Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
University of Alberta Edmonton Canada

Multiscale Computation and Analysis for Schrödinger-Poisson System in Heterogeneous Materials Liqun Cao Chinese Academy of Sciences, China clq@lsec.cc. ac.cn In this talk, we discuss the multiscale computation for Schrödinger-Poisson system arising from the electronic properties of semiconductors such as quantum wells, wires and dots, and CMOS transistor. We first introduce the Schrödinger equations with the effective mass approximation which has been particularly successful in the case of heterostructures. Combining Allaire’s work and our result, we give an interpretation why the effective mass approximation is very successful for calculating the band structures of semiconductor nanostructures in the vicinity of Γ point, from the viewpoint of mathematics. Second, we analyze the relationship between microscopic Maxwell’s equations and macroscopic Maxwell’s equations. Furthermore, we discuss mathematical modeling of electromagnetics at nano-scale and offer an explanation as to why Schrödinger-Poisson equations and Maxwell-Schrödinger equations have been widely used to semiconductor nanostructures. Third, the multiscale method for Schrödinger-Poisson system in heterogeneous materials is presented. Numerical simulations are carried out to validate the theoretical results. Finally, some unsolved problems are advanced. Framelet-Based Algorithm for Medical Imaging Applications Raymond H. Chan The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong rchan@math.cuhk. edu.hk Framelets have been used successfully in various problems in image processing, including inpainting, impulse noise removal, super-resolution image restoration, etc. In this talk, we will introduce two new applications of the tight-frame algorithm in medical imaging. The first one is segmentation which is the process of identifying object outlines within images. We apply the framelet-based approach to identify tube-like structures such as blood vessels in magnetic resonance angiography images. Our method iteratively refines a region that encloses the possible boundary or surface of the vessels. Results on real 2D/3D images demonstrate that the method is very efficient and outperforms other existing methods. The second application is image reconstruction for parallel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Association of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Gene Snps G196A and C270T with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis

The key pathological changes associated with AD brain tissue are the accumulation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and abnormally aggregated ‘reactive’ proteins like β amyloid (Aβ) plaques and tau [3]. Several elements, such as senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), abnormally aggregated ‘reactive’ proteins like β amyloid (Aβ) and tau, brain inflammation and exposure to aluminum has already shown the development of AD [4]. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is supposed to be one of the important genes, playing a significant role in AD progression [5,6]. However, as a complex disorder, the neuropathological etiology of AD mentioned above are not due to the gene itself, but are also supposed to be associated with the combined interaction between genes and environmental factors.
Variability in the Precision of Acupoint Location Methods

The ability to precisely locate appropriate acupoints is, according to both traditional and contemporary theories, essential to deliver acupuncture treatments. More than half of the acupoints defined in acupuncture literature are sufficiently distant to anatomical landmarks, to require the use of specialised techniques in order to locate them. However no research has been conducted to investigate the precision of any manual method (electrical detection is discussed at detail with reference to numerous conflicting research papers). This thesis details the design, conduct and results of experimentation carried out to measure the precision of four methods (named the directional, proportional, elastic and ruler methods) used to locate acupoints. The methods include two based upon the traditional Chinese anatomical unit of measurement, the cun, and two based upon the traditionally reported lengths of areas of the human body. The reasons for selecting these methods, and for excluding others, are explained. Seventy two subjects were involved in testing the precision of the four methods by applying them when locating a fictitious acupoint. The subjects marked the attempts to locate the fictitious acupoint with invisible ink. The marks were transferred to plastic films and measurements made from reference points. A significant difference was found between the methods (F3,120 = 11.74, p<0.0001). No significant difference was found between the two traditional methods of point location (directional mean = 11.35, and proportional mean = 11.17) (p<0.998), nor between the two variant methods of point location (elastic mean = 7.63, and ruler mean = 6.34) (p<0.68). Significant differences were found between the two traditional methods and the two variant methods. The directional method was less precise than both the elastic method (F3,120 = 11.74, p<0.007) and the ruler method (p<0.00009).
Modelling for Homogeneous Shear Flows

