Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced GPU-based anti-noise hybrid edge detection method

Today, there is a growing demand for computer vision and image processing in different areas and applications such as military surveillance, and biological and medical imaging. Edge detection is a vital image processing technique used as a pre-processing step in many computer vision algorithms. However, the presence of noise makes the edge detection task more challenging; therefore, an image restoration technique is needed to tackle this obstacle by presenting an adaptive solution. As the complexity of processing is rising due to recent high-definition technologies, the expanse of data attained by the image is increasing dramatically. Thus, increased processing power is needed to speed up the completion of certain tasks. In this paper,we present a parallel implementation of hybrid algorithm-comprised edge detection and image restoration along with other processes using Computed Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) platform, exploiting a Single Instruction Multiple Thread (SIMT) execution model on a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU). The performance of the proposed method is tested and evaluated using well-known images from various applications. We evaluated the computation time in both parallel implementation on the GPU, and sequential execution in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) natively and using Hyper-Threading (HT) implementations. The gained speedup for the naïve approach of the proposed edge detection using GPU under global memory direct access is up to 37 times faster, while the speedup of the native CPU implementation when using shared memory approach is up to 25 times and 1.5 times over HT implementation.
Fascicular Blocks: Update 2019

Many advances in the knowledge of medical science are due to the observation of an unknown phenomenon that remains an open question. A plausible hypothesis must be demonstrated and proved through a scientific method in order to be accepted by the scientific community and the same results must be reached by following either the same or different techniques. The original case described by Rosenbaum MB et al., in this review triggered a series of anatomic and physiologic investigations with clinical and experimental observations that supported the trifascicular nature of the intraventricular conduction system of the heart and the concept of hemiblocks. The recognition and description of the left fascicular blocks made by the Argentinian School of Electrocardiology bridged an important gap in electrocardiography and many electrocardiograms that could not be explained until that moment could finally be understood. This review intends to redefine reliable criteria for the electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic diagnosis of left fascicular blocks [hemiblocks]. The anatomy of the left bundle branch is also discussed to better understand the incidence, prevalence, clinical significance and main causes of left anterior and left posterior hemiblock either isolated or associated with right bundle branch block. This review offers the reader a reappraisal of the trifascicular nature of the intraventricular conduction system regarding the anatomy of the left bundle branch system and its pathophysiological and clinical significance.
ANTIBACTERIAL INTERACTION OF COMBINATION OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE VAR RUBRUM RHIZOME, BOESENBERGIA PANDURATA RHIZOME, AND STEVIA REBAUDIANA LEAVES WITH CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST INFECTIOUS MOUTH MICROBIAL

Objectives: The present study was performed to show the in vitro activities of ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale var rubrum rhizome, Boesenbergia pandurata rhizome, and Stevia rebaudiana leaves in combination with amoxicillin, vancomycin, or ketoconazole against infectious mouth microbial. Methods: The antibacterial activities were calculated based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using microdilution method and minimum bactericidal concentration, and the antifungal activity were calculated using minimum fungicidal concentration using agar diffusion method. The extract-antibiotic interaction was performed using checkerboard method. Results: Among the three extracts studied, B. pandurata rhizome extract had the best antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. mutans with MIC value at 128 µg/mL and 64 µg/mL, respectively while Z. officinale rhizome extracts had the best antifungal activity against C. albicans with MIC value at 2048 µg/mL. The antimicrobial interaction between vancomycin with S. rebaudiana against S. aureus and S. mutans showed a synergistic effect. Synergism also observed in the combination of amoxicillin with B. pandurata or S. rebaudiana against S. aureus and S. mutans, respectively. The combination of ketoconazole with each of all plant extracts studied against C. albicans showed the synergistic effect. The additive interaction was observed between amoxicillin with B. pandurata or S. rebaudiana against S. aureus and S. mutans, respectively. There was no antagonism being observed in this study. Conclusion: There is a synergistic interaction between plant extract and the antibiotic against S. aureus, S. mutans, and C. albicans, therefore, the combinations may be useful for infectious mouth microbial treatment. Keywords: Antimicrobial, Interaction, Zingiber officinale var rubrum, Stevia rebaudiana, Boesenbergia pandurata, Ketoconazole, Amoxicllin, Vancomycin, Minimum inhibition concentration, Microdilution, Synergistic, Additive.
Digestion degree is a key factor to regulate the printability of pure tendon decellularized extracellular matrix bio-ink in extrusion-based 3D cell printing

