Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of human perception of degradation in document images

Large degradations in document images impede their readability as well as substantially deteriorating the performance of automated document processing systems. Image quality metrics have been defined to correlate with OCR accuracy. However, this does not always correlate with human perception of image quality. When enhancing document images with the goal of improving readability, it is important to understand human perception of quality. The goal of this work is to evaluate human perception of degradation and correlate it to known degradation parameters and existing image quality metrics. The information captured enables the learning and estimation of human perception of document image quality.
Farmers` satisfaction with the performance of the Mooi River Irrigation Scheme, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Farmer satisfaction with using an irrigation service can be used as a measure of performance of an irrigation scheme. An investigation was instituted to determine factors that significantly influence the satisfaction status of farmers at the Mooi-River Irrigation Scheme (MRIS) in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. A multinomial Logit regression model was employed to analyse the response of the farmers. It was established that about 57% of the farmers are satisfied with using the irrigation service, 30% are not and 13% are neutral. The majority of farmers, accounting for 85%, either never went to school or had only primary level schooling and these are mostly women, who own close to 80% of the plots in the scheme. Statistically significant results show that 6 household-level factors affect the satisfaction of farmers with using an irrigation service, i.e., gender of head of household, level of education attained by the household head, training received in water management, farmers’ perception of the fairness of water distribution, the number of days in a week that plotholders receive water, and the participation of farmers in the inspection of irrigation infrastructure on the scheme. This study recommends formulation of policies to train farmers in water management and to support farmer participation in scheme management. Keywords : Farmer satisfaction, technical performance, multinomial Logit regression
Effect of Henna Addition on the Surface Roughness and Hardness of Polymethylmethacrylate Denture Base Material: An in vitro Study.

AIM This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of various henna-which can have antifungal properties-on the surface roughness and hardness of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base material. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 99 rectangular-shaped (10 × 20 × 3 mm3) specimens were prepared from heat-cured acrylic resin and divided into one control group without the addition of henna and five test groups, which were prepared by adding Yamanihenna powder to polymer at concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%. The polymer was added to the monomer, mixed, packed, and processed using the conventional water bath method. After processing, specimens were finished and polished, then kept in distilled water for 48 ± 2 hours. A profilom-eter and Vickers hardness tester were used to measure surface roughness and hardness respectively. Statistical data analysis was conducted via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (IBM, USA). The independent sample t-test was used and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The addition of henna at varying concentrations significantly increased the surface roughness values (p ≤ 0.01) while decreasing hardness (p ≤ 0.0001). The most favorable addition value was 1% henna between all henna groups. CONCLUSION The addition of henna to the acrylic resin may negatively affect the surface properties of PMMA acrylic denture base. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Antimicrobial denture with minimum deterioration effects on its physical properties could be achieved with henna addition to denture base material in low concentration. However, 1% henna showed the best results between the henna groups as regards roughness and hardness values.
HER2-Targeted Hybrid Peptide That Blocks HER2 Tyrosine Kinase Disintegrates Cancer Cell Membrane and Inhibits Tumor Growth In Vivo

HER2 is a transmembrane oncoprotein encoded by the HER2/neu gene and is overexpressed in approximately 20% to 30% of breast cancers. We have recently designed a novel class of drug, the hybrid peptide, which is chemically synthesized and is composed of a target-binding peptide and a lytic peptide containing cationic-rich amino acid components that disintegrate the cell membrane, leading to cancer cell death via membrane lysis. In this study, we designed a HER2-binding peptide linked to this novel lytic peptide, which we termed the HER2-lytic hybrid peptide and assessed the cytotoxic activity of this hybrid peptide in vitro and in vivo. The HER2-lytic hybrid peptide showed high cytotoxic activity against all ovarian and breast cancer cell lines, even trastuzumab- and/or lapatinib-resistant cells, but not against normal cells. Competition assays using anti-HER2 antibody and knockdown of this receptor by siRNA confirmed the specificity of the HER2-lytic hybrid peptide. In addition, it was shown that the HER2-lytic hybrid peptide can disintegrate the cancer cell membrane of HER2-overexpressing SK-BR-3 cancer cells in only 5 minutes, but not normal cells, and block HER2 signaling. Intravenous administration of the HER2-lytic peptide in the athymic mouse implanted with BT-474 and MDA-MB-453 cells significantly inhibited tumor progression. The HER2-lytic hybrid peptide was effective even in breast cancer cell lines that are resistant to trastuzumab and/or lapatinib in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this hybrid peptide may provide a potent treatment option for patients with cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(4); 384–93. ©2013 AACR.
CMV DNA levels and CMV gB subtypes in ART-naive HAART-treated patients: a 2-year follow-up study in The Netherlands

