Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medical image enhancement based on nonlinear technique and logarithmic transform coefficient histogram matching

This paper presents a new method of medical image enhancement that improves the visual quality of digital images as well as images that exhibits dark shadows due to limited dynamic range of imaging. In this paper, non linear image enhancement technique is used in transform domain by the way of transform coefficient histogram matching to enhance image. Processing includes global dynamic range correction and local contrast enhancement which is able to enhance the luminance in the dark shadows keeping the overall tonality consistent with that of the input image. Logarithmic transform histogram matching is used which uses the fact that the relation between stimulus and perception is logarithmic. A measure of enhancement based on the transform is used as a tool for evaluating the performance contrast measure with respect of the proposed enhancement technique. The performance of the algorithm is compared quantitatively to classical histogram equalization using the aforementioned measure of enhancement. A number of experimental results over some x-ray and facial images are presented to show the performance of the proposed algorithm alongside classical histogram equalization.
Revisiting cultures’ consequences in international marketing studies

Abstract This commentary revisits Hofstede’s “dimensions of culture in international marketing studies” paper on approaches to conceptualizing and operationalizing culture in marketing studies. Selected key questions in conducting cross-cultural studies are discussed in light of some of the recent contributions and developments in cross-cultural assessment. The study here argues that emic rather than etic studies may contribute for a more balanced view of culture and cultural influence.
Sub-Microfabrication of Protein Micropatterns for Cell Biology Applications

We successfully demonstrated the realization of fabricating protein sub-micro patterns for cell biology applications. To successfully generate the protein sub-micro patterns, some new designed procedures were involved into the DUV photolithography with micro contact printing process, such as TEOS film, RIE etching and AR3 coating. For the flexible aspect ratio requirements, TEOS film was added as a hard mask between photoresist and substrate for increasing the etching selectivity. According to our experimental results, the aspect ratio could be offered from 1.5 to 4.5 by RIE recipe tuning. When the pattern size is into sub-micro level, the sticking issue between silicon and PDMS will be getting worse. Besides, it also has very strong dependence with pattern sizes, pitches and shapes. We analyze the chemical mechanisms and select suitable material to be the buffer layer to avoid the crosslinking from these two materials. The AR3 layer was employed to be a buffer layer and successfully reduce the issue of pattern sticking. After that, we observed the neuron and cell outgrowth in these special designed protein sub-micro patterns. The investigated patterning process that combining with DUV photolithography and micro contact printing could be used to generate functional surfaces for cell biology applications
Figuring Death, Figuring Creativity: On the Power of Aesthetic Ideas

A history of cultural knowledge is not congruent with a history of abstract concepts or rational ideas. As a consequence this essay presents a new and fascinating cross-cultural approach for analysing the powers of literature and art to form aesthetic ideas of lasting cultural impact, for analysing the interrelation between the formative forces of the imagination and the form-giving material or medium. Its focus is on Figurations of Death and Figurations of Creativity. Both of these topics raise questions relevant to all cultures: how does innovation enter the world; how does a society come to terms with the deepest and most basic uncertainty of human existence, the awareness of mortality.
Higher Order Statistical Characterization of Received Power Fluctuations for Partially Coherent Random Fields

We calculate and investigate the first four moments of the power received by a short dipole antenna placed inside a reverberation chamber. The analysis is based on the vector angular spectral representation of an idealized electromagnetic random field. It is found that truncating the higher order moments (in particular, the first two invariants) of the replica pairs, considered as an incoherent part, causes a deviation from the ideal negative exponential probability distribution, which is instead found to be a leptokurtic Pearson type-IV distribution with increased skewness. This results in a model of partially coherent random fields received by a real antenna. Using a generalization of Tai's theory, it is demonstrated that the effective aperture of the antenna does not exhibit fluctuations. Implications for the uncertainty and distribution function of the Q -factor of the cavity are analyzed and discussed.
Competency-based continuing professional development

Competence is traditionally viewed as the attainment of a static set of attributes rather than a dynamic process in which physicians continuously use their practice experiences to “progress in competence” toward the attainment of expertise. A competency-based continuing professional development (CPD) model is premised on a set of learning competencies that include the ability to (a) use practice information to identify learning priorities and to develop and monitor CPD plans; (b) access information sources for innovations in development and new evidence that may potentially be integrated into practice; (c) establish a personal knowledge management system to store and retrieve evidence and to select and manage learning projects; (d) construct questions, search for evidence, and record and track conclusions for practice; and (e) use tools and processes to measure competence and performance and develop action plans to enhance practice. Competency-based CPD emphasizes self-directed learning processes and promotes the role of assessment as a professional expectation and obligation. Various approaches to defining general competencies for practice require the creation of specific performance metrics to be meaningful and relevant to the lifelong learning strategies of physicians. This paper describes the assumptions, advantages, and challenges of establishing a CPD system focused on competencies that improve physician performance and the quality and safety of patient care. Implications for competency-based CPD are discussed from an individual and organizational perspective, and a model to bridge the transition from residency to practice is explored.
Differential T-Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling Mediated by the Src Family Kinases Lck and Fyn