Improving the printability of pure, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) bio-ink without altering its physiological components has been a challenge in three-dimensional (3D) cell printing. To improve the printability of the bio-ink, we first investigated the digestion process of the powdered dECM material obtained from porcine tendons. We manifested the digestion process of tendon derived dECM powders, which includes dissolution, gelatinization and solubilization. After a short dissolution period (around 10 min), we observed a ‘High viscosity slurry’ status (3 h) of the dECM precursors, i.e. the gelatinization process, followed by the solubilization processes, i.e. a ‘Medium viscosity slurry’ period (12 h) and a ‘Low viscosity slurry’ period (72 h). The ‘Medium viscosity slurry’ status of the dECM bio-ink was inhomogeneous and could not be extruded out from the barrel after the pH value was neutralized to 7.4. Although the ‘Low viscosity slurry’ status of the dECM bio-ink has been reported to be extrudable, it has poor printability. This study explores the printability of the ‘High viscosity slurry’ status of the dECM bio-ink, which has not been addressed thus far. The results demonstrate that this less digested status of the dECM bio-ink yields higher shape fidelity and stacking accuracy than the traditional over-digested status of the dECM bio-ink; this indicates better printability of this less digested dECM bio-ink. We compared the performance of the two bio-inks using cell viability tests for 3D cell printing. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells derived from rats was printed using the ‘High viscosity slurry’ status of the dECM bio-ink, yielding high cellular viability lasting for 7 d after printing. Thus, the ‘High viscosity slurry’ status of tendon dECM bio-ink can be utilized to fabricate complicated 3D organoid structures; it also shows promise for applications such as regenerative medicine and biomimetic tissue engineering.
Modifiable risk factors for poor cognitive function in former American-style football players: Findings from the Harvard Football Players Health Study.

INTRODUCTION Recent attention to consequences of head trauma among former professional American-style football players has increased the likelihood that former players and their healthcare providers attribute neurocognitive effects to these exposures. However, in addition to head trauma, many potentially modifiable risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment. METHODS We examined the association of self-reported risk factors for cognitive impairment (e.g., cardiovascular health, sleep, pain, depression, anxiety, smoking, physical impairment, and physical activity) with cognition-related quality of life, measured by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders, Applied Cognition-General Concerns (Neuro-QOL) among 3,803 former National Football League (NFL) players. We examined the prevalence of risk factors among men who had experienced a high number of concussion symptoms during playing years, comparing men with good current cognition-related QOL, the "healthy concussed," to men with poor cognition-related QOL, the "unhealthy concussed. " RESULTS Physical functioning, pain, depression, and anxiety were very strongly associated with poor cognitive-related QOL (RR range, 2.21-2.70, p<0.0001 for all). Short sleep duration and low physical activity were also strongly associated (RR=1.69 and 1.57, respectively, p<0.0001 for both). The largest differences between "healthy" and "unhealthy concussed" were in chronic pain (72.0% versus 21.2%), depressive symptoms (50.3% versus 6.3%), anxiety symptoms (53.4% versus 11.6%), and physical impairment (52.4% versus 12.5%). Substantial differences also existed in prevalence of sleep apnea, short sleep duration, high-intensity exercise, weight training, high blood pressure, and BMI ≥35kg/m2 (all differences >10 percentage points). CONCLUSION We identified cognitive risk factors, including chronic pain, mood problems, sleep problems, obesity, and lack of exercise, that were commonly present in former football players with cognition-related impairment. Better treatment for these factors may reduce cognitive problems in this population.
5‐Fluorouracil‐treated planarians, a versatile model system for studying stem cell heterogeneity and tissue aging

Planarians are a sound, well‐established model system for molecular studies in the field of stem cells, cell differentiation, developmental biology and translational research. Treated stem cell‐less planarians produced by X‐ray treatment are commonly used to study stem cell transcriptional profile and their role in planarian biological processes. X‐ray induces oxidative and DNA damage to differentiated cells, requires expensive radiation machines that are not available in most of the research centres and demand rigorous risk management and dedicated staff.
EFFECTS OF TRIMETAZIDINE ON OXIDANT/ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN TRINITROBENZENESULFONIC ACID-INDUCED CHRONIC COLITIS

Trimetazidine (TMZ), an anti-ischemic agent with proposed antioxidant properties, was used in a chronic colitis model in order to evaluate its effectiveness as a therapeutic agent in chronic colitis. Treatment of male Swiss Albino rats with ethanol (50%) and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) (30 mg/kg) produced colitis as evidenced by histopathologic damage and inflammatory alterations, lipid peroxidation [increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels], and enhanced neutrophil infiltration [increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity] without marked change in glutathione status. Administration of TMZ (5 mg/kg) to TNBS-treated rats failed to affect the TNBS-induced changes in histopathology and MPO activities. Unexpectedly, intrarectal (ir) administration of TMZ significantly elevated colonic MDA levels to a greater extent than TNBS alone. Intraperitoneal (ip) TMZ treatment seemed to increase total glutathione (tGSH), GSH, and GSH/GSSG values. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that (a) ir administration of ethanol and TNBS is an effective way of inducing a chronic colitis model, (b) inflammation and lipid peroxidation augment tissue damage in the chronic colitis model, (c) ip TMZ treatment significantly inhibits MDA production in the chronic colitis model, (d) TMZ treatment is more effective via the ip compared to ir route, and (e) TMZ seems to show its antioxidant effect via preserving the tissue's GSH/GSSG ratios.
GEOMETRICALLY LINEAR ANALYSIS OF THE THERMAL STRESSES IN ONE-SIDED COMPOSITE REPAIRS

