Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulations of Optical Mapping During Electroporation

Experiments using optical mapping suggest that electroporation occurs in cardiac tissue when the transmembrane potential, Vm, is observed to be significantly less than ± 400 mV. Our hypothesis, which we test by numerical simulation, is that Vmis greater than ± 400 mV at the tissue surface, but optical mapping underestimates Vmbecause it averages over depth. Results indicate a significant underestimation of Vm. Experimental studies indicate a depolarization of the resting transmembrane potential, V rest, after a strong shock. In a homogeneous model, electroporation only occurs near the tissue surface. Just as Vmduring the stimulus is underestimated due to averaging, we hypothesize that the depolarization of Vrestis also underestimated.
Assessing the affective Simon paradigm as a measure of individual differences in implicit social cognition about death

The authors describe the use of the affective Simon paradigm as a measure of individual differences in implicit social cognition about death. Participants made verbal responses of "good" or "bad" to death and neutral stimuli based on whether the word was a person or a thing. Participants also completed the Revised Death Attitude Profile, a Stroop task, and a version of the Implicit Association Test using death-related words. Although the affective Simon paradigm has some theoretical advantages over the IAT and Stroop procedures, we found no evidence for its validity in the present study.
Determination by Converting Menadione Sodium Bisulphite to Menadione in Pharmaceutical Preparation by Two Derivative Spectrophotometric Methods

Firstand second-order derivative spectrophotometric methods for the quantitative determination by converting menadione sodium bisulphite (MSB) to menadione (M ) with sodium carbonate were developed and validated in pharmaceutical preparation. The quantitative determination of MSB was carried out by using wavelengths 350 nm (for first-order; 1D) and 355 nm (for second-order; 2D) with the linearity ranges 0.5-40 μg/mL M (i.e.0.82-65.6 μg/mL MSB). The percentages of conversion MSB to M obtained with methods were more than 97.1 %. The proposed derivative spectrophotometric methods easily applied to commercial ampoule containing MSB and were statistically compared.
The effects of landed and aquatic treadmill walking at moderate intensity on heart rate, energy expenditure and catecholamine

[Purpose] The present study was to examine whether or not the appropriate exercise intensity of water-walking could be accurately prescribed by land-based walking speed. [Methods] Using a crossover design, nine healthy male college students completed bouts of walking for thirty minutes at 100m/min, 50m/min, respectively, on land and water treadmills. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), energy expenditure, blood lactic acid and catecholamine concentration were measured. Two-way repeated measured ANOVA was used with the SPSS program for data analysis. [Results] HR (P < 0.001), RPE (P < 0.001), energy expenditure (P < 0.001), blood lactic acid (P < 0.001) and epinephrine concentration (P < 0.05) were significantly increased during walking both in water and on land. The change of HR was significantly lower at 50min/m in water than 100min/m on land (P < 0.01). There were no significant interaction effects for RPE, energy expenditure, blood lactic acid and catecholamine concentration, but these variables were slightly lower in water than on land. These results indicated that the use of land walking speed-based prescriptive norms would underestimate the physiological cost in water walking at the moderate intensity. [Conclusion] Therefore, approximately two-half of the speed would be needed to walk in water in order to obtain the same level of physiological load as during treadmill walking at the moderate intensity.
Constant / Linear Time Simultaneous Localization and Mapping for Dense Maps

The challenge of building a map of an unknown environment while simultaneously localizing accurately within a partially constructed map is often referred to as the SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) problem. We present an approach to the SLAM problem that is capable of building dense, metric maps of complex domains. In a significant improvement over previous work, our particle filter based algorithm efficiently maintains multiple map hypotheses, yet the run time per iteration scales linearly with the number of particles used. The significance of this algorithmic result is that multiple hypothesis slam with dense maps now has the same computational as particle filter based localization using just a single map. The performance of this method is further improved with the introduction of a novel hierarchical approach to particle filters, wherein the output of several small SLAM processes can be combined in a principled manner using a higher level particle filter. This allows the algorithm to explicitly represent and recover from the drift which is inherent in any sampling based SLAM method.
Stereo Correspondence Through Feature Grouping and Maximal Cliques

The authors propose a method for solving the stereo correspondence problem. The method consists of extracting local image structures and matching similar such structures between two images. Linear edge segments are extracted from both the left and right images. Each segment is characterized by its position and orientation in the image as well as its relationships with the nearby segments. A relational graph is thus built from each image. For each segment in one image as set of potential assignments is represented as a set of nodes in a correspondence graph. Arcs in the graph represent compatible assignments established on the basis of segment relationships. Stereo matching becomes equivalent to searching for sets of mutually compatible nodes in this graph. Sets are found by looking for maximal cliques. The maximal clique best suited to represent a stereo correspondence is selected using a benefit function. Numerous results obtained with this method are shown. >
Graphene oxide multilayer structures for polarisation selection and other functionalities in planar waveguide based integrated photonics

