Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digital Image Processing

: Digital Image Processing is a rapidly evolving field with growing applications in Science and Engineering. Modern digital technology has made it possible to manipulate multi-dimensional signals. Digital Image Processing has a broad spectrum of applications. They include remote sensing data via satellite, medical image processing, radar, sonar and acoustic image processing and robotics. Uncompressed multimedia graphics, audio and video data require considerable storage capacity and transmission bandwidth. Despite rapid progress in mass-storage density, processor speeds, and digital communication system performance, demand for data storage capacity and data-transmission bandwidth continues to outstrip the capabilities of available technologies. This is a crippling disadvantage during transmission and storage. So there arises a need for data compression of images. There are several Image compression techniques. Two ways of classifying compression techniques are mentioned here. 1) Loss less Vs Loss compression 2) Predictive Vs Transform coding For correct diagnosis, the medical images should be displayed with 100% quality. The popular JPEG image compression technique is loss technique so causes some loss in quality of image. Even though the loss is not a cause of concern for non-medical images, it makes the analysis of medical images a difficult task. So it is not suitable for the compression of medical images. In the proposed work a Region Based Compression Approach using Block-Based Binary Plane Technique for medical images is developed. This is based on the fact that in the case of medical images, such as X-rays, only some part of the image is useful. In this technique the X-ray image is displayed to the Physician. The Physician identifies the region (rectangular in shape) where the important information for the diagnosis is present. Then the part identified by the Physician is compressed using loss less technique so that it is extracted with no loss in quality when it is displayed. The remaining part of the image is compressed with some loss. For the compression of region identified we use the Loss less Block Based Binary Plane Technique and for the other part Loss Block Based Binary Plane Technique is used.
Effect on arm function and cost of robot-assisted group therapy in subacute patients with stroke and a moderately to severely affected arm: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of robot-assisted arm group therapy (RAGT) versus individual arm therapy (IAT) to restore motor function in the moderately to severely affected patient after stroke. Design: Single blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Two in-patient neurological rehabilitation centers. Participants: Fifty first time subacute patients with stroke and a non-functional hand. Intervention: The patients practiced either 30 minutes of RAGT + 30 minutes of IAT (group A) or 2x30 minutes of IAT (group B), per workday for four weeks. The RAGT consisted of six workstations enabling repetitive practice of finger, wrist, forearm and shoulder movements. Patients practiced according to their impairment level on at least two workstations per session. The IAT followed the Motor Relearning Programme, enriched by elements of the impairment-oriented training. Main outcome measure: Changes of the Fugl Meyer Score (FM, 0-66) between baseline and after 4 weeks, incremental cost effectiveness. Results: Patients were homogeneous at study onset. All patients improved their upper limb motor function over time, but there were no between group differences. The initial (terminal) FM scores were 14.6±9.4 (25.7±16.5) in group A and 16.5±9.8 (31.1±19.1) in group B. The treatment of a single patient with RAGT cost 4.15 €, compared to 10.00 € for a patient to receive IAT. Conclusion: RAGT in combination with IAT was equally effective as a double session of IAT regarding the restoration of upper limb motor functions in moderate to severely affected subacute patients with stroke. The treatment costs for RAGT were less.
Iron-regulated excretion of alpha-keto acids by Salmonella typhimurium

