Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secret communication in colored images using saliency map as model

Steganography is a process that involves hiding a message in an appropriate carrier for example an image or an audio file. Many algorithms have been proposed for this purpose in spatial & frequency domain. But in almost all the algorithms it has been noticed that as one embeds the secret data in the image certain characteristics or statistics of the image get disturbed. To deal with this problem another paradigm named as adaptive steganography exists which is based upon some mathematical model. Visual system of human beings does not process the complete area of image rather focus upon limited area of visual image. But in which area does the visual attention focused is a topic of hot research nowadays. Research on psychological phenomenon indicates that attention is attracted to features that differ from its surroundings or the one that are unusual or unfamiliar to the human visual system. Object or region based image processing can be performed more efficiently with information pertaining locations that are visually salient to human perception with the aid of a saliency map. So saliency map may act as model for adaptive steganography in images. Keeping this in view, a novel steganography technique based upon saliency map has been proposed in this work.
Miniaturized Dual-Band CPW-Fed Annular Slot Antenna Design With Arc-Shaped Tuning Stub

The design of a miniaturized dual-band CPW-fed annular slot antenna with arc-shaped tuning stub is proposed. The proposed feeding structure, which includes the arc-shaped tuning stub and a 50- transformer, is connected to the extremity of the CPW fed-line, achieving the dual-band input impedance matching. The return loss of the proposed design exhibits that two wide operating bands are over the bandwidths of 30.8% and 24.0%, respectively. By modifying the angle of the arc-shaped tuning stub, the first-higher order resonant mode can be shifted to the lower frequency band to combine with the fundamental mode of the annular slot, achieving the broadband operation with the bandwidth of 3048 MHz (78.4%). Moreover, the miniaturized design indicates an embedded strip is protruded from the ground plane into a slit, revealing the center frequencies of two resonant bands from 2752 to 1738 MHz (size reduction 60%) and 5022 to 3760 MHz (size reduction 44%), respectively. Two resonant bands of the prototype show the broadside radiation patterns with the maximum peak antenna gains of 3.8 dBi and 5.1 dBi, respectively.
Exploring the Organizational Culture’s Moderating Role of Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Firm Performance: Focused on Corporate Contributions in Korea

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of organizational culture in helping to translate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into firm performance. We employed arguments from the CSR strategy view to highlight the effectiveness of CSR and the contingency approach to explain the vertical fit between CSR and the organizational culture in a firm. Furthermore, we examined the moderating influence of organizational culture on the CSR–firm performance linkage. The results suggest that some organizational cultures moderate the relationship between CSR and financial outcomes, and that organizational culture may play an important role in enhancing a positive relationship between CSR and firm performance.
The relationships between exercise intensity, heart rate, and blood pressure during an incremental isometric exercise test

Abstract Currently, it is not possible to prescribe isometric exercise at an intensity that corresponds to given heart rates or systolic blood pressures. This might be useful in optimizing the effects of isometric exercise training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationships between isometric exercise intensity and both heart rate and systolic blood pressure during repeated incremental isometric exercise tests. Fifteen participants performed seated isometric double-leg knee extension, during which maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was assessed, using an isokinetic dynamometer. From this, a corresponding peak electromyographic activity (EMGpeak) was determined. Subsequently, participants performed two incremental isometric exercise tests (at least 48 h apart) at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% EMGpeak, during which steady-state heart rate and systolic blood pressure were recorded. In all participants, there were linear relationships between %EMGpeak and heart rate (r at least 0.91; P < 0.05) and between %EMGpeak and systolic blood pressure (r at least 0.92; P < 0.05). Also, when repeated tests were compared, there were no differences in the slopes (P > 0.50) or elevations (P > 0.10) for either of the relationships. Therefore, these linear relationships could be used to identify isometric exercise training intensities that correspond to precise heart rates or systolic blood pressures. Training performed in this way might provide greater insight into the underlying mechanisms for the cardiovascular adaptations that are known to occur as a result.
Influence of disodium etidronate on clinical and laboratory manifestations of Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans).

