Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ghrelin and atherosclerosis : human, experimental animal and cell culture studies

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of death globally. Atherosclerosis is a complex, chronic disease characterized by lipid accumulation and inflammation within the intima layer of vessel wall. Novel biomarkers and therapeutics are still being sought to provide both better diagnosis and treatment. Ghrelin represents an attractive target for studies into atherosclerosis. Ghrelin is a gastric peptide hormone, which has multiple functions, including regulation of appetite and energy metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests that it may also have a role in the cardiovascular and immune systems. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of ghrelin in atherosclerosis. The specific aims were 1) to investigate the association between the plasma ghrelin level and early atherosclerosis as determined by carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT) in a large (n = 1024) cross-sectional population-based study of middle-aged subjects, 2) to measure the associations between plasma ghrelin levels and already established risk factors of atherosclerosis in human subjects, 3) to assess the effects of ghrelin on atherogenesis in vitro by analyzing monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) binding and acetylated LDL uptake using macrophages, and 4) to study the influence of ghrelin on atherosclerosis using ghrelin vaccination in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Plasma total ghrelin levels were positively associated with carotid IMT in male subjects. Association studies demonstrated plasma ghrelin levels to be negatively associated with total and LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations as well as with body mass index (BMI), and positively assocated with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration in postmenopausal women and in a population-based study. In addition, estrogen increased plasma acylated ghrelin levels in postmenopausal women. Cell culture studies demonstrated that ghrelin could increase the binding of oxidized LDL and monocytes to endothelial cells. Interestingly, when endothelial cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), then ghrelin prevented monocyte adhesion. The study with LDL receptor knockout mice, revealed that ghrelin vaccination could increase plasma ghrelin levels but had no effects on the development of atherosclerosis. However, the plasma MCP-1 level decreased in mice immunized with ghrelin vaccine. In conclusion, these studies suggest that ghrelin has modulatory functions in the vascular system and atherogenesis though the effect may not be as dominant as that of the known traditional risk factors. Whether this effect of ghrelin is positive or negative in atherogenesis will be clarified in further studies.
AN EXPLORATION OF THE BARRIERS (SOCIO-CULTURAL) TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF PMTCT IN EASTERN CAPE

This research provides some insight into some of the socio-cultural barriers hindering the implementation of MTCT programmes in Eastern Cape. In most parts of the world today, HIV infection is increasing faster among women more than men. The resulting infection of women is that many babies born to HIV mother become automatically infected. Mother-to-Child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is most significant source of HIV infection in children. Of the estimated 36 million people living with HIV/AIDS, 1.4 million are children (UNAIDS, 2002). The devastating effect of MTCT, prompted the South African government to initiate an urgent programme. In 2000, the SA government set up 18 pilot sites, including 2 sites in Eastern-Cape; the East London Complex, to curb children HIV infection. However, four years after the inception of the programme its success still depends largely on many factors, one of which is the socio-cultural barrier. This research therefore set out to explore some aspect of these socio-cultural barriers that is hindering the PMTCT programme in Eastern Cape. The research report consists of five chapters. Chapter 1. Deals with the introduction into the topic. Chapter 2. Summarises the literature on PMTCT associated with the research, as well as risk factors associated with PMTCT and possible interventions that were identified in various literature that attempts to reduce MTCT. Chapter 3. Focus on the research methodology. It explains the study design, the research aim and objectives, the study population and data analysis resulting from the research. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
Accurate Iris Localization Using Edge Map Generation and Adaptive Circular Hough Transform for Less Constrained Iris Images

This paper proposes an accurate iris localization algorithm for the iris images acquired under near infrared (NIR) illuminations and having noise due to eyelids, eyelashes, lighting reflections, non-uniform illumination, eyeglasses and eyebrow hair etc. The two main contributions in the paper are an edge map generation technique for pupil boundary detection and an adaptive circular Hough transform (CHT) algorithm for limbic boundary detection, which not only make the iris localization more accurate but faster also. The edge map for pupil boundary detection is generated on intersection (logical AND) of two binary edge maps obtained using thresholding, morphological operations and Sobel edge detection, which results in minimal false edges caused by the noise. The adaptive CHT algorithm for limbic boundary detection searches for a set of two arcs in an image instead of a full circle that counters iris-occlusions by the eyelids and eyelashes. The proposed CHT and adaptive CHT implementations for pupil and limbic boundary detection respectively use a two-dimensional accumulator array that reduces memory requirements. The proposed algorithm gives the accuracies of 99.7% and 99.38% for the challenging CASIA-Iris-Thousand (version 4.0) and CASIA-Iris-Lamp (version 3.0) databases respectively. The average time cost per image is 905 msec. The proposed algorithm is compared with the previous work and shows better results.
Bis[bis(2-methylphenyl)phosphanyl]methane

