Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A framework for multi-scale modelling

We review a methodology to design, implement and execute multi-scale and multi-science numerical simulations. We identify important ingredients of multi-scale modelling and give a precise definition of them. Our framework assumes that a multi-scale model can be formulated in terms of a collection of coupled single-scale submodels. With concepts such as the scale separation map, the generic submodel execution loop (SEL) and the coupling templates, one can define a multi-scale modelling language which is a bridge between the application design and the computer implementation. Our approach has been successfully applied to an increasing number of applications from different fields of science and technology.
Spanish Stock Returns: Where is the Weather Effect?

Psychological studies support the existence of an influence of weather on mood. Saunders (1993) and Hirshleifer and Shumway (2001) argue that the weather could affect the behaviour of market traders and, therefore, it should be reflected in the stock returns. This paper investigates the possible relation between weather and market index returns in the context of the Spanish market. In 1989, this market changed its open outcry trading system into a computerised and decentralised trading system. Therefore, it is possible to check the influence of weather variables (sunshine hours and humidity levels) on index returns in an open outcry trading system, and to compare it with a screen traded environment. The empirical evidence indicates that, independently of the trading system, there is no influence of weather on stock prices. Thus, these findings do not contest the notion of efficient markets.
Upward migration of cultured autologous keratinocytes in Integra™ artificial skin: a preliminary report

The combination of cultured autologous keratinocytes with the dermal regeneration template Integra™ could offer increased possibilities for reconstructive surgery and wound healing. A single‐step application of cells, centrifuged deep into an Integra™‐like matrix at the silicone–matrix junction, has been described but might prove technically complex for clinical use. We have investigated the possibility of simplifying this procedure by applying cultured cells directly to the underside of the Integra™ or directly to the wound bed immediately prior to grafting. The objective was to see whether cells would migrate through the matrix in an upward direction. We tested the principle of this concept using a pig wound healing model. Integra™ was seeded directly with cultured cells and grafted onto fresh full‐thickness wounds, or unseeded Integra™ was applied to freshly excised wound beds that had just been seeded with the same number of cells. Biopsies were taken at 3, 7, 11, and 14 days. Histological sections showed that the cells moved through the Integra™ to give a confluent surface epithelium. Direct seeding onto the Integra™ was the most efficient method. Transduction of cultured autologous keratinocytes in vitro with a MFGlacZnls retrovirus confirmed that the epidermis was derived from the cultured autologous keratinocytes. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:132–138)
Anonymous and Secure Communication Protocol for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks

Cognitive radio (CR) networks are becoming an increasingly important part of the wireless networking landscape due to the ever-increasing scarcity of spectrum resources throughout the world. Nowadays CR media is becoming popular wireless communication media for disaster recovery communication network. Although the operational aspects of CR are being explored vigorously, its security aspects have gained less attention to the research community. The existing research on CR network mainly focuses on the spectrum sensing and allocation, energy efficiency, high throughput, end-to-end delay and other aspect of the network technology. But, very few focuses on the security aspect and almost none focus on the secure anonymous communication in CR networks (CRNs). In this research article we would focus on secure anonymous communication in CR ad hoc networks (CRANs). We would propose a secure anonymous routing for CRANs based on pairing based cryptography which would provide source node, destination node and the location anonymity. Furthermore, the proposed research would protect different attacks those are feasible on CRANs.
Nephrotic Syndrome in Children – Studies from South Africa

