Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Kirchhoff-Based Shape Reconstruction Algorithm for the Multimonostatic Configuration: The Realistic Case of Buried Pipes

A shape reconstruction algorithm is formulated for the multimonostatic configuration and the 2-D geometry. The imaging algorithm is based on the Kirchhoff approximation, works in the frequency domain, and exploits the singular value decomposition tool to achieve a stable solution. The effectiveness of the reconstruction algorithm is shown by processing synthetic data in the time domain generated via a finite-difference time-domain code. A performance analysis of the solution algorithm is addressed with varying host medium and measurement configurations, also by processing synthetic data for a 3-D geometry. Finally, an experimental validation of the technique is performed due to data collected by a time-domain ground-penetrating radar for buried pipe detection and localization.
The use of acetone precipitation in the isolation of ribosomal proteins.

Acetone precipitation is a rapid and efficient method for concentrating ribosomal proteins. This procedure also permits the elimination of sodium dodecylsulphate or urea from protein solutions containing these compounds. Acetone-precipitated 30-S ribosomal proteins can be used for the reconstitution of active 30-S ribosomal subunits.
Surface architecture of endospores of the Bacillus cereus/anthracis/thuringiensis family at the subnanometer scale

Bacteria of the Bacillus cereus family form highly resistant spores, which in the case of the pathogen B. anthracis act as the agents of infection. The outermost layer, the exosporium, enveloping spores of the B. cereus family as well as a number of Clostridia, plays roles in spore adhesion, dissemination, targeting, and germination control. We have analyzed two naturally crystalline layers associated with the exosporium, one representing the “basal” layer to which the outermost spore layer (“hairy nap”) is attached, and the other likely representing a subsurface (“parasporal”) layer. We have used electron cryomicroscopy at a resolution of 0.8–0.6 nm and circular dichroism spectroscopic measurements to reveal a highly α-helical structure for both layers. The helices are assembled into 2D arrays of “cups” or “crowns. ” High-resolution atomic force microscopy of the outermost layer showed that the open ends of these cups face the external environment and the highly immunogenic collagen-like fibrils of the hairy nap (BclA) are attached to this surface. Based on our findings, we present a molecular model for the spore surface and propose how this surface can act as a semipermeable barrier and a matrix for binding of molecules involved in defense, germination control, and other interactions of the spore with the environment.
Artificial Seed Production from Encapsulated Microshoots of Cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae var botrytis)

A cost effective protocol for the production of cauliflower microshoots suitable for encapsulation was designed. Microshoots were encapsulated in sodium chloride matrices. The use of 2% of sodium alginate and 15 g/L of dehydrate calcium chloride produced the optimal quality of artificial seeds (rigidity, conversion rate and viability). Of the various plant growth regulator combinations used with the microshoot liquid culture medium, the use of 1 mg/L of IBA (indole butyric acid) and 1 mg/L Kinetin was found to be optimal in terms of the conversion rate and viability of artificial seeds. To standardize a medium composition of artificial endosperm of synthetic seeds, different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators with S23 (4.4 MS + 30 g/L sucrose) medium were used in the beads to achieve optimum conversion rate and viability on an in-vitro medium. Whilst several combinations of plant growth regulators gave a conversion rate up to 100% (for example (0.5 mg/L Kinetin + 0.5 mg/L IBA), (1 mg/L Kinetin + 0.5 mg/L NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid)) and (1 mg/L Kinetin + 1 mg/L IAA (indole-3-acetic acid)), no significant effect on the viability of artificial seeds was found when these combinations were used. Artificial seeds were cultivated in a semi-solid medium containing several types and concentrations of auxin, 2 mg/L of IBA gave the best results in terms of artificial seed viability. However, artificial seed conversion rate was not significantly affected by the auxins and full conversion rate was obtained using many different treatments. This research indicated the feasibility of using artificial seeds as a promising alternative to seeds produced by traditional
An annotated bibliography of Arabic and Berber in Libya