In the title compound, C29H30P2, the dihedral angles between the two substituted benzene rings to the same P atom are 88.39 (7) and 83.88 (9)°. In the crystal, molecules are arranged into columns and stacked down the b axis. Weak intermolecular C—H⋯π interactions stabilize the crystal structure.
Designing and validating a new Asian family scale

Introduction: All available family scales are designed for western countries and there is no validated family scale which is specifically devised for Asian population. The difference in culture and family values warrants the formulation of a specific Asian family scale to cater the regional needs. The objectives are to devise and validate a new family scale and eventually to validate it for Malaysian population. Method: The development of the questionnaire can be divided into 5 stages; identifying the domains of Asian family values, items identification for each domain and language review, pretest the pre-final version, pilot study and validation. Respondents were recruited from different ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds to represent the Malaysian population. They were selected by using stratified quota sampling from various health centres in the district of Kuantan, Malaysia. Results: A total of 588 participants enrolled in the validation stage with various ethnic backgrounds. Bartlet’s KMO value is 0.93. From 43 items, 67% had good factor loading (>0.4) and 13 items were finally dropped. Total Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.9 with 5 domains were identified by using exploratory factor analysis. There are 6 items in each domain. Conclusion: This new scale has good psychometric properties and it is a valid family scale for Malaysians. Further psychometric evaluation will further enhance the evidence for other populations in Asia.
Conscience and Conviction: The Case for Civil Disobedience

Will reading habit influence your life? Many say yes. Reading conscience and conviction the case for civil disobedience is a good habit; you can develop this habit to be such interesting way. Yeah, reading habit will not only make you have any favourite activity. It will be one of guidance of your life. When reading has become a habit, you will not make it as disturbing activities or as boring activity. You can gain many benefits and importances of reading.
Wave breaking and the surface velocity field for three-dimensional water waves

It is shown that there is an exact reduction from the full three-dimensional inviscid water wave problem with vorticity to a set of hyperbolic equations for the free surface horizontal velocity field. The key term in the reduced equations is g + (Dw/Dt)|S where g > 0 is the gravitational constant and (Dw/Dt)|S is the Lagrangian vertical acceleration at the surface. Vertical accelerations—both Eulerian and Lagrangian—at the surface are widely used as a diagnostic for wave breaking and this reduction gives a precise theoretical argument for how accelerations drive the surface dynamics. When the acceleration term is small, the surface equations reduce to the model equation proposed in Pomeau et al (2008 Nonlinearity 21 T61–T79, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 464 1851–66) which provides a universal law for spreading of the crest during wave breaking, and when the acceleration term is negative the equations can switch type (hyperbolic to elliptic) and solutions can fail to exist. Addition of surface tension leads to dispersive regularization of the surface equations.
Action research exploring the development of solution focussed techniques for children with learning difficulties

This action research study aimed to develop the researcher's use of Solution Focussed techniques with children and young people with severe or moderate learning difficulties. A literature review highlighted the limited evidence base in this area and a number of concerns around the applicability of some of the techniques with this population. The research was carried out in light of the Children's and Families Bill, 2014 and related SEN Code of Practice, which emphasises person-centred planning and the Government's initiative to increase access to psychological therapies. The researcher recruited 10 young people attending specialist educational provision as participants. Solution focussed techniques were systematically trialled in partnership with them and adapted through an Action Research cycle. Video recording was utilised to analyse responses and efficacy. The young people were also consulted regarding their views of the techniques and their feedback was used to inform the development of resources and practices. These developments have the potential to inform EP's and other professionals' work in this important area.
ROLE OF LIP PRINTS IN CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION

Background: In our hectic pursuit to unlock mysteries in daily life, we resort to accurate identification of individuals, which plays increasingly vital role in forensic investigations. Lip prints have an important role in crime investigation and criminal identification. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance and the significance of lip prints and how it can be used as an additional tool besides fingerprints for personal identification and sex determination. Materials and Methods: Reachable materials can be used for lifting lip prints, including colored lipstick and Cellophane tape. They were applied on a number of subjects from both sexes. The subjects were asked to press their lips on the sticky part of the tape. Afterwards, all samples were coded and classified. Results: Macrostructures of the lips including five distinct features, specifically: the size of the lips, the shape of the oral fissure, upper and lower vermilion borders and protrusion of lips are age and environmentally stable. So they can be potentially used for the purpose of personal identification. It has also been confirmed that lip prints recover after encountering alterations such as trauma, inflammation, and diseases. Conclusion: lip prints are unique for each and every individual and sex plays a fundamental role in the distribution of lip prints among males and females.
Characteristics of Smokers From a National Sample Who Engaged in Any Physical Activity: Implications for Cardiovascular Health Intervention