Worldwide research has shown that racial differences occur with regard to the histological subtypes, response to treatment and outcome of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children (Bhimma et al. 2006:1847; Bhimma, R. 2009:15; Ingulli T Filler et al. 2003 :1107; Srivastava et al. 1991:13). Studies reporting the outcome of INS associated with FSGS are variable, which is not surprising, as differences in the population mix, aetiology, pathogenesis and duration of disease are often not taken into consideration. This begs the question whether the recommendation of the International Study of Kidney Disease in Children for the management of INS should still be adhered to. Or should it be revised taking into consideration different racial groups? On the other hand, in the light of the rising incidence of FSGS, it may be prudent to withdraw the recommendation. Paediatric nephrologists from developing countries, and specifically Africa, need to formulate guidelines specific to their patients with INS. To this end, relevant clinical characteristics such as the antenatal and family history, birth weight, feeding and nutrition, growth and onset of disease should be documented and analysed in their reports. Low birth weight (LBW) which has been shown to be associated with decreased glomerular endowment (Manalich et al. 2007:770, Vehaskari , VM. 2007:490) and subsequent increased risk for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a case in point, since it is more common in impoverished population groups living in Africa. However, most publications describing the influence of LBW on CKD come from developed countries. (Teeninga et al. 2008:1615)
Vestibular and Visual Interaction in Generation of Rapid Eye Movements a

It is generally accepted that saccades and quick phases of nystagmus are generated by a common premotor neuronal mechanism. To make rapid eye movements, ocular motoneurons innervating agonists exhibit a burst of spikes and those innervating antagonists cease or decrease firing. ',* There is good evidence that these changes in motoneuron activity are produced by high-frequency bursts of spikes from premotor burst For horizontal eye movements, both excitatorybR and inhibitory burst neuronsSl2 have been identified, and their locations in the pontomedullary reticular formation and their monosynaptic connections with abducens motoneurons have been verified electrophysiologically and morphologically. These premotor burst neurons participate in any type of rapid eye movement and exhibit a burst of spikes for saccades and quick phases of vestibular and optokinetic nystagmus with an ipsilateral horizontal comp~nent . ~~ '~~-" The number of spikes in the burst is linearly related to the amplitude of the ipsilateral component of eye movement, and the intraburst firing rate to the ipsilateral component of eye Another neuronal element in the premotor circuitry, the omnipause neurons, plays an important role in generation of burst activity in burst neurons. Omnipause neurons fire at high rates during fixation and the slow phase of nystagmus, and cease firing during all types of rapid eye movement in any d i r e ~ t i o n . ~ ~ ~ ~ ' It is believed that they tonically inhibit burst n e ~ r o n s ~ * ~ ' ~ ~ ~ and that the pause in their activity causes disinhibition of burst neurons and thereby controls burst duration. " However, such disinhibition apparently does not contain information on the direction, amplitude, and velocity of rapid eye movements. Together with disinhibition, excitatory signals coding this information must be fed to burst neurons to control the metrics of saccades or quick phases. A recent paper by Ohki et al. has provided evidence for the existence of candidate neurons for an excitatory source generating spike bursts associated with the quick phase of vestibular nystagmus.20 These neurons are located in the prepositus hypoglossi nucleus and the underlying medullary reticular formation, and project contralaterally to excite burst neurons monosynaptically. They display type I1
A class of methods based on a septic non-polynomial spline function for the solution of sixth-order two-point boundary value problems