Abstract A six-month double-blind controlled study was performed to determine effectiveness and dose response of disodium etidronate on Paget's disease (osteitis deformans). Forty-seven subjects were studied with pain related to radiologically documented Paget's bone sites as well as marked elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase and hydroxyproline excretion. There was significant (p<0.05) reduction of alkaline phosphatase, hydroxyproline and radiofluoride or radiostrontium uptake over Paget's bone lesions after orally administered disodium etidronate at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg per kilogram per day for six months. There was a dose-response relation of administered disodium etidronate to improvement of pain, with moderate or marked improvement of pain in six of seven subjects on 20 mg per kilogram per day. In all dosage groups the most marked relief of pain was at sites of Paget's involvement of long bones. Apparent side effects were limited to occasional abdominal cramps. (N Engl J Med 289:1379–1384, 1973)
The true effect of MLDA reform : An analysis of the mortality displacement in youth traffic accidents caused by the drinking age reform of the 1980 s

In this paper I will examine the effects on mortality due to motor vehicle accidents among those 18 to 24 years old caused by exposure to a Minimum Legal Drinking Age of less than 21. Previous research has established that an MLDA under 21 increases mortality among teens. However, there is a question whether the heightened mortality among teens represents mortality displaced from the early teens. If an MLDA of 21 delays entrance into drinking, mortality may simply be shifted from the teen years to the early 20s. In my analysis I use a fixed effect model to illustrate that between 1972 and 1994, exposure to a MLDA of 18 years led to an increase in mortality among teens but a 2.7% decrease in mortality amongst the those aged 18-24, a result suggesting significant mortality displacement. The results indicate that a lower MLDA reduces mortality among males but has no impact on female deaths. This evidence is consistent with the ‘experienced drinker hypothesis’.
Glutamine Preserves Liver Glutathione After Lethal Hepatic Injury

Glutathione (GSH) is a major antioxidant that protects tissues from free radical injury. Glutamine augments host defenses and may be important in GSH synthesis. Acetaminophen toxicity causes hepatic GSH depletion and hepatic necrosis. The authors hypothesized that glutamine-supplemented nutrition would enhance liver GSH stores and diminish hepatic injury and death after acetaminophen overdose. Wistar rats received either a standard total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution (STD) or an isocaloric, isonitrogenous glutamine-supplemented solution (GLN). On the 5th day of feeding, animals were given acetaminophen (400 mg/kg intraperitoneally) and then killed at various time points/Standard TPN solution animals had a rapid depletion of hepatic glutathione, whereas GLN animals were resistant to this drop and rapidly repleted hepatic GSH stores. Glutamine-supplemented animals maintained higher plasma glutamine concentrations, had lesser elevations in hepatic enzymes, and sustained significantly fewer complications compared with STD animals. The authors conclude that glutamine-supplemented nutrition preserves hepatic glutathione, protects the liver, and improves survival during acetaminophen toxicity. Glutamine may augment host defenses by enhancing antioxidant protection.
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli: Another Cause of Acute and Chronic Diarrhoea in England?

Summary: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAggEC) has been found to be associated with acute and persistent diarrhoea in children in developing countries. Its clinical significance in developed countries has not been examined in much detail. In a survey of faecal samples from children with diarrhoea presenting to a children's hospital in East London between August and December 1988, EAggEC strains were isolated in 8 of 297 (2.7%) consecutive stool samples collected from 289 children and in 5 of 34 typed E. coli isolates during 1988. Of the 13 children found to be excreting EAggEC, 8 had acute diarrhoea and 5 had chronic diarrhoea of more than 14 days' duration; 5 children had mixed infections. Compared to other organisms found during the same period, EAggEC were isolated as frequently as many other better-known pathogens such as enteropathogenic E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium. We conclude that EAggEC may be an important pathogen in developed countries.
Clinical and pathological features of metastases of primary cutaneous desmoplastic melanoma

Murali R, Zannino D, Synnott M, McCarthy S W, Thompson J F & Scolyer R A (2011) Histopathology 58, 886–895 Clinical and pathological features of metastases of primary cutaneous desmoplastic melanoma
Permeation of topically applied caffeine through human skin--a comparison of in vivo and in vitro data.

