Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local Feature based Image Similarity Functions for kNN Classification

In this paper we consider the problem of image content recognition and we address it by using local features and kNN based classification strategies. Specifically, we define a number of image similarity functions relying on local feature similarity and matching with and without geometric constrains. We compare their performance when used with a kNN classifier. Finally we compare everything with a new kNN based classification strategy that makes direct use of similarity between local features rather than similarity between entire images. As expected, the use of geometric information offers an improvement over the use of pure image similarity. However, surprisingly, the kNN classifier that use local feature similarity has a better performance than the others, even without the use of geometric information. We perform our experiments solving the task of recognizing landmarks in photos.
Neuroprotective Effect of Chuk-Me-Sun-Dan on NMDA- and AMPA-Evoked Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Mouse Brain

Chukmesundan (CMSD) is composed of 8 medicinal herbs including Panex ginseng C.A. MEYER, Atractylodes macrocephala KOID, Poria cocos WOLF, Pinellia ternata BREIT, Brassica alba BOISS, Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX, Cynanchum atratum BGE, and Cuscuta chinensis LAM and used for the treatment of various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders. This study was carried out to examine the effects of CMSD on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked, and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-evoked nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in mouse brain. In adult forebrain, CMSD influences neuronal maintenance and is neuroprotective in several injury models through mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Interaction is observed between CMSD and nitric oxide (NO). Because NO affects both neural plasticity and degeneration, we hypothesized that CMSD might rapidly modulate NO production. Using in vivo microdialysis we measured conversion of L-[14C]arginine to L-[14C]citrulline as an accurate reflection of NOS activity in adult mouse hippocampus. CMSD significantly reduced NOS activities to 62% of basal levels within 2 days of onset of delivery and maintained NOS activity at less than 45% of baseline throughout 3 days of delivery. These effects did not occur with control (distilled water) and were not mediated by effect of CMSD on glutamate levels. In addition, simultaneous delivery of CMSD treatment prevented significant increases in NOS activity triggered by the glutamate receptor agonists NMDA and AMPA. Rapid suppression by CMSD of basal and glutamate-stimulated NOS activity may regulate neuromodulatory functions of NO or protect neurons from NO toxicity and suggests a novel mechanism for rapidly mediating functions of CMSD. It is shown that NMDA receptor stimulation leads to activation of p21ras (Ras) through generation of NO via neuronal NOS. The competitive NOS inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester, and CMSD prevents Ras activation elicited by NMDA, thus supporting the physiologic relevance of endogenous NO regulation of Ras. These results suggest that Ras is a physiologic target of endogenously produced NO and indicates a signaling pathway for NMDA receptor activation that may be important for long-lasting neuronal responses.
Supporting distributed team working in 3D virtual worlds: a case study in Second Life

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a study into how a three‐dimensional (3D) virtual world (Second Life) can facilitate socialisation and team working among students working on a team project at a distance. This models the situation in many commercial sectors where work is increasingly being conducted across time zones and between multiple teams. Collaboration in these geographically distributed teams is virtual rather than through face‐to‐face interactions. The paper investigates how a virtual world such as Second Life compares to other collaboration tools such as instant messaging or Skype; and the challenges that students experience in becoming acquainted with and working in Second Life.Design/methodology/approach – The paper has employed a qualitative research methodology involving data collection through group interviews, epistolary (email) interviews and semi‐structured individual interviews. The data have been analysed by applying the inductive analysis technique.Findings – The ana.
Physical activity during Ramadan fasting: Effects on body composition, hematological and biochemical parameters.

–Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The uniqueness of Ramadan is that food and fluid intake is concentrated into the hours between sunset and the following sunrise. Many participants of Ramadan maintain physical activity during Ramadan. However, the effect of practicing physical activity during Ramadan on body composition, hematological and biochemical parameters is not well known. This review summarizes the health specific effects of Ramadan fasting in practitioners of physical activity and provides some practical recommendations supported by the evidence-based scientific literature. Keywords––Ramadan fasting, dietary intake, physical activity, body composition, renal function, electrolytes, dehydration, immune system, inflammatory markers.
Gemfibrozil Reduces Thrombin Generation in Patients with Combined Hyperlipidaemia, without Influencing Plasma Fibrinogen, Fibrin Gel Structure or Coagulation Factor VII