A new turbulence model, based upon dynamic and thermal turbulent time scale transport equations, is developed and applied to homogeneous shear flows with constant velocity and temperature gradients. The new model comprises transport equations for k, the turbulent kinetic energy; x, the dynamic time scale; ko, the fluctuating temperature variance; and re , the thermal time scale. It offers conceptually parallel modelling of the dynamic and thermal turbulence at the two-equation level, and eliminates the customary prescription of an empirical turbulent Prandtl number, Pr t, thus permitting a more generalized prediction capability for turbulent heat transfer in complex flows and geometries. The new model also incorporates constitutive relations, based upon invafiant theory, that allow the effects of non-equilibrium to modify the primary coefficients for the turbulent shear stress and heat flux. Predictions of the new model, along with those from two other similar models, are compared with experimental data for decaying homogeneous dynamic and thermal turbulence, homogeneous turbulence with constant temperature gradient, and homogenous turbulence with constant temperature gradient and constant velocity gradient. The new model offers improvement in agreement with the data for most cases considered in this work, although it was no better than the other models for several cases where all the models performed poorly. C,rOl, cxe2, cxo3, Cxo3 h k ko M Pk Pke Prt R U,V,W
Do magnetic micro-swimmers move like eukaryotic cells?

Recent advances in micro-machining allow very small cargos, such as single red blood cells, to be moved by outfitting them with tails made of micrometre-sized paramagnetic particles yoked together by polymer bridges. When a time-varying magnetic field is applied to such a filament, it bends from side to side and propels itself through the fluid, dragging the load behind it. Here, experimental data and a mathematical model are presented showing the dependence of the swimming speed and direction of the magnetic micro-swimmer upon tunable parameters, such as the field strength and frequency and the filament length. The propulsion of the filament arises from the propagation of bending waves between free and tethered ends: here we show that this gives the micro-swimmer a gait that is intermediate between a eukaryotic cell and a waggled elastic rod. Finally, we extract from the model design principles for constructing the fastest swimming micro-swimmer by tuning experimental parameters.
Inhibition of endothelial NADPH oxidase as target of flavonoids in nitric acid metabolism

The foregoing article was focused on the modulation by dietary flavonoids of generation and biological role of plasma lipoproteins and the consequences as to the risk for cardiovascular diseases. The objective of the second article of this series is to gain deeper insight into the cellular and molecular action of flavonoids and other dietary polyphenols and their bioactive species, respectively. A decade ago, the beneficial effects of flavonoids were believed to be attributable to free radical-scavenging properties, which are observed in numerous in vitro assays. Evidence for a direct antioxidant activity in vivo, however, is poor. By estimation of parameters in vivo or ex vivo believed to be appropriate, many efforts were undertaken to demonstrate an attenuation of free radical-mediated processes upon intake of dietary polyphenols. The outcome of such studies was throughout disappointing, i.e. the effects were either lacking or only marginal, even though some authors interpreted their data in an exaggerated manner as “positive”. This tendency was promoted by the pressure of the investigators to achieve positive results for obtaining financial support, enabling them to sustain polyphenol research. Moreover, in many studies the selection of clinical parameters was far from reasonable. As an example, the widely used “thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance” (TBARS) assay provides unreliable data for several reasons, which will not be discussed in detail here. For detection of lipid peroxidation in vivo the plasma level of F2 isoprostanes may be the parameter of choice, since these arachidonic acid oxygenation products actually originate from non-enzymatic free radical-mediated attack and can be unequivocally discriminated from eicosanoids generated by enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade [Roberts & Fessel, 2004; Basu, 2004]. For this reason, we conducted in Magdeburg a clinical study on the effect of intake of a high-flavanol cocoa beverage on plasma F2 isoprostanes [Wiswedel et al, 2004]. Although the volunteers were subjected to physical exercise by treadmill as a free radical-generating process, sizable lowering of the F2 isoprostane level was not observed. By contrast, the same type of high-flavanol cocoa exerted clear-cut beneficial effects in other clinical trials (see Section 3). Detailed statistical analysis of the data from the Magdeburg study, however, revealed that the cocoa flavanols prevented the increase in F2 isoprostanes induced by the low-flavanol control drink, an effect interpreted as postprandial oxidative stress [Sies et al, 2005a].
HEMOSTASIS AND ANTICOAGULATION MONITORING DURING EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION IN CHILDREN

