Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Utility of Vitamins in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications: A Public Health Perspective

Background and Objectives: The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide, and certain sub-populations appear especially vulnerable to developing the disease. In Qatar, the prevalence of T2DM in the adult population is approximately twice that in the USA. Qatar is ranked sixth in the world for diabetes prevalence. Risk of disease in the country is increasing with an apparent doubling of incidence in children from 1997 to 2007. To reduce T2DM risk and progression, preventative strategies need to be implemented on a population-wide scale with minimal cost and effort and without adverse effect. Our objective was to examine the utility of micronutrients in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and its complications and to evaluate the pathway(s) through which these dietary factors exert their effect. Methods: We searched the available literature linking oxidation, inflammatory signaling pathways, and micronutrient intake to T2DM. Results: The rise of T2DM rates is thought to be due, in part, to genetic factors that interact with lifestyle factors including, but not limited to, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and obesity. However, chronic low-grade inflammation resulting from oxidative stress and imbalances in the innate immune system has been also linked to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Reducing inflammation via modulation of oxidative stress and the innate immune response could lead to a status of improved insulin sensitivity and delayed disease onset. Dietary supplementation with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant micronutrients might present a feasible strategy toward the prevention of T2DM at the population level, particularly in vulnerable sub-populations. Conclusion: Several lines of evidence support the concept of employing micronutrients as a preventative measure for T2DM via attenuating inflammation and modulating oxidative stress. This approach may be introduced as part of a population-based strategy to curb the rising incidence of T2DM in Qatar and facilitate developing public health policies and actions for disease prevention and control.
Semantic query expansion for fuzzy proximity information retrieval model

Our research aim is to ameliorate the recall of the Fuzzy Proximity Information Retrieval Model ( FPIRM ) of Beigbeder & Mercier ( 2005) , their approac h is very "precise" when evaluating internationally agreed upon collections of documents used for benchmarking. The precision in this case for each query is the ratio of relevant documents retrieved over documents returned. However, the recall is weak. By recall we mean the ratio of relevant documents retrieved over all relevant documents in the collection (Rijsbergen, 1979) . FPIRM approach evaluates the relevance between a document and a query by using a fuzzy fun ction that takes into account the distance between the occurrences of query terms in a document. Our research studies the use of semantic query expansion to increase the recall of their model.
Alternative Medications for Medications in the Use of High‐Risk Medications in the Elderly and Potentially Harmful Drug–Disease Interactions in the Elderly Quality Measures

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) use the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria to designate the quality measure Use of High‐Risk Medications in the Elderly (HRM). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) use the HRM measure to monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. NCQA additionally uses the AGS Beers Criteria to designate the quality measure Potentially Harmful Drug–Disease Interactions in the Elderly. Medications included in these measures may be harmful to elderly adults and negatively affect a healthcare plan's quality ratings. Prescribers, pharmacists, patients, and healthcare plans may benefit from evidence‐based alternative medication treatments to avoid these problems. Therefore the goal of this work was to develop a list of alternative medications to those included in the two measures. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review from 2000 to 2015 and a search of their personal files. From the evidence, they prepared a list of drug‐therapy alternatives with supporting references. A reference list of nonpharmacological approaches was also provided when appropriate. NCQA, PQA, the 2015 AGS Beers Criteria panel, and the Executive Committee of the AGS reviewed the drug therapy alternatives and nonpharmacological approaches. Recommendations by these groups were incorporated into the final list of alternatives. The final product of drug‐therapy alternatives to medications included in the two quality measures and some nonpharmacological resources will be useful to health professionals, consumers, payers, and health systems that care for older adults.
Pediatric multidetector computed tomography using tube current modulation and a patient image gallery

Background: Dose reduction is crucial in pediatric multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Purpose: To perform pediatric 16-slice MDCT using tube current modulations and to adjust prospectively the tube current using a patient image gallery (IG) providing simulated dose-reduced protocols; and to evaluate and compare the image quality of the IG and the clinical MDCT. Material and Methods: 30 examinations (thorax, n=15; abdomen, n=8; pelvis, n=7) in 20 patients (nine male, age 8.05±7.33 years, weight 29.8±24.02 kg) were performed according to an IG on a 16-slice MDCT with additional use of online tube current modulation (CARE Dose). Three radiologists visually assessed image quality from the IG and actual 16-slice MDCT scans. For objective analysis, image noise was determined. Results: Statistical analysis showed moderate concordance in objective (K =0.68–0.78) and subjective (K =0.33–0.64) image assessment between the IG and clinical 16-slice MDCT scans. Depending on the weight group and clinical question, no or only minor dose reductions in the chest, but moderate to considerable reductions in the abdominal/pelvic 16-slice MDCT scans compared to previously used pediatric protocols were achieved. Extra dose reduction was achieved due to additional use of CARE Dose depending on age group and scan region (mean 8.6–23.9%). Conclusion: The IG enabled us to prospectively reduce the tube current and adapt the required image quality to the clinical question. Additional dose reduction was achieved with application of CARE Dose; nevertheless, the images are comparable to the simulated images of the IG.
Unsupervised and Semi-supervised Myanmar Word Segmentation Approaches for Statistical Machine Translation

