Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wavelet Convolutional Neural Networks for Texture Classification

Texture classification is an important and challenging problem in many image processing applications. While convolutional neural networks (CNNs) achieved significant successes for image classification, texture classification remains a difficult problem since textures usually do not contain enough information regarding the shape of object. In image processing, texture classification has been traditionally studied well with spectral analyses which exploit repeated structures in many textures. Since CNNs process images as-is in the spatial domain whereas spectral analyses process images in the frequency domain, these models have different characteristics in terms of performance. We propose a novel CNN architecture, wavelet CNNs, which integrates a spectral analysis into CNNs. Our insight is that the pooling layer and the convolution layer can be viewed as a limited form of a spectral analysis. Based on this insight, we generalize both layers to perform a spectral analysis with wavelet transform. Wavelet CNNs allow us to utilize spectral information which is lost in conventional CNNs but useful in texture classification. The experiments demonstrate that our model achieves better accuracy in texture classification than existing models. We also show that our model has significantly fewer parameters than CNNs, making our model easier to train with less memory.
Quality and Sensory Comparison of Ostrich and Goat Meat

Background: Meat is an animal flesh and good source of protein in human diet. Poultry production has increased in the world owing to consumer’s demand resulting in decreased consumption of red meat. Major issues with consumption of red meat are higher cholesterol level, cardiovascular diseases, artheoseclorosis and other health threatening problems. Issues related to red meat can be solved by consumption of ostrich meat that is recognized as healthy. In the poultry industry ostrich farming is an innovative turn and can provide a new taste in the food industry. Methods: For this purpose, comparative study of ostrich and goat meat was carried out National Institute of Food Science and Technology from March to September 2018. The objective was to study proximate composition, physico-chemical characteristic and sensory evaluation of ostrich and goat meat. Results: The result indicated that ostrich meat shows higher moisture content, higher protein content and higher ash content as compared to goat meat. Fat content was low in ostrich meat as compared to goat meat. Water holding capacity, collagen content was high in ostrich meat as compared to goat meat. Ostrich meat shows dark red cherry color as compared to goat meat and show high myoglobin as compared to goat meat. Sensory evaluation of ostrich meat gains highly acceptable score as compared to goat meat. Conclusion: The present study indicated that ostrich meat was more acceptable as compared to goat meat. So, it would be recommended for those consumer that having high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases and other such diseases. Ostrich meat is overall good for everyone, good for health without any life threatening. Key-words: Goat meat, Ostrichmeat, Physico-chemical characteristic, Proximate analysis, Sensory evaluation
Abortion counseling.

Abortion counseling has 3 purposes: 1) to aid the applicant in making a decision about the unwanted pregnancy, 2) to help her implement the decision, and 3) to assist her in controlling her future fertility. To accomplish the 1st objective, the compulsory use of psychiatrists to prove emotional disorders has been unsatisfactory. Counseling needs to be supportive and nonjudgmental regardless of circumstances. Hostile feelings of the counselor must be suppressed. The applicant should be informed regarding the physical and emotional aspects of the abortion procedure. Also, good counseling should aim at future prevention by determining the reasons for failure that caused the unwanted pregnancy. Of importance in selecting abortion counselors are qualities described as personality traits. These include empathy, nonpossessive warmth, and genuineness. Also, maturity and flexibility are needed in allowing the woman to make the decision, particularly in cases of ambivalence and uncertainty. A program in New York City has used women counselors who themselves have had abortions. This experience alone is not sufficient, but may be significant. The counselor needs basic knowledge of sexual physiology, psychology, and contraceptive technology. Also, the counselor should be able to recognize prodromal psychiatric signs of an imminent crisis, and be able to initiate steps of prevention. Training programs vary widely. Flexibility is needed. Experience in counseling couples is important. Assistance by an experienced counselor is helpful on a continuing basis, particularly for the new counselor. Group sessions and didactic presentations are needed. To obtain acceptance of postabortal contraception may pose special problems. A history of previous psychiatric disturbance may require referral to a trained consultant. Strong religious or ethical feelings modify attitudes. The woman must not feel coerced. She should be able to integrate the experience in such a way as to prevent a recurrence.
The next decade of the database course: three decades speak to the next

