Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Flame-Holder on Existence Important Parameters in a Duct Combustion Simulator

Abstract—The effects of flame-holder position, the ratio of flame holder diameter to combustion chamber diameter and injection angle on fuel propulsive droplets sizing and effective mass fraction have been studied by a cold flow. We named the mass of fuel vapor inside the flammability limit as the effective mass fraction. An empty cylinder as well as a flame-holder which are a simulator for duct combustion has been considered. The airflow comes into the cylinder from one side and injection operation will be done by four nozzles which are located on the entrance of cylinder. To fulfill the calculations a modified version of KIVA-3V code which is a transient, three-dimensional, multiphase, multi component code for the analysis of chemically reacting flows with sprays, is used.
EvoMCTS: A Scalable Approach for General Game Learning

In this paper, we present the application of genetic programming as a generic game learning approach to zero-sum, deterministic, full-knowledge board games by evolving board-state evaluation functions to be used in conjunction with Monte Carlo tree search (MCTS). Our method involves evolving board-evaluation functions that are then used to guide the MCTS playout strategy. We examine several variants of Reversi, Dodgem, and Hex using strongly typed genetic programming, explicitly defined introns, and a selective directional crossover method. Our results show a proficiency that surpasses that of baseline handcrafted players using equal and in some cases greater amounts of search, with little domain knowledge and no expert domain knowledge. Moreover, our results exhibit scalability.
Low-Power 2.4-GHz Transceiver With Passive RX Front-End and 400-mV Supply

An ultra low power 2.4-GHz transceiver targeting wireless sensor network applications is presented. The receiver front-end is fully passive, utilizing an integrated resonant matching network to achieve voltage gain and interface directly to a passive mixer. The receiver achieves a 7-dB noise figure and -7.5-dBm IIP3 while consuming 330 muW from a 400-mV supply. The binary FSK transmitter delivers 300 muW to a balanced 50-Omega load with 30% overall efficiency and 45% power amplifier (PA) efficiency. Performance of the receiver topology is analyzed and simple expressions for the gain and noise figure of both the passive mixer and matching network are derived. An analysis of passive mixer input impedance reveals the potential to reject interferers at the mixer input with characteristics similar to an extremely high-Q parallel LC filter centered at the switching frequency
Membrane-dependent Activities of Human 15-LOX-2 and Its Murine Counterpart

The enzyme encoded by the ALOX15B gene has been linked to the development of atherosclerotic plaques in humans and in a mouse model of hypercholesterolemia. In vitro, these enzymes, which share 78% sequence identity, generate distinct products from their substrate arachidonic acid: the human enzyme, a 15-S-hydroperoxy product; and the murine enzyme, an 8-S-product. We probed the activities of these enzymes with nanodiscs as membrane mimics to determine whether they can access substrate esterified in a bilayer and characterized their activities at the membrane interface. We observed that both enzymes transform phospholipid-esterified arachidonic acid to a 15-S-product. Moreover, when expressed in transfected HEK cells, both enzymes result in significant increases in the amounts of 15-hydroxyderivatives of eicosanoids detected. In addition, we show that 15-LOX-2 is distributed at the plasma membrane when the HEK293 cells are stimulated by the addition Ca2+ ionophore and that cellular localization is dependent upon the presence of a putative membrane insertion loop. We also report that sequence differences between the human and mouse enzymes in this loop appear to confer distinct mechanisms of enzyme-membrane interaction for the homologues.
Actions of the ORL1 Receptor Ligand Nociceptin on Membrane Properties of Rat Periaqueductal Gray Neurons In Vitro

The actions of the endogenous ORL1-receptor ligand nociceptin on the membrane properties and synaptic currents in rat periaqueductal gray (PAG) neurons were examined by the use of whole-cell patch-clamp recording in brain slices. Nociceptin produced an outward current in all neurons tested, with an EC50 of 39 ± 7 nm. The outward current was unaffected by naloxone. Outward currents reversed polarity at −110 ± 3 mV in 2.5 mm extracellular potassium, and the reversal potential increased when the extracellular potassium concentration was raised (slope = 66.3 mV/log[K+]omm). Thus, the nociceptin-induced outward current was attributable to an increased K+ conductance. Nociceptin inhibited evoked fast GABAergic (IPSCs) and glutamatergic (EPSCs) postsynaptic currents and increased paired-pulse facilitation in a subpopulation of PAG neurons. Nociceptin inhibited evoked IPSCs and EPSCs in ∼50% of neurons throughout the PAG, except in the ventrolateral PAG, where nociceptin inhibited evoked IPSCs in most neurons. Nociceptin decreased the frequency of spontaneous miniature postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs and mEPSCs) in a subpopulation of PAG neurons but had no effect on their amplitude distributions. Thus, nociceptin had a presynaptic inhibitory effect on transmitter release. These findings suggest that nociceptin, via its pre- and postsynaptic actions, has the potential to modulate the analgesic, behavioral, and autonomic functions of the PAG.
Attenuation of Female Reproductive Hormones in Piroxicam Administered Wistar Rats