This article presents an explicit solution of the thermal stresses in a one-sided composite patch repair, with the patch being orthotropic in both mechanical and thermal properties. The emphasis is placed on the analysis of the bending deformation of the reinforced structure resulting from thermal loading. The reinforced region is represented by an equivalent inclusion that undergoes a combination of in-plane extension and out-of-plane extension. Explicit formulae are derived for the thermal expansion coefficients as well as the bending stiffness and the in-plane extensional stiffness of the equivalent inclusion. The Eshelby inclusion analogy is first extended by postulating uniform bending curvatures and mean strains throughout the inclusion. The correctness of this conjecture is then proved by the satisfaction of force, bending moment, and displacement continuity conditions. Explicit solutions are finally derived for the bending and membrane stresses resulting from thermal loading of an isotropic plate reinforced by a circular patch. It is shown that the present solutions correlate well with the numerical results obtained using fully three-dimensional finite element analysis.
Characterizing Tissue Enzyme Activities in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Abstract American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, are one of 23 crocodilian species in the world, and they are common in the southeastern United States. Biochemical enzyme blood reference values have been established for the American alligator and several other crocodilians, but the tissue of origin of these enzymes has not been established. This study evaluated tissue specificity of six different enzymes in the American alligator, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Six different tissues (liver, cardiac muscle, lung, kidney, skeletal muscle, and mid–small intestine) were collected from six subadult American alligators for enzyme analysis. The results showed that the CK and LDH enzymes were primarily derived from skeletal and cardiac muscle; ALT was derived primarily from kidney and skeletal muscle tissue; and AST was derived primarily from liver and skeletal muscle tissue. GGT and ALP appear to be of little diagnostic value regarding the tissues sampled because there was no statistical difference between the tissue levels. The results of this study should be of use to clinicians when interpreting biochemistry enzyme levels from blood samples.
Type VI secretion systems of plant‐pathogenic Burkholderia glumae BGR1 play a functionally distinct role in interspecies interactions and virulence

Abstract In the environment, bacteria show close association, such as interspecies interaction, with other bacteria as well as host organisms. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) in gram‐negative bacteria is involved in bacterial competition or virulence. The plant pathogen Burkholderia glumae BGR1, causing bacterial panicle blight in rice, has four T6SS gene clusters. The presence of at least one T6SS gene cluster in an organism indicates its distinct role, like in the bacterial and eukaryotic cell targeting system. In this study, deletion mutants targeting four tssD genes, which encode the main component of T6SS needle formation, were constructed to functionally dissect the four T6SSs in B. glumae BGR1. We found that both T6SS group_4 and group_5, belonging to the eukaryotic targeting system, act independently as bacterial virulence factors toward host plants. In contrast, T6SS group_1 is involved in bacterial competition by exerting antibacterial effects. The Δ tssD1 mutant lost the antibacterial effect of T6SS group_1. The ΔtssD1 mutant showed similar virulence as the wild‐type BGR1 in rice because the ΔtssD1 mutant, like the wild‐type BGR1, still has key virulence factors such as toxin production towards rice. However, metagenomic analysis showed different bacterial communities in rice infected with the ΔtssD1 mutant compared to wild‐type BGR1. In particular, the T6SS group_1 controls endophytic plant‐associated bacteria such as Luteibacter and Dyella in rice plants and may have an advantage in competing with endophytic plant‐associated bacteria for settlement inside rice plants in the environment. Thus, B. glumae BGR1 causes disease using T6SSs with functionally distinct roles.
A Developmental Cognitive Architecture for Trust and Theory of Mind in Humanoid Robots

As artificial systems are starting to be widely deployed in real-world settings, it becomes critical to provide them with the ability to discriminate between different informants and to learn from reliable sources. Moreover, equipping an artificial agent to infer beliefs may improve the collaboration between humans and machines in several ways. In this article, we propose a hybrid cognitive architecture, called Thrive, with the purpose of unifying in a computational model recent discoveries regarding the underlying mechanism involved in trust. The model is based on biological observations that confirmed the role of the midbrain in trial-and-error learning, and on developmental studies that indicate how essential is a theory of mind in order to build empathetic trust. Thrive is build on top of an actor–critic framework that is used to stabilize the weights of two self-organizing maps. A Bayesian network embeds prior knowledge into an intrinsic environment, providing a measure of cost that is used to boostrap learning without an external reward signal. Following a developmental robotics approach, we embodied the model in the iCub humanoid robot and we replicated two psychological experiments. The results are in line with real data, and shed some light on the mechanisms involved in trust-based learning in children and robots.
Individualized SAR calculations using computer vision‐based MR segmentation and a fast electromagnetic solver