Summary A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was conducted in 21 men with combined hyperlipoproteinaemia to examine if lipid-lowering treatment with gemfibrozil (10-12 weeks) affects blood coagulation and fibrin gel structure at rest or during mental stress. Gemfibrozil lowered plasma triglycerides by 57 ± 4%, whereas high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased by 22 ± 5%. Gemfibrozil lowered the triglyceride content of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Gemfibrozil reduced the plasma concentrations of thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2), both at rest and during mental stress. However, there were no effects of gemfibrozil treatment on the plasma concentrations of fibrinogen, factor VII antigen, activated factor VII (Vila) or activated factor XII (XIIa), or on fibrin gel structure. Acute mental stress per se did not influence coagulation factors, reaction products or fibrin gel structure, or their responses to the study drug. Thus, gemfibrozil reduces thrombin generation in men with combined hyperlipoproteinaemia, without influencing the plasma levels of fibrinogen, Vila and XIIa, or fibrin gel structure. Attenuation of thrombin generation may contribute to the primary-preventive effects of gemfibrozil on coronary heart disease.
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of Sirolimus coated drug eluting nano porous carbon stents.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has proved to powerful research tool due to its sensitivity, high selectivity, and high throughput efficiency.Sirolimus was extracted from plasma by two-step extraction procedure using chloroform as extracting solvent. Signal intensity was high using ESI(+) source provided for the quantitation of samples. Chromatographic separation was performed on phenomenax C-18 column (250 x 4.60 mm 5microns). Mobile phase contains acetonitrile, water (80; 20 v/v) + 0.1% acetic acid, flow rate 1 mL/min.The retention time of Sirolimus 8.4 min, the total run time10 min. Linearity correlation coefficients (r(2)) curve was 0.997183. calibraction range 10-1000 ng/mL. The UV detection of Sirolimus was at 278(277.78) nm. Sirolimus coated drug eluting stents, MRM (Multiple reaction monitoring) transition of Sirolimus m/z 936.83-208.84 was selected to obtain maximum sensitivity. LC/MS/MS results exhibited consistency in drug content on the stent surface. In-vitro release kinetic indicated the release of Sirolimus in 41 days from the date of implanted. Drug release was found at the first day, burst release was observed at 7(th) day of implantation. This study involved pharmacological coating of stents, based on the notion that sustained systemic local delivery of anti-proliferative agents. LC-MS/MS method has been successfully used in the pharmacokinetic analysis of Sirolimus coated drug eluting stents.
In vitro and in vivo evaluations of a new broad-spectrum oral cephalosporin, BMY-28232, and its prodrug esters

The in vitro activity of a new cephalosporin, BMY-28232 (7-[(Z)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoacetamido]-3-[ (Z)-1- propenyl]-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid), was compared with those of cefuroxime and BMY-28488, the 3-vinyl congener of BMY-28232, against 899 bacteria including strains resistant to newer cephalosporins. BMY-28232 displayed potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with high stability to various types of beta-lactamase. Its acetoxyethyl ester (BMY-28271) and pivaloyloxymethyl ester (BMY-28257) were well absorbed after oral administration to mice and rats. Both esters were metabolized to BMY-28232 and mainly excreted in urine. Oral bioavailability of both prodrug esters (60 to 70%) was better than that of cefuroxime axetil (46%) and gave excellent therapeutic efficacy against gram-positive- and gram-negative-bacterial infections in mice. Oral 50% protective doses (in milligrams per kilogram of body weight) of 0.65 and 0.72 for Staphylococcus aureus Smith, 0.9 and 1.2 for Escherichia coli Juhl, 1.6 and 1.6 for Proteus vulgaris, and 18.9 and 14.3 for Enterobacter cloacae were obtained for BMY-28271 and BMY-28257, respectively.
Using Social Networks Sites in the Purchasing Decision Process

The rise of Web 2.0 tools and mobile devices means that the image of the traditional consumer has to be replaced with an active, permanently connected, consumer who uses the Internet to find information about brands and to share opinions and shopping experiences with other consumers — a consumer who can be classified as a prosumer (producer + consumer). In this context it is important for marketers to know how consumers use social networks within their purchasing decision process. The present work describes an on-line survey of more than 500 Facebook users in Spain and Portugal, aimed at identifying which aspects most influence their intention to use this social network in their purchasing decisions. A structural equation model was constructed based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), in which the intended use of Facebook in purchasing decisions depends on two variables: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, with attitude being a mediating variable. The background variables considered were aptitude, network externalities, perceived privacy protection, and social influence. The results show that the intended use of Facebook in purchasing decisions is influenced by its perceived usefulness, by social influence, and by the attitude to Facebook. In contrast, the perceived ease of use does not have such direct influence.
DNA Probes Using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer ( FRET ) : Designs and Applications