Two new second- and fourth-order methods based on a septic non-polynomial spline function for the numerical solution of sixth-order two-point boundary value problems are presented. The spline function is used to derive some consistency relations for computing approximations to the solution of this problem. The proposed approach gives better approximations than existing polynomial spline and finite difference methods up to order four and has a lower computational cost. Convergence analysis of these two methods is discussed. Three numerical examples are included to illustrate the practical use of our methods as well as their accuracy compared with existing spline function methods.
Early effects of coronary artery bypass grafting on left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE To determine the early effects of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) on regional left ventricular wall motion abnormality in patients undergoing surgery for proven Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). DESIGN Quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi. from October 2005 to April 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of a 100 adult patients who underwent elective CABG were selected. Pre-operative echocardiography was done to note if segmental left ventricular wall motion at basal, mid and apical levels were normal, hypokinetic, akinetic, dyskinetic, or aneurysmal. Postoperative echocardiography was done between 4th and 6th day and change in left ventricular segmental wall motion was noted. RESULTS Seventy-five patients (n=75) were included in the analysis. These results showed that effect of CABG on anterior segmental wall motion abnormalities was insignificant (p=.609), the effect on the anterior IVS showed deterioration of segmental wall motion and this effect was significant (p=.001), effect is insignificant on anteriolateral segmental wall motion abnormalities (p=.078), normal pre-operative segments in posterior wall showed stability (p=.664) while disappearance of dyskinetic, reduction in akinetic segments postoperatively and inferior wall motion have same effects as of posterior wall. Comparison of pre-operative and postoperative echocardiographic data revealed early improvement in segmental wall motion of posterior and inferior wall, while alterations in segmental wall motion of anterior, anterior-lateral and septal wall. CONCLUSION Myocardial revascularization by CABG improves early left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities where SVG is used as conduit for revascularization whereas no significant improvement occurs in early segmental wall motion in areas revascularized by LIMA.
Rosmarinic Acid Induces p56lck-Dependent Apoptosis in Jurkat and Peripheral T Cells via Mitochondrial Pathway Independent from Fas/Fas Ligand Interaction 1

Apoptosis is one way of controlling immune responses, and a variety of immunosuppressive drugs suppress harmful immune responses by inducing apoptosis of lymphocytes. In this study we observed that rosmarinic acid, a secondary metabolite of herbal plants, induced apoptosis in an p56lck (Lck)-dependent manner; Lck+ Jurkat T cells undergo apoptosis in response to rosmarinic acid (RosA) treatment, whereas Lck− Jurkat subclone J.CaM1. 6 cells do not. J.CaM1. 6 cells with various Lck mutants indicated that Lck SH2 domain, but not Lck kinase activity, was required for RosA-induced apoptosis. RosA induced apoptosis in the absence of a TCR stimulus, and this was not prevented by interruption of the Fas/Fas ligand interaction. Instead, RosA-mediated apoptosis involved a mitochondrial pathway as indicated by cytochrome c release and the complete blockage of apoptosis by an inhibitor of mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Both caspase-3 and -8 were indispensable in RosA-induced apoptosis and work downstream of mitochondria and caspase-9 in the order of caspase-9/caspase-3/caspase-8. In freshly isolated human PBMC, RosA specifically induced apoptosis of Lck+ subsets such as T and NK cells, but not Lck-deficient cells, including B cells and monocytes. Moreover, RosA’s ability to kill T and NK cells was restricted to actively proliferating cells, but not to resting cells. In conclusion, Lck-dependent apoptotic activity may make RosA an attractive therapeutic tool for the treatment of diseases in which T cell apoptosis is beneficial.
Régions régulatrices Eµ et 3'RR au locus des chaînes lourdes d'immunoglobulines : dynamique, fonctions et interactions des modules