ABSTRACT Src family tyrosine kinases play a key role in T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling. They are responsible for the initial tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor, leading to the recruitment of the ZAP-70 tyrosine kinase, as well as the subsequent phosphorylation and activation of ZAP-70. Molecular and genetic evidence indicates that both the Fyn and Lck members of the Src family can participate in TCR signal transduction; however, it is unclear to what extent they utilize the same signal transduction pathways and activate the same downstream events. We have addressed this issue by examining the ability of Fyn to mediate TCR signal transduction in an Lck-deficient T-cell line (JCaM1). Fyn was able to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR and recruitment of the ZAP-70 kinase, but the pattern of TCR phosphorylation was altered and activation of ZAP-70 was defective. Despite this, the SLP-76 adapter protein was inducibly tyrosine phosphorylated, and both the Ras–mitogen-activated protein kinase and the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate signaling pathways were activated. TCR stimulation of JCaM1/Fyn cells induced the expression of the CD69 activation marker and inhibited cell growth, but NFAT activation and the production of interleukin-2 were markedly reduced. These results indicate that Fyn mediates an alternative form of TCR signaling which is independent of ZAP-70 activation and generates a distinct cellular phenotype. Furthermore, these findings imply that the outcome of TCR signal transduction may be determined by which Src family kinase is used to initiate signaling.
A practical online approach to protecting kernel heap buffers in kernel modules

Heap overflow attack is one of the major memory corruption attacks that have become prevalent for decades. To defeat this attack, many protection methods are proposed in recent years. However, most of these existing methods focus on user-level heap overflow detection. Only a few methods are proposed for kernel heap protection. Moreover, all these kernel protection methods need modifying the existing OS kernel so that they may not be adopted in practice. To address this problem, we propose a lightweight virtualization-based solution that can protect the kernel heap buffers allocated for the target kernel modules. The key idea of our approach is to combine the static binary analysis and virtualization technology to trap a memory allocation operation of the target kernel module, and then add one secure canary word to the end of the allocated buffer. After that, a monitor process is launched to check the integrity of the canaries. The evaluations show that our system can detect kernel heap overflow attacks effectively with minimal performance cost.
Prediction of Phase I single-dose pharmacokinetics using recombinant cytochromes P450 and physiologically based modelling

Ten compounds from the Merck Research Laboratories pipeline were selected to evaluate the utility of using intrinsic clearance derived from recombinantly expressed cytochromes P450 (CYP) and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling to predict Phase I pharmacokinetics using simCYP. The compounds selected were anticipated to be eliminated predominantly by P450 metabolism. There was a reasonable agreement between the predicted and actual clinical exposure with 80% of the predicted exposures being within three-fold of the observed values. Furthermore, prediction of C(t) (plasma concentration at a specified time point) and Tmax were acceptable with greater than or equal to 70% of the predicted data being within three-fold of the observed values. However, prediction of Cmax was unreliable and may have been due to error in predicting the time-dependent change in volume of distribution and/or error in estimating absorption rate. Although it is acknowledged that research is needed to improve predictive performance, the data presented are supportive of using recombinant P450 intrinsic clearance and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling to predict Phase I pharmacokinetics for compounds eliminated by P450 metabolism.
A Fast Classification Scheme in Raman Spectroscopy for the Identification of Mineral Mixtures Using a Large Database With Correlated Predictors

Robust classification methods are vital to the successful implementation of many material characterization techniques, particularly where large databases exist. In this paper, we demonstrate an extremely fast classification method for the identification of mineral mixtures in Raman spectroscopy using the large RRUFF database. However, this method is equally applicable to other techniques meeting the large database criteria, these including laser-induced breakdown, X-ray diffraction, and mass spectroscopy methods. Classification of these multivariate datasets can be challenging due in part to the various obscuring features inherently present within the underlying dataset and in part to the volume and variety of information known a priori. Some of the more specific challenges include the observation of mixtures with overlapping spectral features, the use of large databases (i.e., the number of predictors far outweighs the number of observations), the use of databases that contain groups of correlated spectra, and the ever present, clouding contaminants of noise, undesired background, and spectrometer artifacts. Although many existing classification algorithms attempt to address these problems individually, not many address them as a whole. Here, we apply a multistage approach, which leverages well-established constrained regression techniques, to overcome these challenges. Our modifications to conventional algorithm implementations are shown to increase speed and performance of the classification process. Unlike many other techniques, our method is able to rapidly classify mixtures while simultaneously preserving sparsity. It is easily implemented, has very few tuning parameters, does not require extensive parameter training, and does not require data dimensionality reduction prior to classification.
Human ACE and bradykinin B2 receptors form a complex at the plasma membrane