Objective:In the pre-HAART period, HIV-1 patients were greatly at risk for cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. In HAART-treated patients, the incidence of CMV disease has decreased dramatically and the timing and presentation of CMV infection may be different. Also the relevance of different CMV genotypes is part of debate. Design and methods:A total of 132 antiretroviral naive patients starting HAART were selected for a 2-year follow-up study in the Netherlands. Results:In 105 (80%) patients, CMV DNA were less than 100 copies/ml in all plasma samples during follow-up. In 27 (20%) patients, a detectable CMV load was found during follow-up. In seven patients, the initial decrease in HIV-1 loads during HAART was accompanied by an increase in CMV loads. Of 1348 plasma samples, only 50 (3.7%) samples were positive with a CMV load more of than 100 copies/ml plasma. CMV loads more than 1000 copies/ml were found only in samples with CD4 levels less than 250 × 106 cells/l and with detectable HIV-1 loads. CMV glycoprotein B (gB) typing was possible in 19 patients. Among these patients, including four patients with triple CMV infection and seven patients with double infection, the most prevalent genotype was gB3 (16×) followed by gB2 (9×), gB1 (5×) and gB4 (4×). Conclusion:CMV disease during HAART is very unlikely as soon as the HIV-1 viral load becomes undetectable (<50 copies/ml) and/or CD4 cell levels are restored to more than 250 × 106 cells/l. Within Dutch HAART treated patients, infection with CMV gB3 is most prevalent, but also double or triple infection with other CMV gB strains are common.
Compact single and dual band zero-degree metamaterial N-way radial power combiner/divider

This paper introduces different types of N-way metamaterial radial power combiners/dividers. The metamaterial properties permit significant size reduction over a conventional N-way radial power combiner/divider. Metamaterial “MTM Technologies™” allow designing transmission lines with an electrical length of zero degree. The first design presented in this paper uses a 0° MTM line that reduces the size to one third of the conventional N-way radial divider. This size reduction improves overall performance by injecting fewer losses into the system and increasing the bandwidth of the radial power combiner/divider. Dual-band properties of Metamaterial are exploited in a second approach to design a dual-band MTM N-way power combiner/divider. In this second case MTM lines have a zero degree phase at a chosen frequency and 180° phase at a second chosen frequency which is not a multiple of the first one. This dual-band radial power combiner/divider is smaller than a conventional 180° single band radial power combiner/divider. Simulation and measurement data is presented in this paper for these different devices.
A ZVS-PWM T-type isolated DC-DC converter

This paper presents the T-Type Zero Voltage Switching Pulse Width Modulated isolated DC-DC converter (TT-ZVS-PWM Converter). The proposed topology is composed of four switches. Two of these are subjected to the input voltage and the other two to half the input voltage. All switches commutate under zero-voltage. The proposed converter has the following in common with the Full Bridge Zero-Voltage Switching (FB-ZVS-PWM) and the Three-Level Zero-Voltage Switching (TL-ZVS-PWM) converters: (a) symmetrical operation of the isolation transformer, (b) modulation by pulse-width with constant frequency, (c) zero voltage switching, and (d) three-level voltage applied to the primary winding of the transformer. Theoretical analysis, design example and experimental data for a 3 kW, 400 VDC input, 60 VDC output, and 50 kHz switching frequency laboratory prototype, are included in the paper. Measured efficiency was 93% at full load and 95.2% at 1.2 kW.
Relationship between enzyme activity and dimeric structure of recombinant HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase

