Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-lipolytic, -amylase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. leaf ethanolic extract

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. has been used extensively as a medicinal plant for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in various parts of Southeast Asia. However, the mechanism of its anti-diabetic action has not been fully characterized yet. The objectives of this study were to investigate the in vitro effects of P. palatiferum leaf ethanolic extract (PPE extract) on adipocyte lipolysis, α-amylase enzyme activity and antioxidant activity. The PPE extract at every concentration tested (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 µg/ml) caused a significant inhibition on basal lipolysis in adipocytes of the high fat diet-fed rats. The PPE extract also produced a concentration-dependent anti-lipolytic action against isoprenaline (0.1 µM)-induced lipolysis in the normal pellet diet-fed rat derived adipocytes. Inhibition of α-amylase was detected using the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid assay, the PPE extract having an IC50 of 4.99 mg/ml. An antioxidant activity, as evaluated by the DPPH assay (IC50), was 58.13 µg/ml. In the ferric reducing power assay, the extract exerted antioxidant activity with a vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC) and a trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of 2.33 and 2.04 g/100 g extract, respectively. The anti-lipolytic, α-amylase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of PPE extract detected here help justify the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Key words: Pseuderanthemum palatiferum, diabetes mellitus, adipocyte lipolysis, α-amylase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ferric reducing power assay.
Analysis of Lightweight Feature Vectors for Attack Detection in Network Traffic

The consolidation of encryption and big data in network communications have made deep packet inspection no longer feasible in large networks. Early attack detection requires feature vectors which are easy to extract, process, and analyze, allowing their generation also from encrypted traffic. So far, experts have selected features based on their intuition, previous research, or acritically assuming standards, but there is no general agreement about the features to use for attack detection in a broad scope. We compared five lightweight feature sets that have been proposed in the scientific literature for the last few years, and evaluated them with supervised machine learning. For our experiments, we use the UNSW-NB15 dataset, recently published as a new benchmark for network security. Results showed three remarkable findings: (1) Analysis based on source behavior instead of classic flow profiles is more effective for attack detection; (2) meta-studies on past research can be used to establish satisfactory benchmarks; and (3) features based on packet length are clearly determinant for capturing malicious activity. Our research showed that vectors currently used for attack detection are oversized, their accuracy and speed can be improved, and are to be adapted for dealing with encrypted traffic.
Glioblastoma Exhibits Inter-Individual Heterogeneity of TSPO and LAT1 Expression in Neoplastic and Parenchymal Cells

Molecular imaging is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning for glioblastoma patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) with tracers for the detection of the solute carrier family 7 member 5 (SLC7A5; also known as the amino acid transporter light chain L system, LAT1) and for the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) is successfully used to provide additional information on tumor volume and prognosis. The current approaches for TSPO-PET and the visualization of tracer ([18F] Fluoroethyltyrosine, FET) uptake by LAT1 (FET-PET) do not yet exploit the full diagnostic potential of these molecular imaging techniques. Therefore, we investigated the expression of TSPO and LAT1 in patient glioblastoma (GBM) samples, as well as in various GBM mouse models representing patient GBMs of different genetic subtypes. By immunohistochemistry, we found that TSPO and LAT1 are upregulated in human GBM samples compared to normal brain tissue. Next, we orthotopically implanted patient-derived GBM cells, as well as genetically engineered murine GBM cells, representing different genetic subtypes of the disease. To determine TSPO and LAT1 expression, we performed immunofluorescence staining. We found that both TSPO and LAT1 expression was increased in tumor regions of the implanted human or murine GBM cells when compared to the neighboring mouse brain tissue. While LAT1 was largely restricted to tumor cells, we found that TSPO was also expressed by microglia, tumor-associated macrophages, endothelial cells, and pericytes. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-data analysis corroborates the upregulation of TSPO in a bigger cohort of GBM patient samples compared to tumor-free brain tissue. In addition, AIF1 (the gene encoding for the myeloid cell marker Iba1) was also upregulated in GBM compared to the control. Interestingly, TSPO, as well as AIF1, showed significantly different expression levels depending on the GBM genetic subtype, with the highest expression being exhibited in the mesenchymal subtype. High TSPO and AIF1 expression also correlated with a significant decrease in patient survival compared to low expression. In line with this finding, the expression levels for TSPO and AIF1 were also significantly higher in (isocitrate-dehydrogenase wild-type) IDHWT compared to IDH mutant (IDHMUT) GBM. LAT1 expression, on the other hand, was not different among the individual GBM subtypes. Therefore, we could conclude that FET- and TSPO-PET confer different information on pathological features based on different genetic GBM subtypes and may thus help in planning individualized strategies for brain tumor therapy in the future. A combination of TSPO-PET and FET-PET could be a promising way to visualize tumor-associated myeloid cells and select patients for treatment strategies targeting the myeloid compartment.
Biological evaluation of some octanoyl derivatives of methyl 4,6-O-cyclohexylidene-α-D-glucopyranoside