Last year at SIGCSE'99, for the first time in recent memory, a Birds-of-Feather (BOF) session for Database educators was held. As some attendees noted, there had not been a Database education paper accepted for that or the previous SIGCSE meetings, although there had been three @@@@ 1997 [12]. From about two dozen educators, “meta-data” or data about many aspects of their courses were discovered. Few had paid any attention to ACM/IEEE's curriculum '91 when designing their courses to fit late-century students' needs. This expository paper examines, first, what was the state of the Database course near the end of the 20th century, as background to a discussion of what should or will be the near-term future of the (first, undergraduate) Database course. From data gathered mostly at the BOF and some later by email, we found the following “state of the course,” 1998-99.
A Newly Proposed Method to Predict Optimum Occlusal Vertical Dimension.

PURPOSE Establishing the optimum occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in prosthetic treatment is an important clinical procedure. No methods are considered to be scientifically accurate in determining the reduced OVD in patients with missing posterior teeth. The purpose of this study was to derive a new formula to predict the lower facial height (LFH) using cephalometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-eight lateral cephalometric radiographs of Japanese clinical residents (mean age, 28.6 years) with complete natural dentition were used for this study. Conventional skeletal landmarks were traced. Not only the LFH, but six angular parameters and four linear parameters, which did not vary with reduced OVD, were selected. Multiple linear regression analysis with a stepwise forward approach was used to develop a prediction formula for the LFH using other measured parameters as independent variables. RESULTS The LFH was significantly correlated with Gonial angle, SNA, N-S, Go-Me, Nasal floor to FH, Nasal floor to SN, and FH to SN. By stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the following formula was obtained: LFH (degree) = 65.38 + 0.30* (Gonial angle; degree) - 0.49* (SNA; degree) - 0.41* (N-S; mm) + 0.21* (Go-Me; mm) - 15.45* (Nasal floor to FH; degree) + 15.22* (Nasal floor to SN; degree) - 15.40* (FH to SN; degree). CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this study for one racial group, our prediction formula is valid in every LFH range (37 to 59°), and it may also be applicable to patients in whom the LFH deviated greatly from the average.
An analysis of the anatomic variations of the paranasal sinuses and ethmoid roof using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE To determine the Keros classification and asymmetrical distribution rates of the ethmoid roof and the frequency of anatomic variations of the paranasal sinuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Paranasal sinus scans of 500 patients obtained using computed tomography were evaluated retrospectively. Measurements were performed using a coronal plan with right-left comparison and with distance measurement techniques. The depth of the lateral lamella was calculated by subtracting the depth of the cribriform plate from the depth of the medial ethmoid roof. The results were classified according to their Keros classification. Any asymmetries in the ethmoid roof depth and fovea ethmoidalis configuration were examined. The anatomic variations frequently encountered in paranasal sinuses (pneumatized middle concha, paradoxical middle concha, agger nasi cells, Haller cells, Onodi cells, etc.) were defined. RESULTS The mean height of the lateral lamella cribriform plate (LLCP) was 4.92±1.70 mm. The cases were classified as 13.4% Keros Type I, 76.1% Keros Type II, and 10.5% Keros Type III. There was asymmetry in the LLCP depths of 80% of the cases, and a configuration asymmetry in the fovea in 35% of the cases. In 32% of the cases with fovea configuration asymmetry, there was also asymmetry in the height of the right and left LLCP. The most frequent variations were nasal septum deviation (81.8%), agger nasi cells (63.8%), intralamellar air cells (45%), and concha bullosa (30%). CONCLUSION Using the Keros classification for LLCP height, higher rates of Keros Type I were found in other studies than in our study. The most frequent classification was Keros Type II. The paranasal sinus variations in each patient should be carefully evaluated. The data obtained from these evaluations can prevent probable complications by informing rhinologists performing endoscopic sinus surgery about preoperative and intraoperative processes.
Slurry and Technology Optimization for Grouting Fissures in Earthen Sites with Quicklime