Background: Tobacco is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, and current treatments lack long-term efficacy. Promoting physical activity may be a viable population-level approach to improving cardiovascular health among smokers. Purpose: To characterize smokers engaging in any physical activity based on demographics, quitting behaviors, health perceptions, preventive health behaviors, and disease status to identify targets for subsequent intervention. Methods: A national sample of smokers participating in the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 4 Cycle 2 data collection (N = 491) was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate regression models to characterize smokers engaging in any physical activity. Results: Some past-week physical activity was reported by 62% of smokers. “Active” status was associated with being younger (Exp(B) = 0.971; P < . 001), lower body mass index (Exp(B) = 0.955; P = . 011), fewer hours of daily screen time (Exp(B) = 0.903; P = . 001), consuming at least one cup of fruit and vegetables daily (Exp(B) = 1.971; P = . 005), and non-consideration of a quit attempt (Exp(B) = 0.606; P = . 021). Discussion: Smokers participating in any physical activity also demonstrated a more healthful cardiovascular risk profile, suggesting that promoting physical activity in completely inactive smokers could improve overall cardiovascular health. Translation to Health Education Practice: Use of a multiple health behavior change approach to promote physical activity and related behaviors in smokers holds promise for improving cardiovascular health.
Usefulness of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion DWI as Early Detection of Treatment Effect and Prognostic Factor in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Poster: "ECR 2013 / C-1936 / Usefulness of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion DWI as Early Detection of Treatment Effect and Prognostic Factor in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer" by: "N. Fujima1, D. Yoshida1, T. Sakashita1, A. Homma1, Y. Suzuki2, H. Sugimori3, S. Terae1, H. Shirato1; 1Sapporo/JP, 2Tokyo, 108-8507/JP, 3Sapporo hokkaido/JP"
Accelerated Failure Time Frailty Model in Survival Analysis

Breast cancer and its etiologic factors have been widely studied worldwide. Statistics has shown that around the nation people living with breast cancer are in need of identifying risk factors of breast cancer and prognostic factor of breast cancer for their survival, and this research is specific to South Indian population. This study attempts to explore the survival experience of breast cancer patients treated under adjuvant and Neo-adjuvant therapy. The important prognostic variables in response to treatment survival were identified using accelerated failure time model with and without frailty. About 90% received Neo-adjuvant therapy, and 94% had favorable response to treatment. The Accelerated failure time model with frailty performed better than model without frailty.
Poly[diaquatris(μ4-1,3-phenylenediacetato)dicerium(III)]

In the title coordination polymer, [Ce2(C10H8O4)3(H2O)2]n, each CeIII atom is nine-coordinated by eight O atoms from six different 1,3-phenylenediacetate (pda) bivalent anions and one O atom from a coordinated water molecule, forming a distorted tricapped trigonal–prismatic coordination geometry. Eight CeIII ions and twelve pda ligands form a large [Ce8(pda)12] ring, and four CeIII ions and six pda ligands form a small [Ce4(pda)6] ring. The rings are further connected by the coordination interactions of pda ligands and CeIII, generating a three-dimensional supramolecular framework.
INFLUENCE OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI SEEDS ON THE ACTIVITY OF GLICLAZIDE IN NORMAL AND ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Summary Since drugs from oriental medicine are used along with allopathic drug therapy in highly populated countries, such as India and China, and since optimal blood sugar control is needed in diabetes, herbal drug that influences blood glucose was studied for its effect on gliclazide response in normal and diabetic rats. In this study the safety of the herb-drug combination with respect to blood glucose was studied in animal models. Albino rats were divided into three groups of six each and were fasted for 18 h prior to the experiment with water ad libitum. Three groups were orally received, 500 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Syzygium cumini seeds (SME), gliclazide 2 mg/kg body weight, and SME prior to the administration of gliclazide 2 mg/kg body weight, respectively, in normal and diabetic rats. Blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital plexus at regular intervals after drug administration and were analyzed for blood glucose by glucose oxidase/peroxidase (GODPOD) method. Diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate 100 mg/kg body weight administered by i.p route. Gliclazide produced hypoglycemia/antihyperglycemia in normal and diabetic rats with peak activity at 2 h and 8 h. SME produced hypoglycemia/antidiabetic activity when given alone, and prolonged the effect of gliclazide in combination, in normal and diabetic rats without hypoglycemic convulsions. The blood glucose levels of gliclazide were not altered in the presence of SME. The study indicated that the combination can be used safely to obtain prolonged and sustained antidiabetic effect.
A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