AIMS Due to ethical reasons, in vivo penetration studies are not applicable at all stages of development of new substances. Therefore, the development of appropriate in vitro methods is essential, as well as the comparison of the obtained in vivo and in vitro data, in order to identify their transferability. The aim of the present study was to investigate the follicular penetration of caffeine in vitro and to compare the data with the in vivo results determined previously under similar conditions. METHODS The Follicular Closing Technique (FCT) represents a method to investigate the follicular penetration selectively. In the present study, FCT was combined with the Franz diffusion cell in order to differentiate between follicular and intercellular penetration of caffeine into the receptor medium in vitro. Subsequently, the results were compared with the data obtained in an earlier study investigating follicular and intercellular penetration of caffeine in vivo. RESULTS The comparison of the data revealed that the in vitro experiments were valuable for the investigation of the follicular penetration pathway, which contributed in vivo as well as in vitro to approximately 50% of the total penetration, whereas the kinetics of caffeine penetration were shown to be significantly different. CONCLUSIONS The combination of FCT with the Franz diffusion cell represents a valuable method to investigate follicular penetration in vitro. Nevertheless, in vivo experiments should not be abandoned as in vitro, structural changes of skin occur and blood flow and metabolism are absent, probably accounting for reduced penetration rates in vitro.
Application ofin vivo NMR spectroscopy to cancer

A critical review is presented of NMR spectroscopic studies of isolated tumor cells, excised tumors, and in vivo tumors. Although the majority of the studies examined deal with 31P NMR spectroscopy, the potential utility of multinuclear NMR investigations is emphasized. A major theme of this review is the evaluation of the potential applications of in vivo NMR spectroscopy to experimental tumor biology and to the clinical diagnosis and management of cancer. Data are presented demonstrating that this method may prove useful in distinguishing between relatively well vascularized aerobic tumors and poorly vascularized hypoxic tumors. This could provide a basis for identifying tumors responsive to X radiation or hyperthermia. Preliminary experiments point to the possibility that in vivo NMR spectroscopy will be capable of detecting tumor response to chemotherapy, X radiation, and hyperthermia and may also detect drug‐induced toxicity to tissues vital to the survival of the host.
Rapid laboratory identification and characterization of verocytotoxigenic (Shiga toxin producing) Escherichia coli (VTEC/STEC)

Following a brief historical introduction on verocytotoxigenic/Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC/ STEC), the problems of identifying these pathogens, especially those belonging to serotypes other than O157:H7 or O157:H- are discussed. The current molecular biological techniques as well as the immunologically based methods of rapidly diagnosing the presence of VTEC/ STEC in both patient-derived as well as food and environmental samples are reviewed. The extent to which the methods have been fully evaluated is reviewed and the conclusions discussed. The problems of using test systems, which are not evaluated for the specificity and sensitivity with the types of clinical samples with which that laboratory is mainly concerned, arc addressed as there is the risk that false-positive and/or false-negative reactions arc not taken into consideration. This can result in significant consequences on patient therapy, prevention of spread of the disease and with additional costs required for retesting samples and confirmation of test results. The advisability of using a VTEC detection method that is well defined in its strengths and limitations rather than an assay system that has not been well explored for its suitability is stressed.
Pitfalls in double‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral food challenges