The multifunctional enzyme human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) reverse transcriptase (RT) is a heterodimer composed of a 66‐kDa (p66) subunit and a p66‐derived 51‐kDa (p51) subunit. p66/p51 HIV‐1 RT contains 1 functional DNA polymerase and 1 ribonuclease H (RNase H) active site, which both reside in the p66 subunit at spatially distinct regions. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between the heterodimeric structure of HIV‐1 RT and its enzymatic properties by introducing mutations at RT codon W401 that inhibit the formation of p66/p51 heterodimers. We demonstrate a striking correlation between abrogation of both HIV‐1 RT dimerization and DNA polymerase activity. In contrast, the p66 monomers exhibited only moderately slowed catalytic rates of DNA polymerase‐dependent and DNA polymerase‐independent RNase H cleavage activity compared with the wild‐type (WT) enzyme. Furthermore, no major changes in the unique cleavage patterns were observed between the WT and mutant enzymes for the different substrates used in the RNase H cleavage assays. Based on these results, and on our current understanding of HIV‐1 RT structure, we propose that the p66 monomer can adopt an open tertiary conformation that is similar to that observed for the subunit in the heterodimeric enzyme. We also propose that the formation of intersubunit interactions in HIV‐1 RT regulates the establishment of a functional DNA polymerase active site. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Representation of the Subgrid-Scale Turbulent Transport in Convective Boundary Layers at Gray-Zone Resolutions

AbstractParameterization of the unresolved vertical transport in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) is one of the key physics algorithms in atmospheric models. This study attempts to represent the subgrid-scale (SGS) turbulent transport in convective boundary layers (CBLs) at gray-zone resolutions by investigating the effects of grid-size dependency in the vertical heat transport parameterization for CBL simulations. The SGS transport profile is parameterized based on the 2013 conceptual derivation by Shin and Hong. First, nonlocal transport via strong updrafts and local transport via the remaining small-scale eddies are separately calculated. Second, the SGS nonlocal transport is formulated by multiplying a grid-size dependency function with the total nonlocal transport profile fit to the large-eddy simulation (LES) output. Finally, the SGS local transport is formulated by multiplying a grid-size dependency function with the total local transport profile, which is calculated using an eddy-diffusivity for.
Intelligent channel sensing based secure cross layer cognitive networking for resilient space communication

In this paper, we discuss a novel intelligent channel sensing based secure cross layer cognitive networking architecture for resilient space communication. A cognitive network can accurately, autonomously, intelligently, and rapidly adapt to a continuously/dynamically changing communication environment. We propose to develop a new cognitive networking architecture in the context of space communication for various NASA applications such as SCaN (space communication and navigation) system. Specifically, an intelligent channel sensing engine will sense space communication channel information and interferences including signal and interference detection, RF parameter estimation, signal identification via advanced signal processing techniques such as cyclostationary analysis. Next, artificial intelligence techniques such as neural network and support vector machine are exploited to learn and predict the channel dynamics from past channel sensing data. Such characterization enables optimizing waveforms through combinations of coding, encryption, and modulation before the short communication window becomes available, thereby saving valuable resources (e.g. time). Furthermore, a cross-layer cognitive networking algorithm will be developed to dynamically select and reconfigure network protocols at several layers in varying degrees. Finally, algorithms, instrumentation, methods, and software being used by the cognitive network in decision-making will be protected via i) intelligent malicious behavior detection/prevention and ii) secure hardware where applicable.
Estimation of glomerular filtration rate from plasma creatinine concentration in children of various ages.