One of the most commonly used drugs in today’s world is the Nonsteroidal Anti- inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are renowned for their role in anti- inflammations, as well as in reducing muscular and joint pains. Though several studies have acknowledged the role of Piroxicam (an NSAID) in the treatment and/or management of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, acute gout, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal disorders and dysmenorrhoea, very little or riff information details its implications in the endocrine and reproductive systems. To this point, this study was geared towards investigating in wistar rats, the attenuated effect(s) of Piroxicam administration on female reproductive hormonal levels. Twenty (24) adult female wistar rats (between 160-220g) were divided into four (4) groups of six rats each (n=6). While group 1 served as control (fed with normal diet), group 2 animals were administered with Piroxicam (0.1mg/kg), with group 3 given 0.2mg/kg of Piroxicam. Group 4 rats were co-administered with 0.2mg/kg of Piroxicam and Vitamin E. following period of administration of test substance, rats were sacrificed, blood samples collected and centrifuged to obtain serum for biochemical analysis. Hormone levels were analysed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) shows a significant decrease (p < .05) in hormone levels of groups 2 and 3 rats upon comparison with those in control group. Antioxidant Vitamin E helped in antagonizing the effects of Piroxicam, showing less decrease in hormone levels. By decreasing oestrogen, progesterone and gonadotropins levels, NSAIDs can therefore be said to pose negative effects on female fertility. Keywords: NSAIDs, Piroxicam, Hormones
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans at an Uncommon Site

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a locally aggressive, cutaneous, malignant tumor characterized by high propensity for local relapse and low metastatic potential. It is seen mainly in the age group of 6-65 years over the trunk and extremities. Immunohistochemically it diagnosed by marker human progenitor cell Ag CD 34. Herein, we present a 40-year-old male with DFSP over the pubic area and extending up to the proximal penile shaft. The biopsy revealed intervening bundles of spindle-shaped cells in the dermis and the diagnostic marker human progenitor cell Ag CD 34 was positive. The patient underwent wide local surgical resection.
E × B configurations for high-throughput plasma mass separation: An outlook on possibilities and challenges

High-throughput plasma separation based on atomic mass holds promise for offering unique solutions to a variety of high-impact societal applications. Through the mass differential effects they exhibit, crossed-field configurations can in principle be exploited in various ways to separate ions based on atomic mass. Here, we review some of the E × B mass filter concepts proposed to date and underline how the practicality of these concepts is conditioned upon the ability to sustain a suitable perpendicular electric field in a plasma for parameters compatible with high-throughput operation. We show that while the limited present predictive capabilities do not make it possible to confirm this possibility, past experimental results suggest that end-electrode biasing may be effective, at least for certain electric field values. We conclude that a better understanding of cross-field conductivity is needed to confirm these results and confirm the potential of crossed-field configurations for high-throughput separation.
Reading the Book of Nature: Introduction

Introduction 1. Theories 2. Internal and external virtues 3. Explanation 4. Confirmation 5. Underdetermination 6. Observation: 7. Blurring the internal-external distinction: 8. Coherence and truth: 9. Objective evidence 10. Science and common sense Glossary of terms Suggested reading Index.
The ribonucleotidyl transferase USIP-1 acts with SART3 to promote U6 snRNA recycling

The spliceosome is a large molecular machine that serves to remove the intervening sequences that are present in most eukaryotic pre-mRNAs. At its core are five small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes, the U1, U2, U4, U5 and U6 snRNPs, which undergo dynamic rearrangements during splicing. Their reutilization for subsequent rounds of splicing requires reversion to their original configurations, but little is known about this process. Here, we show that ZK863.4/USIP-1 (U Six snRNA-Interacting Protein-1) is a ribonucleotidyl transferase that promotes accumulation of the Caenorhabditis elegans U6 snRNA. Endogenous USIP-1–U6 snRNA complexes lack the Lsm proteins that constitute the protein core of the U6 snRNP, but contain the U6 snRNP recycling factor SART3/B0035.12. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that SART3 but not USIP-1 occurs also in a separate complex containing both the U4 and U6 snRNPs. Based on this evidence, genetic interaction between usip-1 and sart-3, and the apparent dissociation of Lsm proteins from the U6 snRNA during spliceosome activation, we propose that USIP-1 functions upstream of SART3 to promote U6 snRNA recycling.
Clinical study on nutrition support in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