L’expression des immunoglobulines (Ig) par les cellules B est dictee par de multiples remaniements geniques appelees recombinaisons V(D)J, commutation de classe (CSR) et hypermutation somatique (SHM). Tous ces evenements sont controles par des elements cis-regulateurs notamment au locus IgH. Les mieux decrits sont la region intronique Eµ et ses regions d’attachement a la matrice nucleaire MARsEµ et la region regulatrice en 3’ du locus IgH (3’RR), constituee de 4 elements activateurs (hs3a ; hs1,2 ; hs3b ; hs4) et possedant une structure quasi-palindromique tres conservee. Afin d’etudier ces regions regulatrices, nous avons analyse plusieurs modeles murins presentant la deletion de la totalite de la region Eµ, des MARsEµ, et de diverses parties de la 3’RR. Ces modeles ont mis au jour des fonctions insoupconnees de ces regions regulatrices, a divers stades du developpement B. Au dela de son role regulateur des rearrangements precoces de DH vers JH, nous avons precise la fenetre d’action de region Eµ et son role sur la transcription et l’expression de la chaine lourde µ du stade pre-B jusqu’au stade B transitionnel. L’activateur Eµ module en effet l’expression du pre-BCR et du BCR et par consequent conditionne l’orientation des cellules B matures vers les compartiments de la zone marginale et folliculaire. Notre etude indique egalement que Eµ n’influence pas le choix des segments VH au cours de la recombinaison VDJ. Nous montrons que les regions MARsEµ, sont impliquees dans le ciblage des genes d’Ig par l’hypermutation somatique. Le mode d’action de ces regions MARsEµ reste a definir mais nous decrivons qu’il est decouple de la transcription et qu’il affecte egalement des loci situes sur des chromosomes differents : loci codant les chaines legeres d’Ig (Ig) et loci des cibles illegitimes de AID (Bcl6 et Cd83). Une etude comparant un nouveau modele murin deficient pour la region quasi-palindromique 3’IgH (de hs3a a hs3b) a deux autres modeles de notre laboratoire (3’RR KO et hs3b-hs4 KO) nous a permis d’identifier deux modules fonctionnels complementaires dans la region 3’RR. Le module distal (hs4) implique dans la regulation de l’expression de la chaine lourde du stade B immature au stade B naif et le module proximal (de hs3a a hs3b) necessaire aux stades matures pour la SHM et la CSR vers la majorite des isotypes apres activation, mais egalement pour la synthese des anticorps par les plasmocytes.
MARIGOLD AND ORANGE SKIN AS EGG YOLK COLOR PROMOTING AGENTS

The research was conducted with natural ingredients and orange skin in the diet of laying pullets to determine the suitability as pigmenting agents of egg yolk for laying chicken The influence of tes t ingredients on production characteristics of laying pullets, internal and external quality characteristics of eggs were investigated simultaneously. The experiment covered the proximate analysis of marigold, orange skin meal to determine the nutrient concentrations, xanthophylls contents and 7-12 weeks feeding trail to th th investigate the yolk pigment availability of marigold and orange skin as well as laying performance of birds. Orange skin and marigold were used for comparing the pigmenting ability to normal feed containing xanthophylls. Yolk color was improved significantly as compared to control for addition of marigold and orange skin during 4 , 8 and 12 weeks of supplementation. Inclusion of marigold and orange skin in the th th th diet of laying pullets did not cause deterioration in natural and external quality of eggs and there were no significant variations with respect to body weight, hen day egg production egg weight and feed conversion. There was no mortality of birds during study period. The results indicates the conclusion that between two natural ingredients marigold contain more xanthophylls (156.32mg/kg DM) than orange skin (83.02mg/kg DM) and use of 4% marigold meal in the diet of laying pullets is enough to produce eggs with yolk color score 11.00 close to 30 mg synthetic pigment/kg diet at the 12 week of supplementation, whereas the birds that th received 4% orange skin in the diet were able to produce eggs with yolk color score 5.0. Moreover, use of marigold and orange skin in diet of pullet has no detrimental effect on internal and external quality of egg as well as egg production characteristics. So, marigold can be used more efficiently for egg yolk pigmentation.
Comparison of pharmacokinetics between sarpogrelate hydrochloride immediate-release formulation and controlled-release formulation.