This is a follow-up study of a group of young people who were pupils, or former pupils, of a special school for physically handicapped children. They were the subjects of an M. Phil. thesis submitted in 1986. The thirty-two members of the study group used for this research were chosen from the sample, of fifty three, who were the core group of the earlier piece of work, who have since then been educated in a variety of environments, including integrated educational situations. Particular attention is paid to the social consequences of physical disability and factors which seem to ameliorate or exacerbate the resultant impediments. A qualitative approach is used within the framework of a multiple case study format. However, because of the comparatively long time span from which material is available, in the case of many subjects periods of in excess of twenty years, it is possible to utilize a longitudinal perspective throughout most of the work. This is adopted in an effort to arrive at a holistic view of the situation of the young people involved. Their current situation is examined and the apparent effect on their life chances of the diverse settings in which they were educated is noted.
Is slit-skin smear an alternate to histopathology in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis?

Objective To determine how effective is slit-skin smear as a diagnostic test in comparison with the histopathology. Methods This was a validation study, carried out in Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Kohat from 1 st September 2011 to 30 th June 2012. The study population was the patients who were clinically diagnosed as cutaneous leishmaniasis. Slit-skin smears were performed in all and a biopsy was sent for histopathology. The results were analyzed by cross tabs and chi square test. Results A total of 50 patients were included. They were all adult males. Leishman-Donovan (LD) bodies were seen in histopathology slides in 31 patients (62%) and were not detected in 19 patients (38%). The slit-smear showed LD bodies in 18 smears (36%) and negative in 32 smears (64%) [ p =0.048]. Conclusion Histopathology is statistically superior investigation than slit-skin smear in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Microsoft TerraServer

The Microsoft TerraServer stores aerial and satellite images of the earth in a SQL Server Database served to the public via the Internet. It is the world's largest atlas, combining five terabytes of image data from the United States Geodetic Survey, Sovinformsputnik, and Encarta Virtual Globe. Internet browsers provide intuitive spatial and gazetteer interfaces to the data. The TerraServer is also an E-Commerce application. Users can buy the right to use the imagery using Microsoft Site Servers managed by the USGS and Aerial Images. This paper describes the TerraServer's design and implementation.
SnagIt, Version 6.1 For Windows

single-user price $39.95; bulk, government, and educational discounts available. As with most other professions, ecology has become increasingly dependent on information technology and on the ability to service journals , scientists, resource managers, and the taxpaying public with digital files. Ecologists who once devoted their careers to field experimentation now find themselves scrambling to organize web sites and multimedia presentations, or trying to meet publication expectations for electronic submissions. Working with technology may facilitate the tasks at hand, but it may also prove to be a cha-lenge to master these new tools in addition to the science. Fortunately, software like Snaglt makes the process more efficient and enjoyable. SnagIt is an effective and affordable screen capture utility that, over the years, has evolved into a capable, multi-feature graphics package. Snaglt is actually two separate programs: a simple, yet flexible, graphics package (SnagIt Studio) and the capture utility (SnagIt). One can think of SnagIt Studio as a functional version of Microsoft Paint or a stripped-down version of some of the pricier graphics packages offered by Adobe or Core]. Although it is lacking in some tools, SnagIt Studio provides such features as clipart, object prioritizing and grouping, flow-charting, highlighting, flexible zoom, multiple bitmap import and export formats, and bitmap editing, among other functions. As an example, one can import a JPG and edit the image using the customary tools such as flood fill, cropping, freehand erase, text or polygon insertion , line drawing, etc., and then save it as a BMP file. For those who repeatedly use customized bitmaps, another handy feature of SnagIt is the ability to add bitmaps to a catalog of images for later insertion as clipart. The SnagIt capture utility can do far more than simple screen captures (although it does this very effectively). Unless one has specifically purchased a screen capture program, pressing the <PRINT SCRN> button is the preferred way to capture what is seen on the screen. While simple, this approach has its disadvantages. First, <PRINT SCRN> sends a low-resolution bitmap image to the Windows clipboard, which then must be pasted into another program for cropping or annotation. SnagIt's image capture utility allows the user to pick what is to be captured, potentially including the entire screen, a pop-up window, part of a window, a region on the desktop, any screen object (e.g., a floating box or program icon), a menu, an area corresponding to …