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is widely used in biomedical research as a reporter method. Oligonucleotides with a DNA backbone and one or several chromophore tags have found multiple applications as FRET probes. They are especially advantageous for the real-time monitoring of biochemical reactions and in vivo studies. This paper reviews the design and applications of various DNA-based probes that use FRET. The approaches used in the design of new DNA FRET probes are discussed. INTRODUCTION Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a quantum phenomenon occurring between two dye molecules. Excitation is transferred from a donor to an acceptor fluorophore through dipole-dipole interaction without the emission of a photon. As a result, the donor molecule fluorescence is quenched, and the acceptor molecule becomes excited. It then loses energy via heat or fluorescent emission, called sensitized emission. When FRET occurs, the intensity of the donor fluorescence, lifetime, and quantum efficiency decrease, and the fluorescence intensity of the acceptor increases (22–24). Although the theory of FRET was developed by Theodor Förster in the late 1940s (23,24), the first biological applications of this phenomenon started in the 1970s, dealing primarily with protein research. FRET-based DNA applications only began to appear in the mid-1980s and 1990s.
Association Between Attitude Toward Medication and Neurocognitive Function in Schizophrenia

Objectives: A patient's attitude toward medication is important for medication adherence, which is a key determinant of outcome in schizophrenia. This study examined the association between attitude toward antipsychotic medication and clinical status, particularly neurocognitive function, in patients with schizophrenia. Method: Ninety-two patients meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for schizophrenia participated in this study. The attitudes of the subjects toward medication were evaluated using the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI). Clinical characteristics, including psychiatric symptoms and side effects of medication were evaluated. Neurocognitive function was measured using the Mini Mental State Examination and a computerized battery consisting of the Digit Span Test, Verbal Learning Test, Continuous Performance Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Finger Tapping Test, and Trail Making Test, parts A and B. The associations between attitude toward medication and neurocognitive function and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results: The scores on the DAI were not significantly correlated with the clinical characteristics, such as psychopathology, subjective well-being, or neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal side effects. Instead, the scores on the DAI were significantly correlated with the learning index and delayed free recall on the Verbal Learning Test, the number of categories completed on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and omission and commission errors on the Continuous Performance Test; the scores were not significantly correlated with measures on the Mini Mental State Examination, Digit Span Test, Finger Tapping Test, or Trail Making Test. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a patient's attitude toward medication is associated with neurocognitive function. Specifically, verbal learning memory, executive functioning, and sustained attention were associated with attitude toward medication.
Assessing the Stabilization of P‐Glycoprotein’s Nucleotide‐Binding Domains by the Linker, Using Molecular Dynamics

This paper focuses on the importance of the intermediate linker sequence for the stabilization of the cytoplasmic portion of murine P‐glycoprotein, an ABC transporter involved in Multidrug Resistance (MDR) in cancer. Three putative protein‐protein interaction areas were predicted to exist, two of them next to the C‐terminal nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD2) and the third one next to the inner leaflet interface of the lipid bilayer. These contact spots were confirmed by detailed contact maps from structures obtained before and after a 100 ns molecular dynamics production run, allowing a more thorough characterization of the type and number of residues involved in protein‐protein contacts. It was found that these contact surfaces are located next to several highly conserved motifs of ABC transporters, serving as anchor points and assisting the linker’s ‘damper’ function.
High resolution patterning of LTCC based microwave structures for Q/V-band satellite applications

Highly substrate integrated microwave circuits for space applications require a high metal pattern accuracy for transmission line structures and components. Within this work an embedded 60 GHz strip line filter is used as a demonstrator device to compare four fine line structuring processes for multilayer Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCC). Fine line screen printing (type I), resinate thin film patterning (type II), laser patterning in green state (type III) and laser patterning of fired screen printed thick films (type IV) are compared regarding pattern tolerances, electrical performance and process implementation capability. All substrates were manufactured using a subsequent tape-on-substrate process (ToS) to embed the filter. The filter measurements exhibit an insertion loss of 4 dB at centre frequencies of nearly 60 GHz for all variations.
The Medial Approach to the Sural Vessels to Facilitate Microanastomosis about the Knee

Complex wounds about the knee in rare instances may justify the selection of a distant microvascular tissue transfer for coverage. A major preoperative consideration then is the choice of an appropriate recipient site for revascularizing the flap that is outside the zone of injury, and preferably avoids the need for vein grafts. In many cases, the heads of the gastrocnemius muscles have protected the sural vessels from injury, allowing these to be used as a vascular extension of the popliteal system to simplify the required microanastomoses in an end-to-end fashion. Access to the sural vessels can be readily achieved through a medial approach to the popliteal fossa that permits the patient to remain supine or lateral on the operating table for simultaneous exposure of multiple privileged donor sites.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ethyl Glucuronide-Based Contingency Management for Outpatients With Co-Occurring Alcohol Use Disorders and Serious Mental Illness.