OBJECTIVE Sarpogrelate hydrochloride is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtype 2A (5HT(2A)) antagonist that blocks serotonin-induced platelet aggregation. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of sarpogrelate and its metabolite after dosing with a controlledrelease (CR) formulation or an immediaterelease (IR) formulation. METHODS In this open-label, 2-period, 2-treatment crossover study, 36 healthy male subjects were evenly allocated to two groups in a sequence-randomized manner. In the first period, the first group received 100-mg sarpogrelate IR 3 times at a 6-h interval, and the second group received 300-mg sarpogrelate CR once. After a 7-day washout, the two groups switched their dosing schedule. Serial blood sampling was performed up to 24 hours after the first drug administration during each period. Plasma concentrations of sarpogrelate and its metabolite (M-1) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental methods. RESULTS There were no significant differences between two formulations in the pharmacokinetic properties in the time to reach maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of sarpogrelate and its metabolite. The CR-to-IR geometric mean ratios, as measured by area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) were 1.31 (90% confidence interval, 1.22 - 1.41) for sarpogrelate and 1.21 (1.14 - 1.29) for M-1. The C(max) was 0.98 (0.85 - 1.12) for sarpogrelate and 1.07 (0.96 - 1.19) for M-1. CONCLUSIONS After the administration of sarpogrelate hydrochloride CR and IR formulations using the same daily dose, AUCs were slightly higher for the CR formulation than for the IR formulation for both sarpogrelate and its metabolite M-1, but the C(max) values were similar.
Clomiphene citrate, metformin or both as first‐step approach in treating anovulatory infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a systematic review of head‐to‐head randomized controlled studies and meta‐analysis

Background To date, no systematic review or meta‐analysis has been published of direct head‐to‐head studies comparing clomiphene citrate (CC) vs. metformin, or the combination of both drugs as first‐line therapy in anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients seeking pregnancy. The aim of the current paper was to define, if possible, the best evidence‐based recommendations regarding the use of CC and/or metformin as the initial treatment of PCOS women with anovulatory infertility.
Harsanyi Power Solutions in Coalitional Control Systems

In coalitional control the connections among the different parts of a control network evolve dynamically to achieve a trade-off between communication burden and control performance, and the coalition choices are made by selecting the network topology with minimal payoff. This work analyzes how Harsanyi power solutions for games in coalitional control schemes, which generalize the Shapley value in this context, can be used to quantify the value of the communication links under different control topologies. To this end, a game among these links is considered, and the payoff that each link receives is determined by the Harsanyi power solutions, which take into account the communication costs and the predicted infinite-horizon costs for these topologies. The concept of link power measure as a centrality index to configure the communication costs is also introduced. As a result, a more computationally efficient design method with respect to previous works has been proposed.
Volume-constrained image registration for pre- and post-operative CT liver data

The resection of a tumor is one of the most common tasks in liver surgery. Here, it is of particular importance to resect the tumor and a safety margin on the one hand and on the other hand to preserve as much healthy liver tissue as possible. To this end, a preoperative CT scan is taken in order to come up with a sound resection strategy. It is the purpose of this paper to compare the preoperative planning with the actual resection result. Obviously the pre- and postoperative data is not straightforward comparable, a meaningful registration is required. In the literature one may find a rigid and a landmark-based approach for this task. Whereas the rigid registration does not compensate for nonlinear deformation the landmark approach may lead to an unwanted overregistration. Here we propose a fully automatic nonlinear registration with volume constraints which seems to overcome both aforementioned problems and does lead to satisfactory results in our test cases.
Phase distribution of synthetic pyrethroids in runoff and stream water

Synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) are a group of hydrophobic compounds with significant aquatic toxicity. Their strong affinity to suspended solids and humic materials suggests that SPs in natural surface water are distributed in solid‐adsorbed, dissolved organic matter (DOM)‐adsorbed, and freely dissolved phases. The freely dissolved phase is of particular importance because of its mobility and bioavailability. In the present study, we used solid‐phase microextraction to detect the freely dissolved phase, and we evaluated the phase distribution of bifenthrin and permethrin in stream and runoff waters. In stream water, most SPs were associated with the suspended solids and, to a lesser extent, with DOM. The freely dissolved phase contributed only 0.4% to 1.0%. In runoff effluents, the freely dissolved concentration was 10% to 27% of the overall concentration. The predominant partitioning into the adsorbed phases implies that the toxicity of SPs in surface water is reduced because of decreased bioavailability. This also suggests that monitoring protocols that do not selectively define the freely dissolved phase can lead to significant overestimation of toxicity or water‐quality impacts by SPs.