Abstract The Libyan varieties of both Arabic and Berber are among the least researched in their respective fields. In order to facilitate the study of these varieties, we present an annotated bibliography of all relevant research that could be identified up until the middle of 2016. With this, we aim to identify both the gaps in current and the possibilities for future research. Studies are grouped into Arabic and Berber sections, and subgrouped according to region. For Arabic, dialects of Tripoli and western regions, Benghazi and eastern regions, Fezzan and southern regions, as well as Jewish dialects, are treated. For Berber, varieties of Zwara, the Nafusa mountains, Sokna and El-Foqaha, and Awjila, and Tuareg are treated. Short introductions highlighting the most important studies precede bibliographic references and brief comments are given when of interest. ان اللهجات الليبية العربية والامازيغية هي من المواضيع الاقل دراسة وبحثاً في مجالهما. ومن اجل تسهيل دراسة هذه اللهجات، نحن نقدم فهرساً مذيلاً لكل الابحاث المتعلقة بذلك والتي يمكن تحديدها حتى منتصف عام 2016. بهذا، نحن نهفد الى تحديد الفجوات في الدراسة الحالية وبحث امكانية دراسات مستقبلية. جميع الدراسات مصنفة تحت بابي العرب والامازيغ ومن ثم مصنفة حسب المنطقة. بالنسبة للعربية فقد تم تناول لهجات طرابلس والمناطق الغربية، وبنغازي والمناطق الشرقية، وفزان والمناطق الجنوبية، اللهجات اليهودية ايضاً. اما بالنسبة للامازيغية فقد تم دراسة اللهجات من زوارة، وجبل نفوسة، والسوكنة والفقها واوجلة، ولهجة الطوارق . كما ادرجنا مقدمات قصيرة تسلط الضوء على اهم الدراسات تسبق المراجع الببلوغرافية وتعليقات مختصرة كلما دعت الحاجة لذلك .
Zone plate focused soft x-ray lithography for fabrication of nanofluidic devices

Sealed nanofluidic channels with cross sections of sub-100 nm * 100 nm were created in a polymer bilayer using the focused soft X-rays of a scanning transmission X-ray microscope and the direct write method. The width of the nanochannels can be controlled by the area patterned in X and Y, while the height can be controlled by tuning the layer thicknesses. Formation of the desired structures has been confirmed by near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectromicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The maximum length of the nanochannels fabricated by this method was found to be limited by the efficiency of excavation of patterned material out of the channel, as well as the stability of the polymer over-layer which seals it. Schemes toward interfacing these nanochannels with conventional microfluidics are discussed.
Effect of the Game Design, the Goal Type and the Number of Players on Intensity of Play in Small-Sided Soccer Games in Youth Elite Players

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the effects of game design modification, the type of the goal and the number of players on the intensity of play in small-sided soccer games (SSGs) in youth elite players. Twenty young soccer players (age 13.7 ± 0.5 years, body mass 57.4 ± 7.8 kg, body height 1.67 ± 7.8 m, maximal heart rate 201.1 ± 8.2 beats/min) performed three types of SSGs (possession play (PP) vs. regular goals (RG) vs. small goals (SG)) in both four-a-side and six-a-side formats. The heart rate responses were recorded and analysed as an indicator of the intensity of play. The four-a-side format obtained higher intensity of play than six-a-side for PP (p<0.05), but not for SG and RG. SG showed higher intensity of play than RG for four-a-side (p<0.001), but not for six-a-side. PP registered higher intensity of play than RG (p<0.05), but not than SG in four-a-side, whereas in six-a-side no differences were found between the three formats. In conclusion, the modification of variables such as the number of players, the game design and the type of the goal influences the intensity of play in small-sided soccer games in youth players.
Surface-modified nanofibrous biomaterial bridge for the enhancement and control of neurite outgrowth