Excretion of alpha-keto acids by clinical isolates and laboratory strains of Salmonella typhimurium was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of culture supernatants. The levels of excretion increased markedly with increasing iron stress imposed by the presence of alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl or conalbumin in the medium. The major product was pyruvic acid, but significant concentrations of alpha-ketoglutaric acid, alpha-ketoisovaleric acid, and alpha-ketoisocaproic acid were also observed. Maximal excretion occurred at iron stress levels that initially inhibited bacterial growth; the concentration of alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl at which this was observed differed between strains depending on their ability to secrete and utilize siderophores, suggesting that the intracellular iron status was important in determining alpha-keto acid excretion. However, prolonged incubation of the siderophore-deficient S. typhimurium strain enb-7 under conditions of high iron stress resulted in significant delayed bacterial growth, promoted by tonB-dependent uptake of iron complexed with the high accumulated levels of pyruvic acid and other alpha-keto acids. Strain RB181, a fur derivative of enb-7, excreted massive amounts of alpha-keto acids into the culture medium even in the absence of any iron chelators (the concentration of pyruvic acid, for example, was >25 mM). Moreover, RB181 was able to grow and excrete alpha-keto acids in the presence of alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl at concentrations threefold greater than that which inhibited the growth of enb-7.
Comparative study of the effects of different glucocorticosteroids on eosinophil survival primed by cultured epithelial cell supernatants obtained from nasal mucosa and nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND--Supernatants from epithelial cell cultures enhance eosinophil survival in vitro, this effect being abrogated by previous incubation of eosinophils with glucocorticosteroids. This property has resulted in the development of an in vitro test to compare the potency of these drugs. A comparative study was performed with dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, deflazacort, and budesonide. METHODS--Human epithelial cell conditioned media (HECM) was generated from cultured epithelial cells obtained from healthy nasal mucosa and polyps. Eosinophils isolated from the peripheral blood were incubated with different corticosteroids for one hour before the addition of HECM. The inhibitory potency of the four steroids on the eosinophil survival index was compared using the concentration of steroid causing 50% inhibition (IC50). RESULTS--Eosinophil survival was increased by HECM from both healthy nasal mucosa and polyps. All four steroids blocked HECM-induced eosinophil survival in a dose-dependent manner. On healthy nasal mucosa methylprednisolone was the least potent (IC50 = 536 nM), deflazacort (IC50 = 264 nM) was twice as potent as methylprednisolone, while budesonide and dexamethasone were approximately nine times as potent (both IC50 = 58 nM). When potency was evaluated on the promoting effects of the HECM obtained from nasal polyps, the inhibitory potencies were lower and consequently the IC50 values were higher when compared with HECM generated from healthy nasal mucosa: methylprednisolone (IC50 = 546 nM), deflazacort (IC50 = 390 nM), dexamethasone (IC50 = 76 nM), and budesonide (IC50 = 78 nM). CONCLUSIONS--The potencies of glucocorticosteroids can be compared by evaluating their effects on the survival of eosinophils previously primed by supernatants obtained from epithelial cell culture. The different effects of steroids on eosinophils primed by HECM obtained from healthy nasal mucosa compared with HECM obtained from nasal polyps suggest that polyps might represent more active tissue which is relatively resistant to treatment with corticosteroids.
Prejudice as Self-Control Failure

Research has suggested that whereas stereotypical attitudes may be automatically activated, the response to these stereotypes can be controlled. Anything that interferes with self-control may result in more biased behavior. The ego strength model hypothesizes that after exerting self-control, subsequent self-control performance will suffer. Hence, depletion of ego strength may lead to increased prejudice. In 2 studies, depletion was found only to affect individuals who normally try to control their prejudicial responses. Participants who do not normally try to control their use of stereotypes were equally prejudiced, regardless of their level of ego strength. The results have implications for prejudice and stereotyping, as well as models of self-control.
Circulating proteasomes are markers of cell damage and immunologic activity in autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVE The 20S proteasome plays a leading immunologic role in the cytosolic generation of MHC class I restricted antigens, and it represents an abundant antigen in several autoimmune diseases. To investigate the effects of autoimmune inflammatory and perioperative traumatic cellular damage, we determined qualitative and quantitative properties of released proteasomes (circulating proteasomes, cProteasomes) from serum samples of patients with a variety of autoimmune diseases. METHODS cProteasomes were analyzed from serum samples of 314 patients with several systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases and 85 healthy controls. The concentrations of cProteasomes were determined by sandwich ELISA using a monoclonal and a polyclonal proteasome-specific antibody. Followup analyses were performed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as in patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing thoracoscopic thymectomy. RESULTS Strongly increased levels of cProteasomes (> 1000 ng/ml) were detected in samples obtained from patients with autoimmune myositis, SLE, primary Sjögren's syndrome, RA, and autoimmune hepatitis. Significant differences were observed in the mean values of cProteasomes comparing systemic with organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Followup analyses revealed a close correlation of cProteasome with the autoimmune process as well as cellular damage. Moreover, cProteasomes were isolated in intact and native as well as in degraded or dissociated forms from the serum samples. The immuno-subunit LMP7 was found to be incorporated in the circulating protease complex. CONCLUSION Levels of cProteasomes are markedly elevated in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, apparently correlating with disease activity. The cProteasomes represent novel sensitive markers of the autoimmune inflammatory processes and/or reflect the magnitude of cellular damage.
Changes of clinical features in hydatidiform mole: analysis of 113 cases.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the changes of the clinical features of hydatidiform mole. STUDY DESIGN A total of 113 cases of hydatidiform mole treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital during 1989-2006 were reviewed retrospectively, and a comparison was made to historic data from 1948-1975 using the chi2 test. RESULTS The median age was 28 years (range, 20-55). The median gestational age was 90.2 days. Vaginal bleeding remains the most common presenting symptom, occurring in 94 of 113 cases (83.2%). Of 113 cases, 52 (46%) presented with excessive uterine size. Preeclampsia, hyperemesis, hemoptysis and theca lutein cysts occurred in 4 of 113 (3.5%), 12 of 113 (10.6%), 4 of 113 (3.5%) and 19 of 113 cases (16.8%), respectively. The incidence of postmolar trophoblastic neoplasia was 21% (24 of 113). Compared to historic data, the incidence of vaginal bleeding and preeclampsia were statistically lower (p < 0.005). The incidence of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was increased moderately without statistical significance compared to historic data. CONCLUSION Because of the wide use of ultrasonography and serum human chorionic gonadotropin test, current patients with hydatidiform mole have been diagnosed earlier in gestation and the clinical features have changed. Patterns of medical practice should be changed as well.
Specht Filtrations for Hecke Algebras of Type A