To investigate how angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors enhance the actions of bradykinin (BK) on B2 receptors independent of blocking BK inactivation, we expressed human somatic ACE and B2 receptors in CHO cells. Bradykinin and its ACE‐resistant analog were the receptor agonists. B2 fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and ACE were coprecipitated with antisera to GFP or ACE shown in Western blots. Immunohistochemistry of fixed cells localized ACE by red color and B2‐GFP by green. Yellow on plasma membranes of coexpressing cells also indicated enzyme‐receptor complex formation. Using ACE‐fused cyan fluorescent protein donor and B2‐fused yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) acceptor, we registered fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) by the enhanced fluorescence of donor on acceptor photobleaching, establishing close (within 10 nm) positions of B2 receptors and ACE. Bradykinin stimulation cointernalized ACE and B2 receptors. We expressed ACE fused to N terminus of B2 receptors, anchoring only receptors to plasma membranes. Here, in contrast to cells, where both ACE and B2 receptors are separately anchored, ACE inhibitors neither enhance activation of chimeric B2 nor resensitize desensitized B2 receptors. Heterodimer formation between ACE and B2 receptors can be a mechanism for ACE inhibitors to augment kinin activity at cellular level. —Chen, Z. , Deddish, P. A. , Minshall, R. D. , Becker, R. P., Erdös, E. G. , Tan, F. Human ACE and bradykinin B2 receptors form a complex at the plasma membrane. FASEB J. 20, 2261–2270 (2006)
Rimonabant Kills Colon Cancer Stem Cells without Inducing Toxicity in Normal Colon Organoids

Colorectal cancer (CRC), like other tumor types, is a highly heterogeneous disease. Within the tumor bulk, intra-tumoral heterogeneity is also ascribable to Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) subpopulation, characterized by high chemoresistance and the unique ability to retain tumorigenic potential, thus associated to tumor recurrence. High dynamic plasticity of CSCs, makes the development of winning therapeutic strategies even more complex to completely eradicate tumor fuel. Rimonabant, originally synthesized as antagonist/inverse agonist of Cannabinoid Receptor 1, is able to inactivate Wnt signaling, both in vitro and in vivo, in CRC models, through inhibition of p300-histone acetyltransferase activity. Since Wnt/β-Catenin pathway is the main player underlying CSCs dynamic, this finding candidates Rimonabant as potential modulator of cancer stemness, in CRC. In this work, using established 3D cultures of primary colon CSCs, taking into account the tumor heterogeneity through monitoring of Wnt activity, we demonstrated that Rimonabant was able to reduces both tumor differentiated cells and colon CSCs proliferation and to control their survival in long term cultures. Interestingly, in ex vivo model of wild type human organoids, retaining both architecture and heterogeneity of original tissue, Rimonabant showed no toxicity against cells from healthy colon epithelium, suggesting its potential selectivity toward cancer cells. Overall, results from this work provided new insights on anti-tumor efficacy of Rimonabant, strongly suggesting that it could be a novel lead compound for CRC treatment.
Educational Reform in Turkey

As a country seeking admission to the European Union, this paper explores educational reforms in Turkey that enhance its possible entry into the European Union and changes still needed for it to be an equal partner. An overview of the school system in Turkey is provided including information on teacher training and preparation, special education policy, and post high school participation. Its educational system still faces significant hurdles and must address human rights issues in order to provide equal access and nondiscriminatory education for all. While strides have been made to improve educational opportunities, inequality is still a reality for many females and those of lower socio-economic status. Higher education opportunities continue to improve with infrastructure problems competing to keep pace with the number of facilities available. Turkey continues to address these educational concerns while progressing toward the goal of improving its status as a European Union candidate.
Utp8p Is an Essential Intranuclear Component of the Nuclear tRNA Export Machinery of Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

