth and polarity signals. Retrovirally mediated expression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E6 and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) were used to suppress p53 function in HMECs as a model of early breast cancer. p53+ HMEC vector controls grew exponentially in reconstituted ECM (rECM) until day 6 and then underwent growth arrest on day 7. Ultrastructural examination of day 7 vector controls revealed acinus-like structures characteristic of normal mammary epithelium. In contrast, early passage p53− HMEC cells proliferated in rECM until day 6 but then underwent apoptosis on day 7. p53− HMEC-E6 passaged in non-rECM culture rapidly (8–10 passages), lost sensitivity to both rECM-induced growth arrest and polarity, and also developed resistance to rECM-induced apoptosis. Resistance was associated with altered expression of α3-integrin. Treatment of early passage p53− HMEC-E6 cells with either α3- or β1-integrin function-blocking antibodies inhibited rECM-mediated growth arrest and induction of apoptosis. Our results indicate that suppression of p53 expression in HMECs by HPV-16 E6 and ODNs may sensitize cells to rECM-induced apoptosis and suggest a role for the α3/β1-heterodimer in mediating apoptosis in HMECs grown in contact with rECM.
Joint Inference of the Distribution of Fitness Effects of Deleterious Mutations and Population Demography Based on Nucleotide Polymorphism Frequencies

The distribution of fitness effects of new mutations (DFE) is important for addressing several questions in genetics, including the nature of quantitative variation and the evolutionary fate of small populations. Properties of the DFE can be inferred by comparing the distributions of the frequencies of segregating nucleotide polymorphisms at selected and neutral sites in a population sample, but demographic changes alter the spectrum of allele frequencies at both neutral and selected sites, so can bias estimates of the DFE if not accounted for. We have developed a maximum-likelihood approach, based on the expected allele-frequency distribution generated by transition matrix methods, to estimate parameters of the DFE while simultaneously estimating parameters of a demographic model that allows a population size change at some time in the past. We tested the method using simulations and found that it accurately recovers simulated parameter values, even if the simulated demography differs substantially from that assumed in our analysis. We use our method to estimate parameters of the DFE for amino acid-changing mutations in humans and Drosophila melanogaster. For a model of unconditionally deleterious mutations, with effects sampled from a gamma distribution, the mean estimate for the distribution shape parameter is ∼0.2 for human populations, which implies that the DFE is strongly leptokurtic. For Drosophila populations, we estimate that the shape parameter is ∼0.35. Differences in the shape of the distribution and the mean selection coefficient between humans and Drosophila result in significantly more strongly deleterious mutations in Drosophila than in humans, and, conversely, nearly neutral mutations are significantly less frequent.
Intraspecific diversity in Sinningia speciosa (Gesneriaceae: Sinningieae), and possible origins of the cultivated florist's gloxinia

This research examines the relationships between 24 accessions (17 wild, 7 cultivars) of Sinningia speciosa, the florist’s gloxinia. Phenetic and phylogenetic methods together suggest that distinct geographic lineages exist within this taxon, which will be important for future conservation efforts.