Let Hq(d) be the Iwahori–Hecke algebra of the symmetric group, where q is a primitive 1th root of unity. Using results from the cohomology of quantum groups and recent results about the Schur functor and adjoint Schur functor, it is proved that, contrary to expectations, for l ⩾ 4 the multiplicities in a Specht or dual Specht module filtration of an Hq(d)‐module are well defined. A cohomological criterion is given for when an Hq(d)‐module has such a filtration. Finally, these results are used to give a new construction of Young modules that is analogous to the Donkin–Ringel construction of tilting modules. As a corollary, certain decomposition numbers can be equated with extensions between Specht modules. Setting q = 1, results are obtained for the symmetric group in characteristic p ⩾ 5. These results are false in general for p = 2 or 3.
Pattern of ovarian protein synthesis and secretion during the reproductive cycle of Scotophilus heathi: synthesis of an albumin-like protein

Ovarian proteins synthesized de novo and secreted in vitro were investigated during different stages of the reproductive cycle of Scotophilus heathi. We found increased ovarian protein synthesis and secretion during the recrudescence and the preovulatory periods, coinciding with two peaks of follicular development and steroidogenesis. The ovaries synthesized protein at a low rate during quiescence and the late phase of delayed ovulation. In vitro analysis using 35S-methionine incorporation showed increased synthesis of 66 kDa protein during delayed ovulation, but secretion of this protein declined markedly during the preovulatory period. N-terminal sequencing of the 66 kDa protein showed that it shares 70% homology with human serum albumin. Immunocytochemistry indicated that this protein is found primarily in the granulosa cells of the follicles. Whether the increase in albumin production by the ovaries during delayed ovulation is associated with a hyperinsulinemic and hyperandrogenic condition requires further investigation.
[α/Fe] ABUNDANCES OF FOUR OUTER M31 HALO STARS

We present alpha element to iron abundance ratios, [α/Fe], for four stars in the outer stellar halo of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The stars were identified as high-likelihood field halo stars by Gilbert et al. and lie at projected distances between 70 and 140 kpc from M31's center. These are the first alpha abundances measured for a halo star in a galaxy beyond the Milky Way. The stars range in metallicity between [Fe/H] = −2.2 and [Fe/H] = −1.4. The sample's average [α/Fe] ratio is +0.20 ± 0.20. The best-fit average value is elevated above solar, which is consistent with rapid chemical enrichment from Type II supernovae. The mean [α/Fe] ratio of our M31 outer halo sample agrees (within the uncertainties) with that of Milky Way inner/outer halo stars that have a comparable range of [Fe/H].
The potential signal pathway between PAX2 and CD2AP in the renal interstitial fibrosis disease

Abstract Paired box gene 2 (PAX2) can regulate tissue development and cellular differentiation, and it is associated with renal diseases. CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) is an adaptor protein involving in a variety of physiological and disease processes. Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a hallmark of common progressive chronic diseases which lead to renal failure. This study was performed to investigate whether there was a potential signal pathway between PAX2 and CD2AP in RIF rats induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Eighty Wistar male rats were divided into two groups randomly: sham operation group (SHO) and model group subjected to UUO (GU), n = 40. The model was established by left ureteral ligation. Renal tissues were collected at 14 d and 28 d after surgery. RIF index, cell apoptosis index, protein expression of PAX2, CD2AP, transforming growth factor-βl (TGF-β1), collagen-IV (Col-IV), fibronectin (FN) in renal interstitium and renal tissue, and mRNA expression of PAX2, CD2AP, and TGF-β1 in renal tissue were detected. Compared with that in the SHO group, the PAX2 and CD2AP expressions (mRNA and protein) were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Protein expressions of TGF-β1, Col-IV, and FN, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index in the GU group were markedly elevated than those in the SHO group (all p < 0.01). PAX2 or CD2AP was positively correlated with TGF-β1, Col-IV, and FN, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, PAX2 was positively correlated with CD2AP (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the expression of PAX2 or CD2AP was increased in RIF rats, and PAX2 was positively correlated with CD2AP. There might be a potential signaling pathway between PAX2 and CD2AP in RIF disease. Further research is needed to determine the association in RIF disease.
Evaluation of Knowledge , Attitude and Practice about Self-medication Among Rural and Urban North Indian Population