Biomaterial bridges constructed from electrospun fibers offer a promising alternative to traditional nerve tissue regeneration substrates. Aligned and unaligned polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers were prepared and functionalized with the extracellular matrix proteins collagen and laminin using covalent and physical adsorption attachment chemistries. The effect of the protein modified and native PCL nanofiber scaffolds on cell proliferation, neurite outgrowth rate, and orientation was examined with neuronlike PC12 cells. All protein modified scaffolds showed enhanced cellular adhesion and neurite outgrowth compared to unmodified PCL scaffolds. Neurite orientation was found to be in near perfect alignment with the fiber axis for cells grown on aligned fibers, with difference angles of less than 7o from the fiber axis, regardless of the surface chemistry. The bioavailability of PCL fibers with covalently attached laminin was found to be identical to that of PCL fibers with physically adsorbed laminin, indicating that the covalent chemistry did not change the protein conformation into a less active form and the covalent attachment of protein is a suitable method for enhancing the biocompatibility of tissue engineering scaffolds. a) Electronic mail: nicole.zander@arl.army. mil
Aberrant profiles of native and oxidized glycoproteins in Alzheimer plasma

A proteomic approach was employed to elucidate possible differential expression of native and oxidized glycoproteins using pooled plasma samples derived from ten patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) and pooled plasma samples from nine normal elderly control (NEC) subjects. The plasma samples were fractionated by sequential affinity chromatography on heparin‐agarose (HepA) and concanavalin A‐agarose (ConA) columns followed by separation on one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gels. Carbonylation (oxidation) of proteins was monitored by in‐strip derivatization with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNP) and anti‐DNP immunoblotting. Nine spots representing glycoproteins which showed enrichment or high specific oxidation indices in AD HepA‐ConA 2‐D gels relative to NEC samples were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry and identified with high probability (p < 0.001) as isoforms of human transferrin (Tf), hemopexin (Hpx) and α‐1‐antitrypsin (α‐1‐AT). These glycoproteins were concentrated, respectively, 5‐, 6.5‐ and 107‐fold in HepA‐ConA eluates derived from AD plasma relative to the NEC samples. Specific oxidation indices of the identified Tf and Hpx isoforms in AD plasma were respectively, 7.4 and 2.8 relative to NEC. Our findings provide further evidence for systemic derangements in heme/iron/redox homeostasis and activation of the acute phase response in sporadic AD. Moreover, the data implicate isoforms of Tf, Hpx and α‐1‐AT as potential biological markers of this condition.
The effect of ordinances requiring smoke-free restaurants and bars on revenues: a follow-up.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to extend an earlier evaluation of the economic effects of ordinances requiring smoke-free restaurants and bars. METHODS Sales tax data for 15 cities with smoke-free restaurant ordinances, 5 cities and 2 counties with smoke-free bar ordinances, and matched comparison locations were analyzed by multiple regression, including time and a dummy variable for the ordinance. RESULTS Ordinances had no significant effect on the fraction of total retail sales that went to eating and drinking places or on the ratio between sales in communities with ordinances and sales in comparison communities. Ordinances requiring smoke-free bars had no significant effect on the fraction of revenues going to eating and drinking places that serve all types of liquor. CONCLUSIONS Smoke-free ordinances do not adversely affect either restaurant or bar sales.
Electroosmotic flow in a rectangular channel with variable wall zeta‐potential: Comparison of numerical simulation with asymptotic theory

Electroosmotic flow in a straight micro‐channel of rectangular cross‐section is computed numerically for several situations where the wall zeta‐potential is not constant but has a specified spatial variation. The results of the computation are compared with an earlier published asymptotic theory based on the lubrication approximation: the assumption that any axial variations take place on a long length scale compared to a characteristic channel width. The computational results are found to be in excellent agreement with the theory even when the scale of axial variations is comparable to the channel width. In the opposite limit when the wavelength of fluctuations is much shorter than the channel width, the lubrication theory fails to describe the solution either qualitatively or quantitatively. In this short wave limit the solution is well described by Ajdari's theory for electroosmotic flow between infinite parallel plates (Ajdari, A., Phys. Rev. E 1996, 53, 4996–5005.) The infinitely thin electric double layer limit is assumed in the theory as well as in the simulation.
Simulate TM Image from MODIS Data, Using Linear Mixture Model