Background: Bleeding and thromboembolism continue to be the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The activated clotting time (ACT) remains a standard for heparin management in both ECMO and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), despite its weak correlation to the lower plasma heparin levels of ECMO. Furthermore, little is known about the hemostatic alterations related to ECMO versus CPB in children. We hypothesize that the hemostatic profile of ECMO patients differs significantly from those undergoing CPB, and furthermore that age-specific differences exist between neonatal and pediatric ECMO patients. Methods: A prospective observational study evaluating antithrombin III (ATIII), fibrinolysis, thrombin generation, platelet activation and platelet response to agonist during CPB and ECMO at baseline, 4 and 24 hrs. Differences between age groups (neonatal vs. pediatric) in the ECMO group were also compared at baseline, 4, 12, 24, 72, and 144 hrs respectively. Results: The ECMO group was younger, weighed less, and had a lower body surface index than the CPB group. There were significant differences in baseline ATIII levels, platelet functionality, D-Dimer, and F1+2 concentrations between groups. Dichotomization of the ECMO group revealed that D-Dimer and F1+2 generation increased with time in neonatal patients. Conclusions: ECMO generally had greater impact on the hemostatic system than CPB. Circulating platelets were less responsive and markers of fibrinolytic and coagulation activation were greater in the ECMO group at all 3 time points compared between the two therapies. Fibrinolytic and coagulation activation increased with time significantly in the neonatal ECMO population.
Hard Tissue Cephalometric Norms for Orthognathic Surgery in Karnataka Population

Contributors: 1Reader, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, Karnataka, India; 2Reader, Department of Orthodontics, Sharavathi Dental College & Hospital, Alkola, Shimoga, Karnataka, India; 3Reader, Department of Orthodontics, SJM Dental College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India; 4Former Professor and Head, Department of Orthodontics, SIBAR Institute Dental Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Correspondence: Dr. Shashikumar GM. Department of Orthodontics, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere 577 004, Karnataka, India. Mobile: +91-9448354858. Email: gmshashikumar@gmail.com How to cite the article: Shashikumar GM, Naik DS, Savakkanavar MB, Sreedhara S, Reddy SR. Hard tissue cephalometric norms for orthognathic surgery in Karnataka population. J Int Oral Health 2015;7(11):28-32. Abstract: Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the soft tissue cephalometric norms for adult Karnataka population with well-balanced and pleasing faces, for diagnosis and treatment planning of orthognathic surgery, to determine variation in norms between Karnataka and the Caucasian population. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalograms of 100 adults (50 males and 50 females), with a mean age of 17-30 years were obtained from the Karnataka population. Standardized lateral radiographic head films in a natural head position were used. The radiographs were analyzed using cephalometrics for orthognathic surgery soft tissue analysis. Results: Various angular and linear measurements for soft tissue showed increased convexity in males and increased throat angle in facial form and in lip position and form showed decreased the nasolabial angle, increased lower lip protrusion, and increased mentolabial Sulcus in Karnataka population. Conclusion: Soft tissue analysis showed increased soft tissue convexity in males compared to females and increased throat angle in both sexes in facial forms, and in lip position and form, showed decreased the nasolabial angle, increased lower lip protrusion, and increased mentolabial Sulcus in Karnataka population.
Digital holographic interferometry for analyzing high density gradients in Fluid Mechanics