We have demonstrated a waveguide polariser with high extinction ratio on a polymer optical waveguide coated with multi-layer graphene oxide `paper'. Coating was carried out using the drop-casting technique and a concentrated solution of graphene oxide flakes. For an appropriate thickness of graphene oxide, an extinction ratio of approaching 40 dB was measured at 1590 nm, with a variation of only 4.5 dB across the wavelength range from 1530 nm to 1630 nm. This result was achieved for a coated region propagation length of approximately one millimetre. The strongly polarisation dependent propagation loss demonstrated is attributable to the anisotropy of the complex refractive index of graphene oxide paper.
A Resorcylic Acid Lactone, 5Z-7-Oxozeaenol, Prevents Inflammation by Inhibiting the Catalytic Activity of TAK1 MAPK Kinase Kinase*

TAK1, a member of the mitogen-activated kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) family, participates in proinflammatory cellular signaling pathways by activating JNK/p38 MAPKs and NF-κB. To identify drugs that prevent inflammation, we screened inhibitors of TAK1 catalytic activity. We identified a natural resorcylic lactone of fungal origin, 5Z-7-oxozeaenol, as a highly potent inhibitor of TAK1. This compound did not effectively inhibit the catalytic activities of the MEKK1 or ASK1 MAPKKKs, suggesting that 5Z-7-oxozeaenol is a selective inhibitor of TAK1. In cell culture, 5Z-7-oxozeaenol blocked interleukin-1-induced activation of TAK1, JNK/p38 MAPK, IκB kinases, and NF-κB, resulting in inhibition of cyclooxgenase-2 production. Furthermore, in vivo 5Z-7-oxozeaenol was able to inhibit picryl chloride-induced ear swelling. Thus, 5Z-7-oxozeaenol blocks proinflammatory signaling by selectively inhibiting TAK1 MAPKKK.
Neural Network Based Nonlinear Discriminant Analysis for Speech Recognition

Neural networks have been one of the most successful recognition models for automatic speech recognition systems because of their high discriminative power and adaptive learning. In many speech recognition tasks, especially for discrete speech classification, it has been shown that neural networks are very powerful for classifying short-time acoustic-phonetic units, such as individual phonemes. Moreover, neural networks have a strong ability for dimensionality reduction. In contrast to many linear dimensionality reduction techniques including Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), neural network based nonlinear reduction approaches are able to form a dimensionally-reduced representation for complex data such as speech features, while preserving variability and discriminability of the original data. In this paper, a neural network is combined with Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) for a continuous phonetic speech recognition system, in which the neural network is trained with phonetic labeling information as a classifier to maximize discrimination among speech features for the speech recognition based on HMMs. Additionally, the dimensionality of speech features is reduced by the neural network with the goal of creating a compact set of highly discriminative features for accurate speech recognition. Experimental evaluation using the TIMIT database shows that the combination of neural networks and HMMs is quite effective for improving recognition accuracy.
Optimization of radial line slots array antenna design for satellite communications

This paper presents a numerical method of identifying the beam squinting optimal design parameters. It is aimed at eradicating the arbitrary method of selection of phi, (φ) thetaT(θT) and phiT(φT) which improves the overall production process. Arbitrary selection of design parameters for beam squinting method which has been identified to solve the inherent return loss problems associated with the linearly polarized radial line slots array (LP-RLSA) design is time wasting and slows satellite design and manufacturing process. Results from the numerical solutions are computed using CST microwave studio (CST 2010); an antenna design software. Simulation results were compared with those obtained from literatures and it showed excellent agreement).
Consequences of Mutation, Selection, and Physico-Chemical Properties of Encoded Proteins on Synonymous Codon Usage in Adenoviruses

Trends in synonymous codon usage in adenoviruses have been examined through the multivariate statistical analysis on the annotated protein-coding regions of 22 adenoviral species, for which complete genome sequences are available. One of the major determinants of such trends is the G + C content at third codon positions of the genes, the average value of which varied from one viral genome to other depending on the overall mutational bias of the species. G3S and C3S interacted synergistically along the first principal axis of Correspondence analysis on the Relative Synonymous Codon Usage of adenoviral genes, but antagonistically along the second principal axis. Other major determinants of the trends are the natural selection, putatively operative at the level of translation and quite interestingly, hydropathy of the encoded proteins. The trends in codon usage, though characterized by distinct virus-specific mutational bias, do not exhibit any sign of host-specificity. Significant variations are observed in synonymous codon choice in structural and nonstructural genes of adenoviruses.
Being With the Patient: The Use of “Clinical Evidence,” Reconsidered

Abstract Our objective was to review the use in psychiatry of data arising from interaction with the patient, here called “clinical evidence. ” We conducted a clinical and historical review. Data from interactions with patients are increasingly marginalized in psychiatry, even as interactional data have an increasing role elsewhere in healthcare. Recommendations for training, clinical care, and administration are made.
Lichen planus following HBV vaccination: a coincidence?