35 weeks. Two exchange transfusions. On day 25 Hb was 7T4 g/dl, reticulocytes< 1 %. Intramuscular folic acid 0-48 mg daily was given for 3 days followed by 0-96 mg daily for a further 3 days. Red cell folate on day 4 of treatment was 170 /Ag/l. Reticulocytes rose to 6% and 10% on days 4 and 12 of treatment. Hb fell initially to 6 5 g/dl but on day 19 was 8 -8 g/dl. Thus while neither infant showed haematological evidence of folate deficiency, transfusion was averted by reactivation of haemopoiesis occurring directly after folic acid therapy. M. KEITH STRELLING Department ofPaediatrics, Plymouth General Hospital, Plymouth PL4 8QQ. References
Exercise for the Management of Side Effects and Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors

Physical activity may play an important role in the rehabilitation of cancer survivors during and after treatment. Current research suggests that numerous beneficial outcomes are experienced in cancer survivors undergoing exercise interventions during or after cancer treatment. Exercise not only plays a role in managing side effects but also improves functional capacity and quality of life. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the oncology literature supporting the use of exercise as an effective intervention for improving cancer-related fatigue, other side effects, functional capacity, and quality of life among cancer survivors.
The ROC Curve in the Evaluation of Fasting Capillary Blood Glucose as a Screening Test for Diabetes and IGT

OBJECTIVE To assess the performance of different cutoff points of fasting capillary glycemia (FCG) in the diagnosis of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve approach. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study included a sample of 4,019 subjects without a previous history of diabetes who were recruited for a confirmatory 2-h post-glucose challenge capillary glycemia from a larger sample of 21,847 individuals screened with FCG. The sensitivity and the specificity of FCG as a screening test were analyzed in the cutoff range 3.9–8.9 mmol/l, and the corresponding ROC curves were plotted to assess the performance of the test. RESULTS The screening test performance was better for diabetes than for IGT in the full range of cutoff points studied. Sensitivities ranged between 37.9 and 97.1% for diabetes and 1.8 and 94.4% for IGT; the areas under the ROC curves were 0.91 ± 0.01 and 0.75 ± 0.01, respectively. The cutoffs showing the best equilibrium between sensitivity and specificity approached 5.6 and 5.0 mmol/l for diabetes and IGT, respectively. Factors such as age, color, and family history of diabetes can affect the screening test performance. CONCLUSIONS ROC curves can provide useful information toward improving the usefulness of FCG as a screening test for abnormalities of glucose tolerance.
Evidence of Dual Pathways for Lipid Uptake during Chylomicron Remnant-Like Particle Processing by Human Macrophages

Background: Though it is now clear that chylomicron remnants are pro-atherogenic lipoproteins, events leading to their incorporation by macrophages are poorly understood. Methods: This study investigates, in human macrophages, the fate of either [3H]cholesteryl oleate or [3H]triacylglycerol carried by human apolipoprotein-E-containing chylomicron remnant-like particles (CRLP) and the influence of CRLP containing trilinolein, (18:2)CRLP, or triolein, (18:1)CRLP, on lipid accumulation, newly synthesized cholesteryl ester (CE) and triacylglycerol (TG). Results: Labelled fatty acids from TG were markedly incorporated into TG and phospholipid and, to a lesser extent, into free fatty acids and were scarcely recovered in cholesteryl esters. [3H]CE from CRLP accumulated in cells in a dose-dependent manner with a significant difference between concentrations of 10 and 40 µg cholesterol/ml with (18:2)CRLP. In the same concentration range, TG synthesis was enhanced by about 46 and 30% by (18:2)CRLP and (18:1)CRLP cholesterol, respectively, whereas the esterification of cholesterol, evaluated by [3H]oleate incorporation, was decreased by about 30% with both types of CRLP. Endocytosis inhibition did not prevent cell cholesterol and TG accumulation, whereas lipoprotein lipase inhibition reduced the TG content. Conclusions: The results are consistent with the hypotheses that in macrophages dietary remnants may support TG and CE internalization via different mechanisms. Extracellular lipolysis seems particularly important for internalization of dietary fatty acids, whereas the entrance of CE seems attributable to a concomitant selective CE uptake mediated by scavenger receptor class B type I, since the scavenger receptor class B type I antibody induces significant inhibition (38%) of [3H]CE transported by CRLP, but does not affect internalization of [3H]TG carried by the same particles.
Luteal regression induced by arachidonic acid in the pseudopregnant rabbit.