Satellites sensors, e.g., MODIS, NOAA-AVHRR, SEAWIFS, are widely used satellite data. However, the coarse spatial resolution of these data limited the application. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for the simulation of high spatial resolution image from mutil-temporal coarser resolution satellite data that will has both high spatial resolution and temporal resolution. Through detecting temporal change information from time series MODIS images, the algorithm produces high temporal synthetic Landsat data from a previous Landsat image. The algorithm was tested over a 1400km2 area located in Arkansas, USA. High correlation coefficient r of 0.81 between synthetic imageries and actual observations was acquired.
Evaluation of preoperative Strepsils lozenges on incidence of postextubation cough and sore throat in smokers undergoing anesthesia with endotracheal intubation

Post-operative sore throat (POST) is an undesirable side effect of endotracheal intubation. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures have been utilized for minimizing the morbidity caused by POST. We have tested use of Strepsils lozenges in providing efficacy for decreasing POST in smokers presenting for surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: 100 patients, 20-65 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, either sex, history of smoking, posted for elective surgical procedure of more than 1 hour, requiring general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included and randomly divided into groups (n = 50) to receive Strepsils (Group A) and sugar candy (Group B). The patients were assessed for cough, sore throat, and hoarseness of voice after extubation, 30 min, 12 hrs, and 24 hrs after extubation. Results: At extubation no cough was seen in 39 (78%) patients (group A) compared to 23 (46%) patients (Group B), and mild cough in 22% (Group A) and 52% (Group B). Incidence of sore throat at extubation was lower in group A compared to Group B (P = 0.04). At other times of observations (30 min,12 hrs and 24 hrs) there was a significant decrease in incidence of sore throat in Group A compared to Group B (P = 0.000). Hoarseness of voice was not observed in any patient in either group. Conclusions: Use of preoperative Strepsils lozenges decreases incidence of POST and maybe utilized as a simple and cost-effective measure for decreasing the symptoms of POST and increasing the satisfaction of patients.
On stabilizability of MIMO systems over parallel noisy channels

In this paper we study the mean square stabilizability of MIMO discrete-time linear time-invariant plants over parallel additive white noise channels. We also consider a basic linear encoder-decoder scheme based on the design of a diagonal scaling matrix. We analyse the case of non minimum phase plants in an output feedback control setting. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for mean square stabilization when each SISO branch of the channel is subject to an individual signal-to-noise ratio constraint. We characterize a region where the set of constraints are compatible with mean square stability.
Cauda Equina Syndrome in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Successful Treatment With Lumboperitoneal Shunting

Study Design. Retrospective study. Objective. To assess outcomes after lumboperitoneal shunting for CES with dural sac dilation and multiple arachnoid diverticula in patients with long-standing AS. Summary of Background Data. Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare complication of long-standing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Neurologic symptoms occur insidiously and have a poor prognosis without effective treatment. Methods. We retrospectively studied cases seen between 1997 and 2009 at our university-hospital rheumatology department. Results. We identified 9 patients with AS and dural sac dilation (mean age: 64, range: 38–75), of whom 8 experienced CES 29.1 years on average (range: 10–51) after AS onset. Presenting symptoms were urinary abnormalities (n = 4), sensory abnormalities (n = 6), or radicular or low back pain (n = 4). The symptoms worsened progressively, with mild (n = 3) to severe (n = 1) motor deficiency, sphincter dysfunction (urinary [n = 6] and/or anal [n = 4] sphincter), and impotence (n = 3). Magnetic resonance imaging showed dural sac dilation (n = 9), multiple lumbar arachnoid diverticula (n = 6), erosions of the laminae and spinous processes (n = 6), and nerve-root tethering (n = 6) with adhesion to the dura mater and vertebrae (n = 7). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow study by magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 2 patients and showed communication of the diverticula with the CSF. Lumboperitoneal shunting, performed in 5 patients, was followed by improvements in sensation (n = 4), urinary symptoms (n = 2), anal continence (n = 3), and pain. Full recovery of muscle strength was noted in 3 patients. Improvements persisted after a mean of 49 months (range: 18–96). Conclusion. Lumboperitoneal shunting induced substantial improvements in all 5 patients treated with this procedure. This result suggests that AS-related CES may be due to chronic arachnoiditis and dural fibrosis leading to diminished CSF resorption with dural sac dilation and diverticula formation.
Differential Roles of the Insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) Receptors in Response to Insulin and IGF-I*[boxs]