Although controlled oral food challenges are considered to be the gold‐standard in the diagnosis of food related symptoms, especially if performed in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) manner, there are still many unanswered questions and newer aspects, which may explain some pitfalls encountered during oral food challenges. For stopping an oral food challenge and declaring a challenge as positive or negative, symptoms should be objective and/or repetitive. The time interval between administering the food and observing the clinical reaction is an ambivalent factor. Possible reasons for false negative assessments include inadvertent drug use during oral challenges, and the fact that a short‐term specific oral tolerance induction (SOTI) may be induced as increasing amounts of the offended food are administered during a titrated oral food challenge. Possible reasons for false positive assessments are the difficulty to maintain an appropriate strict diet throughout the oral challenge procedure, and that the elimination diet implemented before the oral food challenge in children with atopic eczema and suspected food related symptoms may itself be responsible for immediate type clinical symptoms, which had not been reported by the parents before. Finally augmentation factors are among the most plausible explanations for the inadequate reproducibility of an oral food challenge. Although a 100% standardization of the challenge procedure does not seem realistic, efforts should be made to improve the methodology used so far. On the contrary, the possible relation of DBPCFC and SOTI may offer potential advantages for future therapeutic approaches of food allergy.
Influence of Training Volume and Acute Physical Exercise on the Homocysteine Levels in Endurance-Trained Men: Interactions with Plasma Folate and Vitamin B12

The interrelation between physical exercise and plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12, and folic acid has not been examined. Therefore, we investigated the influence of extensive endurance training and acute intense exercise on plasma concentrations of total Hcy, vitamin B12, and folic acid in 42 well-trained male triathletes. Examinations and blood sampling took place before and after a 30-day endurance training period as well as before and 1 and 24 h after a competitive exercise (sprint triathlon). Following the training period, no significant change in Hcy levels could be detected for the whole group. Subgroup analysis in quartiles of training volume revealed that – as compared with the lowest quartile (low-training group: 9.1 h training/week) – athletes in the highest training quartile (high-training group: 14.9 h training/week) exhibited a significant decrease in Hcy levels (from 12.7 ± 2.3 to 11.7 ± 2.4 µmol/l as compared with levels of 12.5 ± 1.5 and 12.86 ± 1.5 µmol/l in the low-training group; p < 0.05). The plasma folate levels were significantly higher in the high-training group at all points of examination (p < 0.05). 1 h and 24 h after competition, the Hcy concentration increased in all athletes independent of the previous training volume (24 h: 12.3 ± 1.8 vs. 13.5 ± 2.6 µmol/l; p < 0.001), although the increase was decisively stronger in the low-training group. 1 h after competition, the plasma folate concentration increased (7.03 ± 2.1 vs. 8.33 ± 2.1 ng/ml; p < 0.05) in all athletes. Multivariate analysis showed that the exercise-induced increase in the Hcy levels was dependent on baselines levels of folate and training volume, but not on the vitamin B12 levels. In conclusion, although intense exercise acutely increased the Hcy levels, chronic endurance exercise was not associated with higher Hcy concentrations. Moreover, athletes with the highest training volume, exhibiting also the highest plasma folate levels, showed a decrease in Hcy levels following the training period as well as a much lower increase of the Hcy concentration after acute intense exercise. The combined effect of training and higher plasma folate levels to reduce Hcy should be investigated in future studies.
Protective immunity to amebic infection demonstrated in guinea pigs.

Abstract Guinea pigs were given a series of intramuscular injections of Entamoeba histolytica antigens mixed with Freund's complete adjuvant. The antigens were sonicated whole amebae and fractions obtained from amebae separated by column chromatography and concentrated by passage through ultrafiltration membranes. After three immunizing doses the animals were challenged with intracecal injection of amebae and were killed 6 days later. Gross and microscopic observations were made, the degree of protection was noted and the antibody response was studied. Fraction I had the largest molecular weight and complete protection was obtained. Partial protection was noted with the other antigens; 70% with whole amebae, 64% with fraction III and 43% with fraction II. Ninety-two percent of unimmunized animals were infected. Unusual lesions were observed in the liver of the immunized animals and their significance is discussed.
Clinical Significance of the Glasgow Prognostic Score in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