OBJECTIVE The authors examined whether a contingency management intervention using the ethyl glucuronide (EtG) alcohol biomarker resulted in increased alcohol abstinence in outpatients with co-occurring serious mental illnesses. Secondary objectives were to determine whether contingency management was associated with changes in heavy drinking, treatment attendance, drug use, cigarette smoking, psychiatric symptoms, and HIV-risk behavior. METHOD Seventy-nine (37% female, 44% nonwhite) outpatients with serious mental illness and alcohol dependence receiving treatment as usual completed a 4-week observation period and were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of contingency management for EtG-negative urine samples and addiction treatment attendance, or reinforcement only for study participation. Contingency management included the variable magnitude of reinforcement "prize draw" procedure contingent on EtG-negative samples (<150 ng/mL) three times a week and weekly gift cards for outpatient treatment attendance. Urine EtG, drug test, and self-report outcomes were assessed during the 12-week intervention and 3-month follow-up periods. RESULTS Contingency management participants were 3.1 times (95% CI=2.2-4.5) more likely to submit an EtG-negative urine test during the 12-week intervention period, attaining nearly 1.5 weeks of additional alcohol abstinence compared with controls. Contingency management participants had significantly lower mean EtG levels, reported less drinking and fewer heavy drinking episodes, and were more likely to submit stimulant-negative urine and smoking-negative breath samples, compared with controls. Differences in self-reported alcohol use were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This is the first randomized trial utilizing an accurate and validated biomarker (EtG) to demonstrate the efficacy of contingency management for alcohol dependence in outpatients with serious mental illness.
Molecular analysis of the midbrain dopaminergic niche during neurogenesis

Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons degenerate in Parkinson’s disease and are one of the main targets for cell replacement therapies. However, a comprehensive view of the signals and cell types contributing to mDA neurogenesis is not yet available. By analyzing the transcriptome of the mouse ventral midbrain at a tissue and single-cell level during mDA neurogenesis we found that three recently identified radial glia types 1-3 (Rgl1-3) contribute to different key aspects of mDA neurogenesis. While Rgl3 expressed most extracellular matrix components and multiple ligands for various pathways controlling mDA neuron development, such as Wnt and Shh, Rgl1-2 expressed most receptors. Moreover, we found that specific transcription factor networks explain the transcriptome and suggest a function for each individual radial glia. A network controlling neurogenesis was found in Rgl1, progenitor maintenance in Rgl2 and the secretion of factors forming the mDA niche by Rgl3. Our results thus uncover a broad repertoire of developmental signals expressed by each midbrain cell type during mDA neurogenesis. Cells identified for their emerging importance are Rgl3, a niche cell type, and Rgl1, a neurogenic progenitor that expresses ARNTL, a transcription factor that we find is required for mDA neurogenesis.
Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of methyl orange over mesoporous film electrodes

Mesoporous TiO_2 films and ion-doped photocatalytic films, displaying a worm-like pattern, have been synthesized by dip-coating of ITO glass into an organic-inorganic sol followed by aging and calcination of the coating at different temperature. The prepared films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visreflectance spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoelectrochemical measurement, and were confirmed to be of mesoporous characteristic. Degradation of methyl orange (MO) has been performed using the new film electrodes under UV light and artificial solar light illumination. The influence of variables, such as applied bias, pH, supporting electrolyte, MO concentration and the load of the films, on the degradation of the dye was investigated. More than 97% degradation of MO was achieved under the feasible experimental conditions in 2 h photoelectrocatalytic reaction with UV light illumination and mesoporous film TiO_2/ITO as electrode. The activity of the mesoporous film V-TiO_2 was the highest of the newly synthesized films V-TiO_2, Ce-TiO_2, F-TiO_2 and pure TiO_2 under artificial solar light. The degradation ratio of MO was about 43% over 2 h reaction using V-TiO_2/ITO as the electrode. The activity of the mesoporous film under artificial solar light needs to be increased further.