Digital holographic interferometry has been developed by ONERA for analysing high refractive index variations encountered in fluids mechanics. Firstly, the authors present the analysis of a small supersonic jet using three different optical techniques based on digital Michelson holography, digital holography using Wollaston prisms and digital holography without reference wave. A comparison of the three methods is given. Then, two different interferometers are described for analysing high density gradients encountered in high subsonic and transonic flows. The time evolution of the gas density field around a circular cylinder is given at Mach 0.7. Finally, a digital holographic method is presented to visualize and measure the refractive index variations occurring inside a transparent and strongly refracting object. For this case, a comparison with digital and image holographic interferometry using transmission and reflection holograms is provided.
Towards a Formal Theory of a Distractor in Attentional Tasks

The distractive effects on attentional task performance in different paradigms are analyzed in this paper. I demonstrate how distractors may negatively affect (interference effect), positively (redundancy effect) or neutrally (null effect). Distractor effects described in literature are classified in accordance with their hypothetical source. The general rule of the theory is also introduced. It contains the formal prediction of the particular distractor effect, based on entropy and redundancy measures from the mathematical theory of communication (Shannon, 1948). Single- vs dual-process frameworks are considered for hypothetical mechanisms which underpin the distractor effects. Distractor profiles (DPs) are also introduced for the formalization and simple visualization of experimental data concerning the distractor effects. Typical shapes of DPs and their interpretations are discussed with examples from three frequently cited experiments. Finally, the paper introduces hierarchical hypothesis that states the level-fashion modulating interrelations between distractor effects of different classes
In vitro plant regeneration system for tropical butternut squash genotypes (Cucurbita moschata)

An efficient and reproducible method for regeneration of commercial and pure lines of tropical butter- nut squash (Cucurbita moschata) plants via somatic embryogenesis was developed. The influence of genotype, explant source, N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophe- noxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) concentration on somatic embryogenesis induction was investigated. Friable embryo- genic calli was produced from zigotic embryos (53-56%) and cotyledons from seedlings (70%) of C. moschata cv. Sello de Oro cultured on callus induction medium (CIM) supplemented with 0.5 mg/l or 3.5 mg/l 2,4-D. No embryogenic calli was obtained from leaf segments of C. moschata cv. Sello de Oro cultured on CIM supple- mented with different concentrations of BAP and 2,4-D and cotyledons from seedlings of C. moschata cv. PVG 04 cultured on CIM with BAP and 2,4,5-T. Embryogenic calli induction was achieved in 75% C. moschata pure lines evaluated and calli percentage frequency range from 5% to 34%. Successful acclimatization of squash in vitro plants was achieved in the greenhouse and in the field. Regenerated plants appeared morphologically normal and set flowers and fruits with seeds that could germinate normally. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (Suppl. 1): 119- 127. Epub 2009 November 30.
Outer Membrane Protein A Expression in Escherichia coli K1 Is Required to Prevent the Maturation of Myeloid Dendritic Cells and the Induction of IL-10 and TGF-β1

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs that direct both cellular and humoral immune responses. Escherichia coli K1 causes meningitis in neonates; however, the interactions between this pathogen and DCs have not been previously explored. In the present study, we observed that E. coli K1, expressing outer membrane protein A (OmpA), was able to enter, survive, and replicate inside DCs, whereas OmpA− E. coli was killed within a short period. Opsonization of OmpA+ E. coli either with adult or cord serum did not affect its survival inside DCs. Exposure of DCs to live OmpA+ E. coli K1 prevented DCs from progressing in their maturation process as indicated by failure to up-regulate costimulatory molecules, CD40, HLA-DR, and CD86. The distinct DC phenotype requires direct contact between live bacteria and DCs. The expression of costimulatory molecules was suppressed even after pretreatment of DCs with LPS or peptidoglycan. Furthermore, the suppressive effects of OmpA+ E. coli on DCs were abrogated when the bacteria were incubated with anti-OmpA Ab. The inhibitory effect on DC maturation was associated with increased production of IL-10 as well as TGF-β and decreased production of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12p70 by DCs, a phenotype associated with tolerogenic DCs. These results suggest that the subversion of DC functions may be a novel strategy deployed by this pathogen to escape immune defense and persist in the infected host to reach a high degree of bacteremia, which is crucial for E. coli to cross the blood-brain barrier.
A review of droughts on the African continent: a geospatial and long-term perspective