Shrinkage differentiation and the need for multiple replenishments of slurry after fissure reinforcement are key problems for the grouting reinforcement of fissures in earthen sites. In this study, quicklime was mixed with 1.5% SH binder, clay, and fly ash in different proportions to prepare nine different mixtures and water-cement ratios of SH-(CaO + C + F) slurry. An expansibility test was performed, and based on the results, four groups of slurry were selected for a fluidity test. Ultimately, three different water-cement ratios were considered, and the mixing ratio of 3 : 2 : 5 was determined to produce the optimum slurry. The curing age was optimized according to the intensity and tensile and flexural strengths of the concretion. The selected slurry and curing age were then applied to testing traditional grouting technology and optimized grouting technology (i.e., microlime piles in the fissure) in fissure grouting field experiments. The acoustic wave, penetration resistance, and infrared thermal imaging results after fissure grouting were used to develop a preliminary explanation for the related mechanisms of slurry swelling, hardening, and lime pile compaction. The results showed that the combination of the preferred slurry and optimized grouting technology help address the problems of shrinkage differentiation on both sides of the fissure and need for multiple replenishments of the slurry after grouting.
The Effects of Competition and Time Constraints on Knowledge Transfer: Exploratory Findings from Two Experiments

This paper presents two experiments that examine the possible effects of competition (individual and team), and time constraints on knowledge hiding and knowledge sharing. Results suggest that competition plays a stronger role in knowledge sharing behaviors, but less of a role in knowledge hiding behaviors, while time, although a common excuse for not sharing, is not associated with knowledge hiding or sharing behaviors. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Cytokine production in human periodontal ligament cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although some functions and characterizations of human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells have been reported, the role of hPDL cells in periodontal disease is poorly understood. We have previously reported that hPDL cells produce many kinds of inflammatory cytokines by stimulation with Prevotella intermedia. In this study, we examined the production of cytokines in hPDL cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis as compared with P. intermedia. MATERIAL AND METHODS hPDL cells cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagles's medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics. After three to four passages, hPDL cells were stimulated with P. intermedia (ATCC25601) or P. gingivalis (ATCC33277) for 24 h. Total RNA was extracted by ISOGEN and the expression of cytokine mRNA was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cytokines in the culture supernatants were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA was detected in hPDL cells after stimulation with P. gingivalis as well as P. intermedia. There were no significant differences in the kind of cytokines expressed in hPDL cells between P. gingivalis and P. intermedia. However, P. gingivalis induced a significantly higher production of cytokines in hPDL cells than P. intermedia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that hPDL cells produce many kinds of cytokines as a result of bacterial stimulation, including stimulation with P. gingivalis and P. intermedia. These results suggest that hPDL cells may play a role in cytokine production in periodontal disease.
Complex relationship between acquisition of beta-lactam resistance and loss of virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

In a previous study of a murine peritonitis model, no Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were found that were both clinically penicillin resistant and virulent. This study assessed the relationship between acquired resistance and virulence in single- and double-isogenic penicillin-resistant (Peni-R) mutants obtained by transformation of a virulent penicillin-susceptible recipient strain with pbp2b and pbpX polymerase chain reaction fragments from a Peni-R donor strain. Sequence analysis results of the pbp2b and pbpX alleles from these strains were in keeping with acquired penicillin resistance. The virulence of these strains was significantly reduced, which shows a relationship between beta-lactam resistance and loss of virulence. The phenotype of the 23.2x mutant remained stable after in vivo passage, which suggests that the pbpX gene is involved in growth, whereas virulent revertants of the 23.2b and 23.2b. 2x mutants had no change in MIC. Compensatory mutations are implicated in the revival of virulence.
The Proline-Rich Region of Pneumococcal Surface Proteins A and C Contains Surface-Accessible Epitopes Common to All Pneumococci and Elicits Antibody-Mediated Protection against Sepsis