A yeast tRNA three-hybrid interaction approach and an in vivo nuclear tRNA export assay based on amber suppression was used to identify proteins that participate in the nuclear tRNA export process in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One of the proteins identified by this strategy is Utp8p, an essential 80-kDa nucleolar protein that has been implicated in 18 S ribosomal RNA biogenesis. Our characterization indicated that the major function of Utp8p is in nuclear tRNA export. Like the S. cerevisiae Los1p and the mammalian exportin-t, which are proteins known to facilitate nuclear tRNA export, overexpression of Utp8p restored export of \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{tRNA}_{\mathrm{am}}^{\mathrm{Tyr}}\) \end{document} mutants defective in nuclear export. Furthermore, depletion of Utp8p blocked nuclear export of mature tRNAs derived from both intronless and intron-containing pre-tRNAs but did not affect tRNA and rRNA maturation, nuclear export of mRNA and ribosomes, or nuclear tRNA aminoacylation. Overexpression of Utp8p also alleviated nuclear retention of non-aminoacylated tRNATyr in a tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase mutant strain. Utp8p binds tRNA directly and saturably, indicating that it has a tRNA-binding site. Utp8p does not appear to function as a tRNA export receptor, because it does not shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Taken together, the results suggest that Utp8p is an essential intranuclear component of the nuclear tRNA export machinery, which may channel tRNA to the various tRNA export pathways operating in S. cerevisiae.
Thrombin Inhibits NMDA‐Mediated Nociceptive activity in the Mouse: Possible Mediation by Endothelin

The CNS expresses many components of an extracellular protease signalling system, including the protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) whose tethered ligand is generated by thrombin. Activation of PAR‐1 potentiates NMDA receptor activity in hippocampal neurons. Because NMDA activity mediates hyperalgesia, we tested the hypothesis that PAR‐1 receptors also regulate pain processing. In contrast to the potentiating effect of thrombin in the hippocampus, NMDA‐induced behaviours and the transient mechanical hyperalgesia (von Frey fibres) induced by intrathecally injected NMDA in mice were inhibited by thrombin in a dose‐related fashion. This anti‐hyperalgesic effect was mimicked by SFLLRN, the natural ligand at PAR‐1 binding sites, but not SLIGRL‐amide, a PAR‐2 agonist. The effects of SFLLRN were less potent and shorter in duration than that of thrombin, consistent with its more transient effect on PAR‐1 sites. Both thrombin and SFLLRN inhibited acetic acid‐induced abdominal stretch (writhing) behaviours, which were also sensitive to NMDA antagonism, but not hot plate or tail flick latencies, which were insensitive to NMDA antagonists. TFLLR‐amide, a selective ligand for PAR‐1 sites, mimicked the effects of thrombin while RLLFT‐amide, an inactive, reverse peptide sequence, did not. In addition, the effect of TFLLR‐amide was prevented by RWJ‐56110, a PAR‐1 antagonist. Thrombin and TFLLR‐amide produced no oedema (Evans Blue extravasation) in the spinal cord that would account for these effects. Based on the reported ability of thrombin to mobilize endothelin‐1 from astrocytes, we tested the role of this compound in thrombin's activity. BQ123, an endothelin A receptor antagonist, prevented thrombin's inhibition of writhing and NMDA‐induced behaviours while BQ788, an endothelin B receptor antagonist, did not. Thus, activation of PAR‐1 sites by thrombin in the CNS appears to inhibit NMDA‐mediated nociception by a pathway involving endothelin type A receptors.
Prophylactic Fresh Frozen Plasma Infusion is Ineffective in Reversing Warfarin Anticoagulation and Preventing Delayed Intracranial Hemorrhage After Falls

Background: Elderly patients, with considerable fall risk, are increasingly anticoagulated to prevent thromboembolic disease. We hypothesized that a policy of prophylactic fresh frozen plasma (FFP) infusion in patients having falls would reverse vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and that reversal would decrease delayed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: A retrospective review of patients with trauma admitted to a level 2 community trauma center was performed from January 2010 until November 2012. Inclusion criteria were: ground level fall (GLF) with suspected head trauma, on VKA, an international normalized ratio (INR) of >1.5, and a negative head computed tomography (CT). Patients were transfused with FFP to a goal INR of <1.5 while observed. Patients were classified as reversed (REV) if the lowest INR achieved within 4 to 24 hours after initial INR was <1.5 or unreversed (NREV) if lowest INR achieved was >1.5. Chi-square and logistic regression were performed. Results: A total of 194 patients met the criteria. In all, 43 (22%) patients were able to be REV, and 151 (78%) patients remained NREV. Unreversed patients were male and younger (P < .05). There was no difference in mean FFP received. Unreversed patients had a higher initial INR of 3.0 compared to REV patients (2.5; P = .018). One patient developed a delayed ICH and belonged to the REV group. Conclusion: The incidence of delayed hemorrhage was 0.5%. A strategy of prophylactic FFP infusion was ineffective in VKA reversal. We recommend against prophylactic infusion of FFP during a period of observation for patients on VKA with suspected head trauma and a negative initial CT.