Abstract. This paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of the available literature and information on droughts to build a continental, regional and country level perspective on geospatial and temporal variation of droughts in Africa. The study is based on the review and analysis of droughts occurred during 1900–2013, as well as evidence available from past centuries based on studies on the lake sediment analysis, tree-ring chronologies and written and oral histories and future predictions from the global climate change models. Most of the studies based on instrumental records indicate that droughts have become more frequent, intense and widespread during the last 50 years. The extreme droughts of 1972–1973, 1983–1984 and 1991–1992 were continental in nature and stand unique in the available records. Additionally, many severe and prolonged droughts were recorded in the recent past such as the 1999–2002 drought in northwest Africa, 1970s and 1980s droughts in western Africa (Sahel), 2010–2011 drought in eastern Africa (Horn of Africa) and 2001–2003 drought in southern and southeastern Africa, to name a few. The available (though limited) evidence before the 20th century confirms the occurrence of several extreme and multi-year droughts during each century, with the most prolonged and intense droughts that occurred in Sahel and equatorial eastern Africa. The complex and highly variant nature of many physical mechanisms such as El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), sea surface temperature (SST) and land–atmosphere feedback adds to the daunting challenge of drought monitoring and forecasting. The future predictions of droughts based on global climate models indicate increased droughts and aridity at the continental scale but large differences exist due to model limitations and complexity of the processes especially for Sahel and northern Africa. However, the available evidence from the past clearly shows that the African continent is likely to face extreme and widespread droughts in future. This evident challenge is likely to aggravate due to slow progress in drought risk management, increased population and demand for water and degradation of land and environment. Thus, there is a clear need for increased and integrated efforts in drought mitigation to reduce the negative impacts of droughts anticipated in the future.
Performance of SRI principles on growth , yield and profitability of rice ( Oryza sativa L . )

A field experiment was conducted at Birsa Agriculture University, Research Farm, Western Section, Kanke, Ranchi during the 2011 and 2012 kharif season to evaluate different components of system of rice intensification principles on growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and economics of rice on clay loam soil in eastern plateau & eastern ghat of India. To assess the contribution of each component of SRI. The experiment was planned with eight treatments {(T1: use of 8-12 day old seedlings, one seedling transplanting at a spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm, weed management with conoweeder (4 times), saturation of water management, and use of (75%) inorganic along with (25%) organic, T2: T1 with 3 seedlings per hill (instead of one seedling), T3: T1 with 21 day old seedlings(instead of 12 day old seedlings), T4: T1 with 20 x 10 cm spacing (instead of 25 x 25 cm spacing), T5: T1 with only inorganic source of nutrient (instead of organic + inorganic), T6: T1 with herbicide + manual weeding 40DAT (instead of conoweeding), T7: T1 with 5±2 cm standing water during crop growth (instead of saturation water management), and T8: Conventional transplanting (21 day old nursery; spacing of 20 cm x 15 cm; 3 seedlings/hill with 5±2 cm standing water during crop growth) were tested in three times replicated RBD. Rice crop grown with all six principles of SRI recorded significantly higher plant height (118.4cm), total tiller per meter2 (339), leaf area index (3.5) dry matter accumulation ( g /m2), crop growth rate (g/m2/day), number of panicle per meter2 (272), 1000 grain weight (29.9g), Panicle length (26.8cm), Panicle weight (4.6g), number of filled grains per panicle (139), number of unfilled grains per panicle (28) and improved grain yield and straw yield was 33.3%, 28.3% and 23.6%,18.9% higher under all six principles of SRI compared to SRI with 21 days old seedling and conventional transplanting. Due to lower cost of production and higher yields, all six principles of SRI fetched higher net returns over old