Some acylated derivatives of methyl 4,6- O -cyclohexylidene-α- D- glucopyranoside, including the precursor, were employed as test compounds for in vitro antimicrobial functionality test against ten human pathogenic bacteria and six phytopathogenic fungi. For comparative studies, biological activity of standard antibiotics, Ampicillin and Nystatin were also carried out against these microorganisms. The study revealed that the tested samples exhibited moderate to good antibacterial and antifungal activities. It was also observed that the test substances were more effective against fungal phytopathogens than those of the bacterial strains. Encouragingly, a good number of test compounds exhibited better antimicrobial activity than the standard antibiotics employed. Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) test of methyl 4,6- O -cyclohexylidene-3- O decanoyl- 2- O -octanoyl-α- D -glucopyranoside was conducted against INABA ET ( Vibrio ) and MIC was found to be 12.5 μg/disc. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/cujbs.v3i1. 13406 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 3(1&2):53-64, 2008
Effects of Birth Weight and Postnatal Nutritional Restriction on Skeletal Muscle Development, Myofiber Maturation, and Metabolic Status of Early-Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary Light weaning weight piglets have slow post-weaning growth performance and require longer days to reach slaughter weight. Birth weight and early postnatal nutrient intake are the main factors contributing to light weaning weight. Our results suggested that intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) piglets fed adequately during the suckling period do not catch up with the same muscle growth and development compared with normal birth weight piglets. Postnatal early nutritional restriction resulted in impaired skeletal muscle growth and delayed myofiber maturation of the piglets. Abstract Piglets with light weaning weight commonly have a slow post-weaning growth rate due to impaired skeletal muscle development. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of birth weight and nutrient intake on skeletal muscle development, myofiber maturation, and metabolic status of early-weaned piglets. Twelve pairs of normal birth weight and intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) piglets (seven days old) were randomly assigned to receive adequate nutrient intake or restricted nutrient intake for 21 days. Serum and muscle samples were collected for further analysis. The results indicated that muscle weight, cross-sectional areas, and muscular glycogen were lower (p < 0.05) in both IUGR and restricted fed piglets. Nutrient restriction decreased the contents of RNA, the RNA to DNA ratio, and the percentages of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) IIx (p < 0.05), whereas increased the activity of β-hydroxy-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD), the ratio of HAD to citrate synthase, as well as the percentages of MyHC I (p < 0.05). In addition, nutrient restriction significantly decreased muscular glycogen, mRNA levels of fatty acid transport protein 1, cationic amino acid transporter 1, and glucose transporter 4 in IUGR piglets compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that IUGR impaired skeletal muscle growth and disturbed the hormone and mRNA expression of genes related to energy metabolism, which led to a more severe energy deficit when receiving postnatal nutritional restriction. Postnatal nutritional restriction resulted in delayed myofiber maturation of the piglets, which may be associated with the transformation of MyHC isoform and the change of metabolic status.
Affine Multiplexing Networks: System Analysis, Learning, and Computation

We introduce a novel architecture and computational framework for formal, automated analysis of systems with a broad set of nonlinearities in the feedback loop, such as neural networks, vision controllers, switched systems, and even simple programs. We call this computational structure an affine multiplexing network (AMN). The architecture is based on interconnections of two basic conceptual building blocks: multiplexers ($\mu$), and affine transformations ($\alpha$). When attached together appropriately, these building blocks translate to conjunctions and disjunctions of affine statements, resulting in an encoding of the network into satisfiability modulo theory (SMT), mixed integer programming, and sequential convex optimization solvers. We show how to formulate and verify system properties like stability and robustness, how to compute margins, and how to verify performance through a sequence of SMT queries. As illustration, we use the framework to verify closed loop, possibly nonlinear dynamical systems that contain neural networks in the loop, and hint at a number of extensions that can make AMNs a potent playground for interfacing between machine learning, control, convex and nonconvex optimization, and formal methods.
Modeling Challenges of Ebola Virus–Host Dynamics during Infection and Treatment