ABSTRACT Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and PspC of Streptococcus pneumoniae are surface virulence proteins that interfere with complement deposition and elicit protective immune responses. The C-terminal halves of PspA and PspC have some structural similarity and contain highly cross-reactive proline-rich (PR) regions. In many PR regions of PspA and PspC, there exists an almost invariant nonproline block (NPB) of about 33 amino acids. Neither the PR regions nor their NPB exhibit the alpha-helical structure characteristic of much of the protection-eliciting N-terminal portions of PspA and PspC. Prior studies of PspA and PspC as immunogens focused primarily on the alpha-helical regions of these molecules that lack the PR and NPB regions. This report shows that immunization with recombinant PR (rPR) molecules and passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies reactive with either NPB or PR epitopes are protective against infection in mice. PR regions of both PspA and PspC were antibody accessible on the pneumococcal surface. Our results indicate that while PspA could serve as a target of these protective antibodies in invasive infections, PspC might not. When antibody responses to rPR immunogens were evaluated by using flow cytometry to measure antibody binding to live pneumococci, it was observed that the mice that survived subsequent challenge produced significantly higher levels of antibodies reactive with exposed PR epitopes than the mice that became moribund. Due to their conservation and cross-reactivity, the PR regions and NPB regions represent potential vaccine targets capable of eliciting cross-protection immunity against pneumococcal infection.
Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B reinfection in hepatitis B surface antigen–positive patients after liver transplantation

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are associated with increased graft failure and reduced patient survival. We evaluated the effects of both HCC recurrence and HBV reinfection on the long‐term survival of these patients after OLT. One hundred seventy‐five patients underwent OLT for HBV‐related liver diseases and were the subjects of this retrospective study. We assessed risk factors for HBV reinfection, HCC recurrence, and survival post‐OLT using univariate and multivariate analyses. During a mean follow‐up of 43.0 ± 42.0 months, 88 of 175 (50.3%) patients transplanted for HBV‐related liver disease had HCC prior to OLT. Thirteen (14.8%) of these patients had HCC recurrence after OLT. The mean time for recurrence of HCC was 26.1 ± 31.9 months. Twelve of 175 (6.9%) patients developed HBV reinfection after liver transplantation. The mean time for HBV reinfection was 28.7 ± 26.4 months. Ten of these 12 (83.3%) patients had HCC prior to OLT, and 5 (50%) developed recurrence of HCC. On multivariate analyses, pre‐OLT HCC and recurrence of HCC post‐OLT were significantly associated with HBV reinfection after transplantation (P = 0.031 and P < 0.001, respectively). HCC recurrence after OLT was associated with lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001) and post‐OLT chemotherapy (P ≤ 0.001). The 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were significantly decreased in patients with HBV reinfection (P = 0.007) and in patients with HCC recurrence after OLT (P = 0.03). In conclusion, pre‐OLT HCC and HCC recurrence after transplantation were associated with HBV reinfection and with decreased patient survival. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin and antiviral therapy was only partially effective in preventing HBV reinfection in patients with HCC recurrence. Liver Transpl 15:1525–1534, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
PNPLA3/adiponutrin functions in lipid droplet formation