In statistical machine translation (SMT), word segmentation is generally a necessary step for languages that do not naturally delimit words. For many low-resource languages there are no word segmentation tools, and research on word segmentation for these languages is often quite scarce. In this paper, we study several plausible methods for Myanmar word segmentation for machine translation in order to shed light on promising avenues for future research. We propose a novel Bayesian learning method that can perform semisupervised word segmentation with reference to a dictionary. We applied our method to the task of translating with Myanmar language, and compare our method to the following approaches to segmentation: human lexical/phrasal segmentation, character segmentation, syllable segmentation, purely unsupervised word segmentation, and the method of maximum matching. We found that unsupervised segmentation was the most effective segmentation. It outperformed maximum matching, which in turn was better than syllable segmentation.
Mining flexible‐receptor molecular docking data

Knowledge discovery in databases has become an integral part of practically every aspect of bioinformatics research, which usually produces, and has to process, very large amounts of data. Rational drug design is one of the current scientific areas that has greatly benefited from bioinformatics, particularly a step, which analyzes receptor–ligand interactions via molecular docking simulations. An important challenge is the inclusion of the receptor flexibility since they can become computationally very demanding. We have represented this explicit flexibility as a series of different conformations derived from a molecular dynamics simulation trajectory of the receptor. This model has been termed as the fully flexible receptor (FFR) model. In our studies, the receptor is the enzyme InhA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the major drug target for the treatment of tuberculosis. The FFR model of InhA (named FFR_InhA) was docked to four ligands, namely, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, pentacyano(isoniazid)ferrate II, triclosan, and ethionamide, thus, generating very large amounts of data, which needs to be mined to produce useful knowledge to help accelerate drug discovery and development. Very little work has been done in this area. In this article, we review our work on the application of classification decision trees, regression model tree, and association rules using properly preprocessed data of the FFR molecular docking results, and show how they can provide an improved understanding of the FFR_InhA‐ligand behavior. Furthermore, we explain how data mining techniques can support the acceleration of molecular docking simulations of FFR models. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2011 1 532–541 DOI: 10.1002/widm.46
Adiponectin blocks multiple signaling cascades associated with leptin‐induced cell proliferation in ApcMin/+ colon epithelial cells

We previously demonstrated that leptin, an adipose‐derived hormone, induces cell proliferation in a model of preneoplastic (IMCE (ApcMin/+), but not normal (YAMC (Apc+/+), colon epithelial cells by inducing autocrine IL‐6 production and trans‐IL‐6 signaling. Low serum adiponectin is associated with colon, prostate and breast cancer. Adiponectin is secreted by white adipose tissue; the levels of adiponectin in the blood decrease as body mass index (and leptin) increases. In our study, we tested whether murine recombinant globular adiponectin (gArcp30) could modulate leptin‐induced cell proliferation, autocrine IL‐6 production, trans‐IL‐6 signaling and other leptin‐induced cell signaling events previously observed in IMCE cells but not YAMC cells. Under serum‐free conditions, adiponectin (1 μg/ml) inhibited leptin‐induced autocrine IL‐6 production, soluble IL‐6 receptor shedding, trans‐IL‐6 signaling and subsequent STAT3 phosphorylation in IMCE cells. Adiponectin inhibited leptin‐induced cell proliferation in the IMCE cells and this inhibition was associated with IκB‐α phosphorylation, IκB‐α degradation and decreased NF‐κB p65 DNA activation and binding. These data indicate that adiponectin acts on preneoplastic colon epithelial cells to regulate cell growth via 2 distinct pathways inhibiting leptin‐induced NF‐κB‐dependent autocrine IL‐6 production and trans‐IL‐6 signaling. We hypothesize that adiponectin may be an important regulator of colon epithelial cell homeostasis by linking the observed reduced risk for cancer in populations with high serum adiponectin concentrations to specific mechanisms of cell number homeostasis in a model of preneoplastic colon epithelial cells. These data may have broad implications for diet and lifestyle strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity‐associated cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Pseudo-Synchronous Implementation Flow for WCHB QDI Asynchronous Circuits