Mathematical modeling of Ebola virus (EBOV)–host dynamics during infection and treatment in vivo is in its infancy due to few studies with frequent viral kinetic data, lack of approved antiviral therapies, and limited insight into the timing of EBOV infection of cells and tissues throughout the body. Current in-host mathematical models simplify EBOV infection by assuming a single homogeneous compartment of infection. In particular, a recent modeling study assumed the liver as the largest solid organ targeted by EBOV infection and predicted that nearly all cells become refractory to infection within seven days of initial infection without antiviral treatment. We compared our observations of EBOV kinetics in multiple anatomic compartments and hepatocellular injury in a critically ill patient with Ebola virus disease (EVD) with this model’s predictions. We also explored the model’s predictions, with and without antiviral therapy, by recapitulating the model using published inputs and assumptions. Our findings highlight the challenges of modeling EBOV–host dynamics and therapeutic efficacy and emphasize the need for iterative interdisciplinary efforts to refine mathematical models that might advance understanding of EVD pathogenesis and treatment.
New methods for comparison of chromosomes within and between species

Abstract A new method (called New Relative Length) was developed for comparison of chromosome size when both paired and unpaired chromosomes are present. All chromosomes were used in the calculation. A method of graphical display of karyotype data (called a Karyotype Graph), plotting New Relative Length on the vertical axis and arm ratio on the horizontal axis was used to indicate sampling error, to pair chromosomes and to match similar chromosomes in related species. Terms for Chromosome Size were also defined namely Small, Medium or Large depending on New Relative Length as a proportion of total chromosome length. These terms could also be used to compare chromosomes within species and between related species.
Effects Of Cardiovascular Conditioning Exercises On Quality Of Life In Patients With Dilated Ardiomyopathy In Pakistan.

Background Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most frequently diagnosed cardiomyopathy in Pakistan and patients have significant muscles dysfunction which affects their quality of life (QOL). Available evidence have supported the role of moderate intensity exercise for improving QOL but no such studies have been conducted in Pakistan so far. Methods A single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in two different hospitals of Rawalpindi from September 2016-February 2017. Both genders clinically stable DCM patients with ejection fraction <40% were selected through purposive non-probability sampling and randomized to Training group and Control group (n=30 each). Training group protocol included bicycling on lower limb ergometer 4days/week on alternate days for 8 weeks. Patients in control group received usual care. Patients were assessed thrice during 8-week protocol. The tools used included structured questionnaire with different standard scales like 6 Minute Walk Test, Modified Medical Research Council Scale, Modified Borg Scale and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Data was analysed on SPSS 21 software. Results Prior to conditioning in training group, 6 (21%) patients reported good and 23 (79%) have poor QOL whereas in control group 14 (56%) have good and 11 (44%) have poor QOL on MLHFQ score. After 8 weeks in training group, 28 (96%) patients reported excellent QOL and in control group, 11 (44%) reported good and 14(56%) have poor QOL on MLHFQ score. Between the groups analysis depicted highly significant p-values for QOL and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (p<0.001). Conclusion Supervised cardiac conditioning program significantly improves Quality of life and NYHA functional class in dilated cardiomyopathy.
Gender difference in usage of IPS

In order to provide shoppers with a product experience as close to direct examination, online retailers have been looking for ways to provide shoppers with detailed information about the products through simulated product experiences (i.e., interactive product simulator) in their online shopping sites. This research explores how interactive product virtualization technologies (i.e., interactive product simulator) can engender virtual product experiences, affecting Millennium generation shoppers’ use of interactive product simulators for online shopping. Through an online survey, the researcher identified perceptions of using interactive product simulators for online shopping. The research focused on Millennium generation, considered to be one of the most lucrative and promising generations for online retailers, and investigated if gender can significantly affect the interaction between the research models’ variables. Based on diffusion of innovation, theory of reasoned action, and technology acceptance model, the research model was developed. The effects of object interactivity and beliefs on attitudes toward using interactive product simulators for online shopping as well as the effect of subjective norm on the intention to shop online using interactive product simulators were investigated.
Multi-market Facility Network Design with O ff shoring Applications

Moving production to low-wage countries may reduce manufacturing costs but increases logistics costs and is subject to foreign trade barriers, among others. This paper studies a manufacturer’s multi-market facility network design problem and investigates the offshoring decision from a network capacity investment perspective. We analyze a firm that manufactures two products to serve two geographically separated markets using a common component and two localized final assemblies. The common part can be transported between the two markets that have different economic and demand characteristics. Two strategic network design questions arise naturally: (1) Should the common part be produced centrally or in two local facilities? (2) If a centralization strategy is adopted for the common component, which market should the facility be located in? We present a transportation cost threshold that captures costs, revenues, and demand risks, and below which centralization is optimal. The optimal location of commonality crucially depends on the relative magnitude of price and manufacturing cost differentials but also on demand size and uncertainty. Incorporating scale economies further enlarges the centralization’s optimality region.
HOW TRADE OPENNESS INFLUENCES BUDGET DEFICITS