Administration of prostaglandin F2\g=a\(PGF2\g=a\)to pseudopregnant rabbits results in a rapid decline in luteal weight and progesterone secretion (Scott & Rennie, 1970; Gutknecht, Duncan & Wyngarden, 1971). There is evidence that PGF2\g=a\ may be the `uterine luteolysin' in other species, in particular the sheep, guineapig and hamster (see Pharriss, Tillson & Erickson, 1972). Indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, has been shown to prolong the functional lifespan of CL in the pseudopregnant rabbit (O'Grady, Caldwell, Auletta & Speroff, 1972). The fact that this prolongation of luteal life is similar to that produced by hysterectomy led O'Grady and co-workers to suggest that PGF2\g=a\may be the uterine luteolysin in the rabbit. As arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid) is a normal precursor of PGF2\g=a\and PGE2\g=a\(Bergstr\l=o"\m,Carlson & Weeks, 1968), it might be expected to produce luteolytic effects in mammals. The purpose of this study was to
A hidden Markov model-based text classification of medical documents

The purpose of the study is to test the application of the hidden Markov model (HMM) using prior knowledge in medical text classification (TC). HMM has been applied to a wide range of applications in information processing, but not so much in TC applications. The Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) is utilized for prior knowledge in the model. A prototype for an HMM-based TC model is designed, and an experimental model based on the prototype is implemented so as to categorize medical documents into MeSH. A subset of OHSUMED is used for the experiments. Our results show that the performance of our model is comparable to those reported in the literature.
Absence of Mutations in PAX 6 Gene in Three Cases of Morning Glory Syndrome Associated with Isolated Growth Hormone Defi ciency

Morning glory syndrome (MGS) is a congenital optic disc dysplasia often associated with craniofacial anomalies, especially basal encephalocele and hypopituitarism. Clinical signs are varied and often occult. The PAX6 gene is involved in ocular morphogenesis and is expressed in numerous ocular tissues during development especially in the developing central nervous system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate PAX6 in MGS associated with isolated growth hormone defi ciency. Three pre-pubertal males (A, B and C) with MGS and short stature due to growth hormone defi ciency, treated with recombinant human growth hormone with limited response, were reported. Two of them had basal encephalocele. Coding and non-coding sequences corresponding of PAX6 different transcripts were analyzed by direct sequencing. Nucleotide variations causing putative aminoacid change were not observed. Patient A presented the new IVS2+9G>A transition, whereas patients A and C were heterozygous for known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the intron 4. In addition, two SNP heterozygoses were observed for patient C in both intron 9 and 13. Sequencing also revealed several nucleotide variations in patient B. Two heterozygoses for known polymorphisms were identifi ed along with a novel C>A nucleotide change in intron 4. This patient also presented a low number on the TG repeat in intron 9 and a new IVS11+33A>T transversion. Gene regulation and transcription of PAX6 are complex processes; there are two major protein isoforms, PAX6(-5a) and PAX6(+5a), and nine transcripts described. Furthermore, extra transcription regulatory elements have been postulated within PAX6 introns. Considering that neither population distributions on PAX6 polymorphism nor their linkeages with diseases have been reported, a functional effect due to alterations described here cannot be discarded. (Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab 2008; 52/8:1221-1227)
Coarctation of the aorta: long-term follow-up and prediction of outcome after surgical correction.

recent and ongoing studies, to act in presumed interest of their patients without waiting for the controlled trials to be completed. There is much yet to be learned about the optimal treatment of heart failure. Indeed, the mechanisms are so heterogeneous that it is highly unlikely that all patients should be treated the same. But we have learned enough about pathophysiology and pharmacological response to apply this new knowledge to patient care when the likelihood of benefit clearly outweighs the risk. That is certainly the standard used in all medical therapy, most of which is applied without access top values.