AIM To investigate the effect of nutritional support therapy on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS A total of 96 patients with severe acute pancreatitis were divided randomly into control and treatment groups. The former group received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via central venous infusion, while parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral nutrition (EN) therapies were applied in different phases for the latter group. The nutrition status, acute phase responses, pancreas lesions, enteric mucosa penetrability and immune functions were monitored. RESULTS Body weight and prealbumin concentration were increased in treatment group, compared to those in the control group, but albumin concentration did not change significantly. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores decreased after 7 d of treatment, whereas the scores of the control group decreased on the 11(th) day. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukine-6 (IL-6) and serum C reactive protein (CRP) dropped earlier in the treatment group (on the 4(th) day) than that in the control group (on the 7(th) day). No difference was observed in pancreatic lesions between the control and treatment groups. Concentration of endotoxin and lactulose/manicol (L:M) ratio of urine did not change in treatment group, but those in the control group were elevated markedly. Compared with the treatment group, CD4:CD8 T cells ratio and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in the control group decreased significantly. CONCLUSION Compared to TPN, the combined therapy of EN and PN could improve the nutrition status and moderate the acute phase response obviously. Moreover, the integrity of enteric mucosa and immune function were protected more effectively in treatment group than in the control one. On the other hand, EN did not simulate the excretion of pancreas and avoid exaggerating the inflammation of pancreas. Thus, appropriate application of PN and EN appears to be more effective for patients with SAP.
Snow density retrieval using SAR data: algorithm validation and applications in part of North Western Himalaya

Abstract. The current study has been done using Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to estimate the dry snow density in Manali sub-basin of Beas River located in state of Himachal Pradesh, India. SAR data from Radarsat-2 (RS2), Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT), Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) and Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS)-Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) have been used. The SAR based inversion models were implemented separately for fully polarimetric RS2, PALSAR and dual polarimetric ASAR Alternate polarization System (APS) datasets in Mathematica and MATLAB software and have been used for finding out dry snow dielectric constant and snow density. Masks for forest, built area, layover and shadow were considered in estimating snow parameters. Overall accuracy in terms of R2 value and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was calculated as 0.85 and 0.03 g cm−3 for snow density based on the ground truth data. The retrieved snow density is highly useful for snow avalanche and snowmelt runoff modeling related studies of this region.
Occurrence of CTX-M Producing Escherichia coli in Soils, Cattle, and Farm Environment in France (Burgundy Region)

CTX-M [a major type of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)] producing Escherichia coli are increasingly involved in human infections worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate potential reservoirs for such strains: soils, cattle, and farm environment. The prevalence of blaCTX-M genes was determined directly from soil DNA extracts obtained from 120 sites in Burgundy (France) using real-time PCR. blaCTX-M targets were found in 20% of the DNA extracts tested. Samples of cattle feces (n = 271) were collected from 182 farms in Burgundy. Thirteen ESBL-producing isolates were obtained from 12 farms and further characterized for the presence of bla genes. Of the 13 strains, five and eight strains carried blaTEM-71 genes and blaCTX-M-1 genes respectively. Ten strains of CTX-M-1 producing E. coli were isolated from cultivated and pasture soils as well as from composted manure within two of these farms. The genotypic analysis revealed that environmental and animal strains were clonally related. Our study confirms the occurrence of CTX-M producing E. coli in cattle and reports for the first time the occurrence of such strains in cultivated soils. The environmental competence of such strains has to be determined and might explain their long term survival since CTX-M isolates were recovered from a soil that was last amended with manure 1 year before sampling.
Simulation‐Based Comparative Study of Routing Protocols for Wireless Ad-­Hoc Network

Wireless ad-hoc networks have recently gained significant research attention due to their vast potential of applications in numerous fields. Multihop routing is a significantly important aspect which determines, to a large extend, the overall performance of the network. A number of routing protocols have been proposed for routing in wireless ad-hoc networks with focus on optimizing different aspects of the network routing. This report focuses on studying two popular protocols for wireless networks: Ad-hoc On Demand Distance Vector (AODV) and Optimized Link-State Routing (OLSR). The two protocols belong to different classes of routing categorization. AODV is a popular on-demand (reactive) routing protocol whereas the OLSR is a popular link-state based proactive routing protocol. The technical aspects of the two protocols shall be studied while highlighting the differences between the two and simulation based performance comparison of the two protocols shall be carried out under varying traffic and network conditions using the Network Simulator.
Post-mortem biochemistry differences between vitreous humour and cerebrospinal fluid