The influence of trade openness on economic growth via budget balance is surprisingly neglected in the literature, particularly since the theoretical and empirical studies have provided a positive and robust relationship between budget balance and economic growth. In this paper, we provide theoretical and empirical explanations about the way that trade openness influences budget balance by distinguishing the effects of natural openness from those of trade policy. The panel data analysis focuses on 66 developing countries for which we have the required data. We find that, theoretically and empirically, the effects of trade openness on budget balance through its effect on the instability of government revenue is quite clear: trade openness increases a country's exposure to external shocks (whether it is due to natural openness or to trade policy). This enforces the negative impacts of the instability of term of trade on budget balance. We also find that trade openness affects budget balance through many others channels (corruption, inequalities, etc). In this case, the additional effects on budget position of natural openness and trade policy are opposed: trade policy seems enhance budget surpluses, on the contrary, natural openness seems deteriorate budget deficits.
Clinicians’ communication with patients receiving a MCI diagnosis: The ABIDE project

Background We aimed to explore clinicians’ communication, including the discussion of diagnosis, cause, prognosis and care planning, in routine post-diagnostic testing consultations with patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods Thematic content analysis was used to analyze audiotaped consultations in which 10 clinicians (eight neurologists and two geriatricians) from 7 memory clinics, disclosed diagnostic information to 13 MCI patients and their care partners. We assessed clinician-patient communication regarding diagnostic label, cause, prognosis and care planning to identify core findings. Results Core findings were: clinicians 1) differed in how they informed about the MCI label; 2) tentatively addressed cause of symptoms; 3) (implicitly) steered against further biomarker testing; 4) rarely informed about the patient’s risk of developing dementia; 5) often informed about the expected course of symptoms emphasizing potential symptom stabilization and/or improvement, and; 6) did not engage in a conversation on long-term (care) planning. Discussion Clinicians’ information provision about the underlying cause, prognosis and implications for long-term (care) planning in MCI could be more specific. Since most patients and care partners have a strong need to understand the patient’s symptoms, and for information on the prognosis and implications for the future, clinicians’ current approach may not match with those needs.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Data transport between visualization web services for medical image analysis

With the rapid development of IT data driven experiments and simulations have become very advanced and com- plicated. The amount and complexity of scientiﬁc data increase exponentially. Nowadays the challenge is to e ﬃ ciently support scientists who generate more data than they can possibly look at and understand. This requires not only high-performance visualization and feature extraction techniques but also e ﬃ cient and intuitive management of available data and underlying computational resources. Consequently, Service Oriented Architectures and workﬂow management systems are becoming popular solutions for the deployment of e-Science Infrastructures aimed to assist in exploration and analysis of large scientiﬁc data. In this paper, we compare two transport models of workﬂow execution for data-intensive medical visualizations that rely on web services. The image-based analysis of vascular disorders served as a case study for this project. We applied a service oriented approach to construct distributed visualization pipelines, which allow visualization experts to develop visualizations to view and interact with large medical data sets. Moreover, end-users (i.e., medical specialists) can explore these visualizations irrespective of their geographical location and available computing resources. The paper reports on the current implementation status and presents our main ﬁndings.
Tuning the Mechanical and Adhesion Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Using Aligned Cellulose Wrap (Cellulose Nanotube): A Molecular Dynamics Study

Improving the adhesion properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the molecular scale can significantly enhance dispersion of CNT fibers in polymer matrix and unleash the dormant extraordinary mechanical properties of CNTs in CNT-polymer nanocomposites. Inspired by the outstanding adhesion, dispersion, mechanical, and surface functionalization properties of crystalline nanocellulose (CNC), this paper studies the mechanical and adhesion properties of CNT wrapped by aligned cellulose chains around CNT using molecular dynamic simulations. The strength, elastic modulus, and toughness of CNT-cellulose fiber for different cellulose contents are obtained from tensile and compression tests. Additionally, the effect of adding cellulose on the surface energy, interfacial shear modulus, and strength is evaluated. The result shows that even adding a single layer cellulose wrap (≈55% content) significantly decreases the mechanical properties, however, it also dramatically enhances the adhesion energy, interfacial shear strength, and modulus. Adding more cellulose layers, subsequently, deceases and increases mechanical properties and adhesion properties, respectively. In addition, analysis of nanopapers of pristine CNT, pristine CNC, and CNT-wrapped cellulose reveals that CNT-wrapped cellulose nanopapers are strong, stiff, and tough, while for CNT and CNC either strength or toughness is compromised. This research shows that cellulose wraps provide CNT fibers with tunable mechanical properties and adhesion energy that could yield strong and tough materials due to the excellent mechanical properties of CNT and active surface and hydrogen bonding of cellulose.