SIR, A 30-year-old woman who was at risk from hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) and whose father had a post-viral chronic active hepatitis (CAH), received HBV vaccine HEVAC B (Pasteur Institute) and had three i-ml doses ofthe vaccine in April, May and June 1987. In early July, she developed a number of slightly itchy, small, erythematous papules on the ankles, feet, hands, fingers and forearms. The lesions gradually increased in number and size. By October, there were a number of typical small lichen planus (LP)-like papules, and the diagnosis of LP was confirmed on histology and with direct immunofiuorescence. A polyclonal antibody to the most frequent HBsAg epitopes (Behring, Marburg, F.R.G.) was tested on the lesional skin using an immunoenzymatic assay, but this gave negative results. The eruption was treated with a corticosteroid cream and cleared within i month. Routine laboratory investigations, including the liver enzymes and bilirubin were all normal. In September 1987, she had a low titre of anti-HBs antibodies (16 mlU/ml), but in July 1988 both anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies were negative. The occurrence of LP in an HBV-vaccinated patient may be a coincidence, but may be causally related. The association of LP with chronic hepatitis has been reported many times in recent years and is not infrequently seen in primary biliary cirrhosis,' though in Italy CAH has been more frequently diagnosed. ̂ '̂ The prevalence of CAH patients with LP is much higher than expected and this was also found in the U.S.A. * The discrepancy between the findings in Italy and in the U.K. have been attributed to a higher prevalence of HBV infection in Italy. ''* Our patient received a plasma-derived HBV vaccine that originated from native HBsAg particles including the S and pre-S proteins. In the HBV genome the two genes, S and pre-S, code for the proteins of the viral envelope and the pre-S gene includes two regions (pre-S i and pre-S2) coding for two specific proteins. Native HBsAg is a mosaic of epitopes (S, pre-Si and pre-S2), each of which induce specific antibodies. Our patient may have been sensitized to one of these proteins, and it is possible that the lichen planus occurred as a graft-versus-host reaction to keratinocytes expressing one of the sensitizing proteins or a similar epitope. We would be interested to know how many HBV vaccinated individuals develop lichen planus and how they respond with respect to seroconversion.
Cross-Media Integration of Qr Code: A Preliminary Exploration

This study examines the effectiveness of Quick Response (QR) code loyalty campaigns in two phases. In Study 1, qualitative perceptions of QR code are examined through key informant focus groups. Participants express their positive as well as negative opinions about the use of QR code. In Study 2, we examine the effectiveness of QR code loyalty campaigns in “winning back” inactive customers in terms of repeat purchases. The study manipulates information privacy concerns, level of involvement, and timing of rewards. Results from a scenario-based experiment suggest that when consumers are concerned with privacy disclosure, delayed rewards, rather than immediate rewards, induce greater loyalty among inactive consumers. By the same token, a low-involvement service, rather than a high-involvement service, is likely to develop greater loyalty. Furthermore, there is a significant interaction effect between the timing of the reward and the level of involvement. However, when consumers are not concerned with privacy, neither main effects nor interaction effects are observed. In closing, implications are discussed while limitations are recognized and future research is suggested.
Ideal Load Balancing Techniques in Structured

Peer-to-peer(P2P) networks have grown in popularity in recent years. One of the typical applications of P2P networks is file-sharing. Effectively load balancing in such applications is important since the distribution of the number of requests for individual files can be heavily skewed. We consider a file-sharing scenario in a structured Peer-toPeer (P2P) network that implements a distributed hash table (DHT), such as CAN, Chord or Tapestry. In the basic design of these networks each file is stored at a single node which will become a hotspot if the file is popular. In this paper we present some novel caching/file-replication techniques that will balance the load. The central problem addressed is what nodes should cache the file in order to achieve (close to) perfect balancing. We show that intuitive solutions such as replication at neighbors or along the search path do not have this property. However, we can construct Tapestry-type of networks with randomized routing tables in which replication at nodes with longest common prefix achieves provably ideal load-balancing. We extend this idea to construct a simple caching strategy that adapts to fluctuating loads.
Arachidonic Acid Epoxygenase Metabolites Stimulate Endothelial Cell Growth and Angiogenesis via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathways

Cytochrome P450 arachidonic acid (AA) epoxygenase metabolites, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), dilate arteries via hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells and also have nonvasodilatory effects within the vasculature. The present study investigated the angiogenic effects of endogenous and exogenous EETs and the relevant signaling mechanisms involved. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were incubated with synthetic EETs or infected with recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) containing CYP2C11-NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYPOR), CYP2J2, or CYP102 F87V mutant to increase endogenous levels of EETs. The following endpoints were measured: BAEC proliferation, migration, capillary formation, and in vivo angiogenesis. The potential involvement of various signaling pathways was explored using selective inhibitors. The results showed that transfection with either rAAV-CYP2C11-CYPOR, rAAV-CYP2J2, or rAAV-CYP102 F87V, or incubation with EETs promoted BAEC proliferation, increased migration of BAECs as assessed by Transwell analysis and wound healing assays, and enhanced capillary tubule formation as determined by chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane assays and tube formation tests on matrigel. The effects of EETs on proliferation, migration, and capillary tubule formation were attenuated by inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase/Akt pathways and partially attenuated by an endothelial nitricoxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor but not by a protein kinase C inhibitor. In a rat ischemic hind limb model, rAAV-mediated AA epoxygenase transfection induced angiogenesis. We conclude that AA epoxygenase metabolites can promote angiogenesis, which may provide protection to ischemic tissues. The results also suggest that the angiogenic effects of EETs involve the MAPK and PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways, and to some extent, the eNOS pathway.
A Review of Medical Image Classification Techniques

Medical image Classification can play an important role in diagnostic and teaching purposes in medicine. For these purposes different imaging modalities are used. There are many classifications created for medical images using both grey-scale and color medical images. One way is to find the texture of the images and have the analysis. Texture classification is an image processing technique by which different regions of an image are identified based on texture properties[4]. Second way is by using neural network classification techniques and the final one is by using the data mining classification schemes. Neural networks play a vital role in classification, with the help of, supervised and unsupervised techniques. The word data mining refers to, extracting the knowledge from large amounts of data. It is one of the area, which uses statistical, machine learning, visualization and other data manipulation with knowledge extraction techniques[10]. This finds an insight into the relationship between the data and patterns hidden in the data. Using the digital data within the pictures actual communication systems creates a possibility for research enhancements. Medical images form a vital component of a patient’s health record and are associated with manipulation, processing and handling of data by computers. This makes the basis for the computer-assisted radiology development. Further developments are associated with the use of decision support systems which helps to decide, the relevant knowledge for diagnosis.
Physical Attractiveness, Social Network Location, and Performance in the Military

Abstract : The purpose of this research is to provide insight into the effect of physical attractiveness on social network location and performance in a military environment. This study sought to prove five hypotheses regarding the many interactions among physical attractiveness, social network location, and objective and subjective performance ratings. Specifically, a mediation and moderation model were proposed to capture the relationships among the three variables. For mediation, a causal relationship was found from physical attractiveness to centrality to performance. In other words, physical attractiveness influences centrality, which in turn influences performance. Moderation results suggest that physical attractiveness influences the relationship between social network centrality and both objective and subjective performance. That is, physical attractiveness appears to hinder the relationship between centrality and performance such that more attractive individuals with high centrality perform worse than less attractive individuals of similar centrality.
A Randomized, Double‐blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Nimodipine in Acute Ischemic Hemispheric Stroke

Background and Purpose A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicenter trial was conducted to test the hypothesis that nimodipine would improve the functional outcome in acute ischemic hemispheric stroke. Methods A total of 350 patients were randomized to nimodipine 120 mg/d PO or matching placebo for 21 days. Randomization was stratified by onset of therapy, age, and stroke severity. Treatment was begun within 48 hours of onset. The patients had neurological evaluation on admission, on days 1, 7, and 21, and at 3 and 12 months. The primary end points were Rankin grade, neurological score, and mobility at 12 months. Results We did not find any differences in the functional outcome between the treatment groups or between the stratified subgroups. We were also unable in post hoc analyses to find any groups of patients who benefited from nimodipine. During the first month and at 3 months the case‐fatality rate was higher in the nimodipine‐treated patients than in those on placebo (P=.004 and P=.030, respectively), but at the 1‐year follow‐up this difference had lost statistical significance. During the first week nimodipine had a statistically significant lowering effect on both systolic (P=.005) and diastolic (P=.013) blood pressure. Conclusions Nimodipine did not improve the functional outcome of acute ischemic hemispheric stroke. The early case‐fatality rate was higher in the nimodipine group, possibly due to the blood pressure‐lowering effect of nimodipine. (Stroke. 1994;25:1348‐1353.)