ABSTRACT Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and vitreous humour (VH) can be biochemically analysed post-mortem. CSF can be aspirated from the ventricular system (VA) and from lumbar puncture (LP), whereas, VH is aspirated from the orbits. This study compared the biochemical constituents between CSF and VH in 20 post-mortem subjects as well as the effect post-mortem interval and subject age have on these variables. VH samples had significantly higher sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) and lower magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), urea (Ur) and creatinine (Cr) compared with CSF samples. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated with beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose levels in both VH and both CSF samples. Interestingly, some of the differences in the biochemical analysis correlated with age, but none with post-mortem interval. In addition to sampling and pre-analytical sample processing differences, there may also be ante- and post-mortem factors explaining these observations. This study suggests that post-mortem CSF and VH are biochemically different and reference ranges for VH are not recommended for use in CSF samples.
International Conference on Engineering Design, Iced'07 Social Innovation: Using Design to Generate Business Value through Corporate Social Responsibility

(250 WORDS MAX) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a rapidly growing field in the academic and practitioner domains. Yet criticisms of CSR in its current form have been apparent, often related to the lack of value that it generates in the enterprise. This is especially true of SMEs who often shy away from CSR practices due to the perceived costs. This article discusses a research project that attempts to mainstream CSR in European SMEs. We use the term Social Innovation to highlight the overlap between responsible practice and business value, and use some of the literature from the Design for Society field to build our case. We find the current level of CSR uptake in 60 SMEs across Europe with activities related to employees and the local community most common. A number of barriers are also uncovered while the companies who implement the most CSR are also the most innovative – yet we have still to ascertain if this innovation is a result of CSR. 1 INTRODUCTION Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a rapidly growing field in both the academic and practitioner domains. CSR, having re-emerged as a large company defence tactic during the anti-globalisation and anti-capitalist protests of the late 1990s, now has a more positive approach to environmental, community, workforce, and of course marketplace factors. In the saturated marketplace of today there are increasingly less factors to differentiate oneself from the competition. Responsibility is a key differentiation factor that can be sustained in the longer term. Companies who do not take account of the increasing importance of responsibility may not survive, in much the same way as those who fail to innovate. As well as an increasing awareness of corporate practice in the purchase decision of consumers, legislation and supply chain pressures may force companies to act more responsibly. We argue that design may help to ensure the sustainability of a more responsible approach to business, resulting in system level solutions that are at the same time, responsible and profitable. Building on existing related fields such as sustainable design and Design for Environment the RESPONSE project aims to 'mainstream CSR in SMEs'. The project team involves academic and industrial partners from Glasgow, Barcelona, Girona, Milan and Bilbao, and counts on CSR and design expertise and many years experience working with SMEs. Since 99% of all European enterprises are SMEs which constitute 66% of total employment [1] this is …
Nationwide Railway Monitoring Using Satellite SAR Interferometry

Satellite synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) has the capability to monitor railway tracks and embankments with millimeter-level precision over wide areas. The potential of detecting differential deformation along the tracks makes it one of the most powerful and economical means for monitoring the safety and stability of the infrastructure on a weekly basis. Yet, the mere capability to detect such small deformations is not sufficient for an operational application of the technique. Handling huge data volumes, homogenizing independent datasets, and the connection with expert knowledge to identify risk areas are challenges to overcome. Here, we use a probabilistic method for InSAR time series postprocessing to efficiently scrutinize the data and detect railway instability. Moreover, to detect high-strain segments of the railway, we propose a short-arc-based method to focus on localized differential deformation between nearby InSAR measurement points. Our approach is demonstrated over the entire railway network of the Netherlands, more than 3000 km long, using hundreds of Radarsat-2 acquisitions between 2010 and 2015, leading to the first satellite-based nationwide railway monitoring system.
Generating fuzzy semantic metadata describing spatial relations from images using the R-histogram

Automatic generation of semantic metadata describing spatial relations is highly desirable for image digital libraries. Relative spatial relations between objects in an image convey important information about the image. Because the perception of spatial relations is subjective, we propose a novel framework for automatic metadata generation based on fuzzy k-NN classification that generates fuzzy semantic metadata describing spatial relations between objects in an image. For each pair of objects of interest, the corresponding R-Histogram is computed and used as input for a set of fuzzy k-NN classifiers. The R-Histogram is a quantitative representation of spatial relations between two objects. The outputs of the classifiers are soft class labels for each of the following eight spatial relations: 1) LEFT OF, 2) RIGHT OF, 3) ABOVE, 4) BELOW, 5) NEAR, 6) FAR, 7) INSIDE, 8) OUTSIDE. Because the classifier-training stage involves annotating the training images manually, it is desirable to use as few training images as possible. To address this issue, we applied existing prototype selection techniques and also devised two new extensions. We evaluated the performance of different fuzzy k-NN algorithms and prototype selection algorithms empirically on both synthetic and real images. Preliminary experimental results show that our system is able to obtain good annotation accuracy (92%-98% on synthetic images and 82%-93% on real images) using only a small training set (4-5 images).