We propose a fast, patient‐specific workflow for on‐line specific absorption rate (SAR) supervision. An individualized electromagnetic model is created while the subject is on the table, followed by rapid SAR estimates for that individual. Our goal is an improved correspondence between the patient and model, reducing reliance on general anatomical body models.
Small mammals of the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil, with the description of a new species of climbing rat

The mid-Araguaia River basin in central Brazil is considered a priority area for biodiversity conservation, and Parque Estadual do Cantao (PEC) is one of the most important protected areas in this ecotone between Cerrado and Amazonia. This area suffers an intensive human pressure with high rates of deforestation, and still remains poorly studied in terms of biodiversity. From June 2007 to November 2008 we sampled small mammals from both banks of the mid-Araguaia River, in the states of Tocantins and Para. Data are given about morphological traits, geographic distribution and natural history of 22 species of small non-volant mammals (eight marsupials and 14 rodents) surveyed at PEC and its surroundings. We also present mitochondrial phylogenetic analyses that allow species identification within the genera: Oecomys, Oligoryzomys and Rhipidomys, and delineate an undescribed species of Thrichomys. Based on morphologic and molecular data, we describe a new species of Rhipidomys previously assigned to R. nitela, which is apparently endemic to the AraguaiaTocantins basin in the Cerrado. Additionally, our phylogenetic analyses provide support for the role played by the Araguaia River as an important geographic barrier for two sister species of Rhipidomys.
Nitrogen fertilizer-regulated plant-fungi interaction is related to root invertase-induced hexose generation.

The mechanisms underlying nitrogen (N)-regulated plant-fungi interactions are not well understood. N application modulates plant carbohydrate (C) sinks and is involved in the overall plant-fungal association. We hypothesized that N regulates plant-fungi interactions by influencing the carbohydrate metabolism. The mutualistic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris was found to prioritize host hexose resources through in vitro culture assays and in planta inoculation. Rice-Ph. liquidambaris systems were exposed to N gradients ranging from N-deficient to N-abundant conditions to study whether and how the sugar composition was involved in the dynamics of N-mediated fungal colonization. We found that root soluble acid invertases were activated, resulting in increased hexose fluxes in inoculated roots. These fluxes positively influenced fungal colonization, especially under N-deficient conditions. Further experiments manipulating the carbohydrate composition and root invertase activity through sugar feeding, chemical treatments, and the use of different soil types revealed that the external disturbance of root invertase could reduce endophytic colonization and eliminate endophyte-induced host benefits under N-deficient conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that the activation of root invertase is related to N deficiency-enhanced endophytic colonization via increased hexose generation. Certain combinations of farmland ecosystems with suitable N inputs could be implemented to maximize the benefits of plant-fungi associations.
Genetic structure and phylogeography of platypuses revealed by mitochondrial DNA

The platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus is an endemic monotreme species with a wide latitudinal distribution in eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Understanding of the phylogeography within this species is very limited at present and represents a gap in the documentation of Australia's unique biodiversity. We analysed mitochondrial DNA sequences (partial control region and complete cytochrome b, including portions of flanking tRNAs) of 74 individuals from across the distribution of the species. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated sequences corroborated the primary split within the platypus, showing two major clades: one from mainland Australia and the other from Tasmania/King Island. Estimates of divergence times suggest that these clades last shared a common mitochondrial ancestor ∼0.7–0.94 Ma. Using an extended dataset of partial control region sequences from 284 individuals, we found evidence of genetic structure between river basins, primarily within mainland Australia, as well as an additional divergent lineage in North-eastern Australia. Overall, few haplotypes were shared between river basins. Analyses of molecular variance of the control region sequences indicated low rates of gene flow and significant divergence, particularly at the river basin and geographical area scales.
Determination of the antioxidant properties of ethanol and water extracts from different parts of Teucrium

This study was designed to examine in vitro antioxidant of extracts of Teucrium parviflorum Schreber. The plants were extracted successively in ethanol and water using soxhlet-apparatus. They were screened for possible antioxidant activity using the ABTS • (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulphonic acid)) radical scavenging capacity, DPPH • (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity, superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity, reducing power and metal chelating activities. These various antioxidant activities were compared with standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and αtocopherol. The extracts of T. parviflorum showed strong antioxidant activity and effective antioxidant assay. This antioxidant property depends on concentration and increase with increased amount of sample. In addition, total phenolic compounds in the extracts of T. parviflorum were determined as pyrocatecol equivalents. The results obtained in the present study indicated that T. parviflorum is a potential source of natural antioxidant.