In this paper, we present a performance-oriented implementation flow for WCHB QDI asynchronous circuits aiming to be fully compatible with conventional EDA tools for synchronous designs. Starting from a simple standard-cell library for asynchronous logic, this flow builds pseudo-synchronous models of the cells. With these models, a simple set of pseudo-synchronous timing constraints can be given to industrial EDA tools to benefit from their optimization strategies, through all steps from synthesis to place & route. This flow was benchmarked against regular asynchronous implementation relying on maximum delay constraints. Pseudo-synchronous modeling allows achieving significantly better performance and regularity than asynchronous modeling, for faster run times and reduced design effort. The proposed flow was used for the physical implementation of a 20-node network-on-chip in the ST Microelectronics 65nm low-power technology. It achieves an end-to-end asynchronous throughput of 850Mflit/s in typical conditions, making it faster than all connected synchronous IPs.
Changes to sub-daily rainfall patterns in a future climate

This paper describes an algorithm for disaggregating daily rainfall into sub-daily rainfall ‘fragments’ (continuous fine-resolution rainfall sequences whose total depth sums to the daily rainfall amount) under a future, warmer climate. The basis of the algorithm is to re-sample sub-daily fragments from the historical record conditional on the total daily rainfall amount and a range of temperature-based atmospheric predictors representative of the future climate. The logic is that as the atmosphere warms, future rainfall patterns will be more reflective of historical rainfall patterns which occurred on warmer days at the same location, or at locations which have an atmospheric temperature profile more reflective of expected future conditions.
Capillary electrophoretic enzyme immunoassay for digoxin in human serum.

The combined use of capillary electrophoretic (CE) separation and homogeneous enzyme immunoassay for analyzing drugs in hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric serum samples was investigated. An FDA-approved EMIT assay kit for digoxin in human serum was used. After the enzyme immunoassay, the enzymatic reaction product (NADH) and remaining substrate (NAD+), together with internal standard (p-nitrophenol, NP), were electrokinetically injected into a polyacrylamide-coated electrophoresis capillary and separated under applied potential. Detection was made by monitoring the UV adsorption at wavelength of 260 nm. The digoxin level in human serum was determined by comparing the peak area ratio of NADH and NP to the ratios established by the known digoxin standards. In this study, the factors that influence the CE separation were also investigated. Under the optimum conditions, NADH, NAD+, and NP were separated at electric field strength of 438 V/cm in the coated capillary (100 microns x 57 cm) with 200 mM Tris-borate buffer (pH 7.9) containing 0.2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. CE analyses of serum samples spiked with NADH standards at concentrations of 100 and 400 microM resulted in detection variabilities of less than 2% and analytical recoveries of 98-102%. Both an internal calibration plot for NADH and a dose-response curve for digoxin in serum were constructed. Calibrator serum, patients' sera with hemolyzed, lipemic, and icteric interference factors, and other pigmented blood components (e.g., serum albumin, bilirubin, hemoglobin, uric acid, coproporphyrin, melanin, protoporphyrin IX, and uroprophyrin) demonstrated no interference in this method. The authors believed that this method is useful for analyzing digoxin in hemolyzed, lipemic, and icteric blood samples that are known to create problems in conventional EMIT assays and may be applicable to other EMIT-based assays for monitoring drugs in complex biological matrices.
An Evaluation of the Pugh Controlled Convergence Method

This paper evaluates a method known as Pugh Controlled Convergence and its relationship to recent developments in design theory. Computer executable models are proposed simulating a team of people involved in iterated cycles of evaluation, ideation, and investigation. The models suggest that: 1) convergence of the set of design concepts is facilitated by the selection of a strong datum concept; 2) iterated use of an evaluation matrix can facilitate convergence of expert opinion, especially if used to plan investigations conducted between matrix runs; and 3) ideation stimulated by the Pugh matrices can provide large benefits both by improving the set of alternatives and by facilitating convergence. As a basis of comparison, alternatives to Pugh’s methods were assessed such as using a single summary criterion or using a Borda count. The models we developed suggest that Pugh’s method, under a substantial range of assumptions, results in better design outcomes than those from these alternative procedures. © 2007 ASME
Understanding and Treating Feelings of Shame in Children Who Have Experienced Maltreatment

Feelings of shame have been found to be an important mediating factor in influencing a child's recovery from abuse. This article conceptualizes the development and maintenance of shame in the aftermath of experiencing child sexual and/or physical abuse. Research is reviewed that may shed light on the impact of shame and dysfunctional attributions with a view toward understanding how this type of painful emotional suffering can be prevented and/or treated. Trauma-focused interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in helping children overcome feelings of shame are described. Directions for future research that may further our understanding of the development, impact, and treatment of feelings of shame are suggested.
Parametric dislocation dynamics: A thermodynamics-based approach to investigations of mesoscopic plastic deformation