In animals, adipose tissue contains the main energy store as lipid droplets (LDs) composed of esterified cholesterol (CE) and triacylglycerol (TAG) enveloped in a mono‐layer of phospholipid and decorated by a coat of proteins. Upon increased energy demand, dedicated lipases hydrolyse TAG stepwise into free fatty acids that are released in circulation and made available to peripheral tissue. In case of aberrant caloric load, TAGs are deposited into non‐adipocyte tissues, primarily liver cells. For instance, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic disorder characterised by an excess of TAG in the liver of patients regardless of their susceptibility to obesity, diabetes or exposure to alcohol. Several independent linkage studies have associated NAFLD with a non‐synonymous variant of patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 (PNPLA3/adiponutrin) encoding an isoleucine to methionine substitution at position 148 (I148M) (see Cohen et al., 2011 for review). However, the mechanism by which a variation in PNPLA3 gives susceptibility to NAFLD is not known, primarily because the physiological role of PNPLA3 still needs to be elucidated.
CHEMICAL STIMULATION IN NEAR-WELLBORE GEOTHERMAL FORMATIONS: SILICA DISSOLUTION IN THE PRESENCE OF CALCITE AT HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HIGH pH

ABSTRACT Chemical stimulation was investigated in the laboratory as an alternative to hydraulic stimulation for increasing well injectivity and near-wellbore permeability in geothermal reservoirs. Calcite and silica dissolution rates were measured in a high-temperature flow reactor in the presence of a chelating agent NTA and at high pH. Results indicate that calcite and silica dissolution rates each increase with pH and flow rate. The mineral dissolution processes within the laboratory flow reactor were simulated using a 1-D TOUGHREACT reactive transport model. INTRODUCTION As a means of dissolving near-wellbore calcite and of dissolving calcite scale in wellbores, chemical treatment is commonly accomplished by injecting strong mineral acids from the wellhead (Lund et al., 1975). At high geothermal temperatures, however, mineral acids risk corroding steel casings. Acids injected from the surface also tend to enter the formation via the first fluid entry zone, dissolving first-contacted minerals aggressively while leaving much of the rest of the wellbore untreated. Whereas steel casings can usually be protected during acid stimulation by using corrosion inhibitors (except at temperatures approaching or exceeding 300
Properties of the hyperpolarizing‐activated current (if) in cells isolated from the rabbit sino‐atrial node.

Individual cells were isolated from the sino‐atrial node area of the rabbit heart using an enzyme medium containing collagenase and elastase. After enzymatic treatment the cells were placed in normal Tyrode solution, where beating resumed in a fraction of them. Isolated cells were studied in the whole cell configuration. Action potentials as well as membrane currents under voltage‐clamp conditions were similar to those in multicellular preparations. Pulses to voltages more negative than about ‐50 mV caused activation of the hyperpolarizing‐activated current, if. Investigation of the properties of this current was carried out under conditions that limited the influence of other current systems during voltage clamp. The if current activation range usually extended approximately from ‐50 to ‐100 mV, but varied from cell to cell. In several cases, pulsing to the region of ‐40 mV elicited a sizeable if. Both current activation and deactivation during voltage steps had S‐shaped time courses. A high variability was however observed in the sigmoidal behaviour of if kinetics. Plots of the fully‐activated current‐voltage (I‐V) relation in different extracellular Na and K concentrations showed that both ions carry the current if. While changes in the external Na concentration caused the current I‐V relation to undergo simple shifts along the voltage axis, changes in extracellular K concentration were also associated with changes in its slope. Again, a large variability was observed in the increase of I‐V slope on raising the external K concentration. The current if was strongly depressed by Cs, and the block induced by 5 mM‐Cs was markedly voltage dependent. Adrenaline (1‐5 microM) and noradrenaline (1 microM) increased the current if around the half‐activation voltage range and accelerated its activation at more negative voltages. Often, however, drug application failed to elicit any modification of if. Current run‐down was observed in nearly all cells, although at a highly variable rate. It was accelerated by raising the extracellular K concentration but did not show a marked use dependence. Both the if activation curve and the fully activated I‐V relation were affected by run‐down, the former being shifted to more negative values along the voltage axis and the latter being depressed with no apparent change of the if reversal potential. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)