AIM To assess the clinical utility of the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) as a blood predictor of postoperative recurrence in patients with gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-nine patients with gastric GISTs undergoing gastrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified based on GPS criteria as follows: GPS of 2: elevated C-reactive protein (>1.0 mg/dl) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dl), GPS of 1: one of these hematological abnormalities, and GPS of 0: neither elevated CRP nor hypoalbuminemia. RESULTS The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classification for a risk stratification demonstrated that 3 (10.3%), 15 (51.7%), 5 (17.2%), and 6 (20.7%) patients were at very low, low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively, of disease recurrence. GPS criteria classified 24 (82.8%), five (17.2%), and no (0%) patients into GPS of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. Postoperative recurrence was identified in five patients (17.2%). Disease recurrence correlated with a risk stratification based on the NIH or GPS classification (p=0.004 and p=0.024, respectively). CONCLUSION The GPS, as well as NIH classification, is a promising blood predictor of disease recurrence in patients with resectable gastric GISTs.
The occurrence of antibodies to hidden and exposed determinants of surface antigens of Trichinella spiralis

SUMMARY Mice were infected per os with Trichinella spiralis and their lymphocytes were removed and fused with mouse myeloma cell line P3 × 63Ag8653P3 for the selection of monoclonal antibodies to biochemically defined, stage-specific surface antigens of 3 parasite developmental stages: muscle larvae, adults and newborn larvae. Two separate antibodies against a defined single surface antigen of each stage were isolated. In each separate case the pair of monoclonal antibodies precipitated the same component from detergent-solubilized surface antigen preparations, but only one was able to bind to the surface of the living worm. The other must therefore be directed against an antigenic epitope which is obscured in the intact worm surface. The latter type of antibody is unlikely to be involved in the initial phase of parasite rejection and hence is another example of a non-protective host antibody response. The stimulus for its synthesis may be release of surface antigen, which does occur in vitro. One surface antigen of the newborn larvae is only detected by antibody in the first 6 h after birth; thereafter its presence is obscured as other antigens appear. The major surface antigen of the infective larvae contains carbohydrate determinants which are not available at the parasite surface. In addition, it displays great molecular heterogeneity but all variants appear to be derived from a common polypeptide structure.
Elevated factor VIII is a risk factor for idiopathic venous thromboembolism in Canada – is it necessary to define a new upper reference range for factor VIII?

Summary Previous studies suggest elevated factor VIII is a common, independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE); however, these studies included secondary and idiopathic VTE. We sought to explore the association between elevated factor VIII and VTE in Canadian patients with idiopathic thrombosis, and confirm the current upper factor VIII reference range was appropriate. We enrolled 300 consecutive patients with idiopathic VTE who were matched to friend controls by age, sex and ethnicity. Factor VIII levels were measured and compared between cases and controls. The optimal cut-off value to designate factor VIII levels as elevated was determined using a variety of methods. The optimal upper cut-off value for factor VIII levels was 270 IU/dl. In the logistic regression analysis, cases were more likely to have elevated factor VIII levels (OR:8.76), as were females (OR:1.93) and older subjects (OR:1.05). Factor VIII cutoffs for a 95% specificity by age were 238 IU/dl for subjects <40 years, 248 IU/dl age 40–55 years, 261 IU/dl age 56–70 years, and 313 IU/dl age >70. Our findings confirm that elevated factor VIII is associated with an increased risk of idiopathic VTE. In our patients and matched controls, the current upper limit of normal (150 IU/dl) for factor VIII is not of clinical use. We propose that the upper limit be increased to 270 IU/dl or individual labs should establish their upper limit if they wish their assays to be discriminatory in patients with VTE. Age specific cut-offs may be clinically relevant.