A thermodynamics-based variational method is developed to establish the equations of motion for threedimensional ~3D! interacting dislocation loops. The approach is appropriate for investigations of plastic deformation at the mesoscopic scale by direct numerical simulations. A fast sum technique for determination of elastic field variables of dislocation ensembles is utilized to calculate forces acting on generalized coordinates of arbitrarily curved loop segments. Each dislocation segment is represented by a parametric space curve of specified shape functions and associated degrees of freedom. Kinetic equations for the time evolution of generalized coordinates are derived for general 3D climb/glide motion of curved dislocation loops. It is shown that the evolution equations for the position (P), tangent (T), and normal (N) vectors at segment nodes are sufficient to describe general 3D dislocation motion. When crystal structure constraints are invoked, only two degrees of freedom per node are adequate for constrained glide motion. A selected number of applications are given for: ~1! adaptive node generation on interacting segments, ~2! variable time-step determination for integration of the equations of motion, ~3! dislocation generation by the Frank-Read mechanism in fcc, bcc, and dc crystals, ~4! loop-loop deformation and interaction, and ~5! formation of dislocation junctions.
Impact of aerosols on precipitation from deep convective clouds in eastern China

We analyzed the impact of aerosols on precipitation based on 3 years of 3‐hourly observations made in heavily polluted eastern China. The probability of precipitation from different cloud types was calculated using International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project cloud data and gauge‐based hourly precipitation data. Because deep convective clouds have the largest precipitation probability, the influence of aerosols on the precipitation from such clouds was studied in particular. Aerosol properties were taken from the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Aerosol Reanalysis data set. As aerosol optical depth increased, rainfall amounts from deep convective clouds increased at first and then decreased. The descending part of the trend is likely due to the aerosol radiative effect. Downwelling solar radiative fluxes at the surface decreased as aerosol optical depth increased. The decrease in solar radiation led to a decrease in ground heat fluxes and convective available potential energy, which is unfavorable for development of convective clouds and precipitation. The tendencies for lower cloud top temperatures, lower cloud top pressures, and higher cloud optical depths as a response to larger aerosol optical depths suggest the invigoration effect. Vertical velocity, relative humidity, and air temperature from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System Reanalysis were sorted to help investigate if the trends are dependent on any environmental conditions. How dynamic and microphysical factors strengthen or mitigate the impact of aerosols on clouds and precipitation and more details about their interplay should be studied further using more observations and model simulations.
Convergence analysis of the stop-and-go blind equalization algorithm

Unlike traditional trained channel equalizers, not much work has been done to theoretically characterize the convergence properties of blind channel equalizers due to their inherent nonlinearity. It is only recently that convergence properties of some well-known algorithms such as the generalised Sato algorithm (GSA) and the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) have been analytically derived. In this paper, the convergence properties of the stop-and-go algorithm proposed by Picchi and Prati (1987) are analyzed. The derived mean squared error and the coefficient trajectories are compared with simulation results to verify the validity of the analytical results.
Linear PID control technique for single wheel ABS (anti-lock braking system) of motorcycle

Automotive safety applications become more and more common in today's Cars, Trucks and also in Motorcycles. Vehicle stabilization systems such anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control are introduced since the late 1970's and have now become almost standard in every passenger car. ABS are mainly applied to two track vehicles, i.e. which have at least four wheels. For single-track (two-wheeled) vehicles such as motorcycles, because the realization of applications is more challenging due to the extended system dynamics and practical limitations such as space, weight, power requirements, etc. In this work elaborative study of motorcycle ABS system is given. The aim of this paper is to design linear PID controller and obtained desired braking performance in order to prevent wheel locking of considering motorcycle wheel dimensions. The performance of the proposed controller is verified in MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Colposcopic image registration using opponentSIFT descriptor

This work presents a colposcopic image registration system able to help physicians for cervical cancer diagnosis. The goal is to make registration between the cervical tissue throughout the whole temporal sequence. Recent digital images processing works, suggested using feature points to compute the tissue displacement. These methods achieve good results, because they are fast and do not need any segmentation, but to date, all methods based on feature points are sensitive to light change and reflections which are frequently current in colposcopic images. To solve this problem, we propose to apply the opponentSIFT descriptor which describes features point in the opponent color space. Experimental results show the robustness of this descriptor in colposcopic images registration in comparison with other descriptors.