Background: The practice of self-medication is very common in developing countries like India. Several problems have been reported to be associated with self-medication like wastage of resources, adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. Not many studies in past have explored the differences regarding the knowledge, attitude and practice of selfmedication in rural and urban population of India. Subjects and Methods: The present study was a community based cross sectional study aimed to gather information about the self-medication practices, knowledge and attitude and its factors affecting self medication in the rural and urban population of Moradabad District, Uttar Pradesh from March 2014 to May 2014. Data for self medication were collected through a pre-designed and face validated from the studied population. All data were coded, entered and analyzed using the statistical package for Social sciences program version 20.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The response rate was 90.47%. The present study shows 100% study participants practiced self-medication. Majority of the participants are male (58.4%) and more than 63% belonged to rural area. Almost 60% respondents believed that OTC medications are safe. 75% participants believed chronic use of OTC drugs can cause ADRs. Majority of participants did not follow the recommendations while using these medicines. Participants belong to urban area was more aware of non-prescription drugs (p<0.05). NSAIDs are most commonly used medication among both urban and rural population respectively 67% and 37%. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication was high among rural population. The level of knowledge was more among urban population and NSAIDs were the highest consumed medicine among both rural and urban population. Population health awareness programs by pharmacists especially at retail pharmacy and continuing education are essential for controlling self-medication. Hence, there is a need to launch educational campaigns to bridge gap of knowledge especially in rural population. It is imperative that Government and other concerned organizations should promote rational self-medication and well-being in rural communities.
Reproductive Decisions: An Economic Analysis of Gelada Baboon Social Strategies

Robin Dunbar uses economic models to explore the social behavior of the gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada), a unique species, whose social system is one of the most complex among the primates. His work illustrates the value of an approach that views social behavior as being ultimately concerned with reproduction and with the maximizing of an individual's contribution to its species' gene pool.Originally published in 1985.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
Calcifications in the Breast and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

Abstract: Our study was to compare the clarity with which calcifications are seen on conventional mammography (CM) with the same calcifications on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). We define clarity as the sharpness, contrast, and diagnostic quality by which the calcifications were depicted. In a HIPPA compliant Institutional Review Board approved study, 3,000 women volunteered to have both a screening mammogram and a DBT study. A total of 119 sequential cases with relevant calcifications (not clearly benign) were reviewed. Two board certified, dedicated, breast imaging radiologists reviewed the CM and DBT images in an unblinded paired comparison. Only the mediolateral oblique (MLO) projection was available for the DBT studies. The MLO and craniocaudal projections were reviewed using the 2D images. Window and leveling, and electronic zoom were permitted. Unlimited time was allowed to provide a subjective assessment as too how well the calcifications were seen, from a diagnostic perspective, when the two studies were evaluated side‐by‐side. In 41.6% of the cases, the readers felt that calcifications were seen with superior clarity on DBT. In 50.4% of the cases, the visibility of calcifications was the same for DBT and CM, and in 8% of the cases, calcifications were seen with greater clarity on CM than DBT. In 92% of the cases, the clarity with which calcifications were seen on DBT was equal to or better than for CM and in almost half, the clarity on DBT was judged to be better than for CM. Our analysis shows that calcifications can be demonstrated with equal or greater clarity on DBT as on CM, thus allowing for comparable, and, perhaps, improved interpretive analysis of detected calcifications.
Primate communities are structured more by dispersal limitation than by niches.

1. A major goal in community ecology is to identify mechanisms that govern the assembly and maintenance of ecological communities. Current models of metacommunity dynamics differ chiefly in the relative emphasis placed on dispersal limitation and niche differentiation as causal mechanisms structuring ecological communities. Herein we investigate the relative roles of these two mechanisms in structuring primate communities in Africa, South America, Madagascar and Borneo. 2. We hypothesized that if dispersal limitation is important in structuring communities, then community similarity should depend on geographical proximity even after controlling for ecological similarity. Conversely, if communities are assembled primarily through niche processes, then community similarity should be determined by ecological similarity regardless of geographical proximity. 3. We performed Mantel and partial Mantel tests to investigate correlations among primate community similarity, ecological distance and geographical distance. Results showed significant and strongly negative relationships between diurnal primate community similarity and both ecological similarity and geographical distance in Madagascar, but significant and stronger negative relationships between community similarity and geographical distance in African, South American and Bornean metacommunities. 4. We conclude that dispersal limitation is an important determinant of primate community structure and may play a stronger role in shaping the structure of some terrestrial vertebrate communities than niche differentiation. These patterns are consistent with neutral theory. We recommend tests of functional equivalence to determine the extent to which neutral theory may explain primate community composition.