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors are highly homologous tyrosine kinase receptors that share many common steps in their signaling pathways and have ligands that can bind to either receptor with differing affinities. To define precisely the signaling specific to the insulin receptor (IR) or the IGF-I receptor, we have generated brown preadipocyte cell lines that lack either receptor (insulin receptor knockout (IRKO) or insulin-like growth factor receptor knockout (IGFRKO)). Control preadipocytes expressed fewer insulin receptors than IGF-I receptors (20,000 versus 60,000), but during differentiation, insulin receptor levels increased so that mature adipocytes expressed slightly more insulin receptors than IGF-I receptors (120,000 versus 100,000). In these cells, insulin stimulated IR homodimer phosphorylation, whereas IGF-I activated both IGF-I receptor homodimers and hybrid receptors. Insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation was significantly impaired in IRKO cells but was surprisingly elevated in IGFRKO cells. IRS-2 phosphorylation was unchanged in either cell line upon insulin stimulation. IGF-I-dependent phosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 was ablated in IGFRKO cells but not in IRKO cells. In control cells, both insulin and IGF-I produced a dose-dependent increase in phosphorylated Akt and MAPK, although IGF-I elicited a stronger response at an equivalent dose. In IRKO cells, the insulin-dependent increase in phospho-Akt was completely abolished at the lowest dose and reached only 20% of the control stimulation at 10 nm. Most interestingly, the response to IGF-I was also impaired at low doses, suggesting that IR is required for both insulin- and IGF-I-dependent phosphorylation of Akt. Most surprisingly, insulin- or IGF-I-dependent phosphorylation of MAPK was unaltered in either receptor-deficient cell line. Taken together, these results indicate that the insulin and IGF-I receptors contribute distinct signals to common downstream components in response to both insulin and IGF-I.
Pulse pressure is independently associated with carotid plaque ulceration

Background Plaque rupture is the principal cause of acute coronary ischaemia, and unstable carotid plaques are associated with a high risk of ischaemic stroke. Carotid plaque ulceration also predicts acute coronary events, suggesting that systemic factors may determine plaque instability. One potentially important factor is pulse pressure. There is indirect evidence that cyclical haemodynamic forces affect plaque stability, and pulse pressure is a strong predictor of coronary events. Objective To study the association between pulse pressure and plaque ulceration. Design and methods We studied angiograms from 3007 patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis in the European Carotid Surgery Trial. Presence of ulceration was related to the different components of blood pressure [pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)], and adjustment was made for age, sex, diabetes, smoking, and the degree of vessel stenosis. Results Pulse pressure was the strongest independent predictor of ulceration of the symptomatic carotid plaque [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the upper compared with the lower quintile 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25 to 3.44; P = 0.004]. This relationship was weaker for SBP (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.62; P = 0.02), and non-significant for MAP (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.48, P = 0.13) and DBP (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.87, P = 0.50). Conclusions Pulse pressure is independently associated with carotid plaque ulceration, supporting the hypothesis that pulsatile haemodynamic forces are an important cause of plaque rupture.