Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of arterial endothelial function using transit times of artificially induced pulses

Impairment of arterial endothelial function is an early event in atherosclerosis and correlates with the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The most widely employed non-invasive measure of endothelial function involves brachial artery (BA) diameter measurement using ultrasound imaging before and after several minutes of blood flow occlusion. The change in arterial diameter is a measure of flow-mediated vasorelaxation (FMVR). The high between-laboratory variability of results and cost of instrumentation render this technique unsuitable for routine clinical use. We induce artificial pulses at the superficial radial artery using a linear actuator. An ultrasonic Doppler stethoscope detects these pulses 10–30 cm proximal to the point of pulse induction. The delay between pulse application and detection provides the pulse transit time (PTT). By measuring PTT before and after 5 min of BA occlusion and ensuing reactive hyperemia, FMVR may be measured based on the changes in PTT caused by changes in vessel caliber, smooth muscle tone and wall thickness. We (1) validate the sensitivity of this technique to arterial wall tone using sublingual nitroglycerin and (2) compare measurements of endothelial function to ultrasound BA diameter measurements in 12 human subjects. The PTT-based method is verified to measure arterial wall tone and is shown to provide 37% greater sensitivity (p < 0.05) to FMVR than BA diameter measurements. By measuring the change in pulse transit time before and after endothelial stimulus, a sensitive, reproducible and convenient measure of endothelial function may be obtained at a low cost.
Pakistan and cyber crimes: Problems and preventions

The growth of Internet in Pakistan is exceptional; it reached to the heights of popularity for an ever changing medium of information and communication in a major conservative society. This brings freedom of expression, communication and information across the country which struggled to provide free speech and information access to its people. The Internet penetration is increasing very rapidly; it is very important to observe the impact of it on the society; especially when the government is constantly trying to formulate the regulation for controlling the cyber space. A well regulated cyber space leads to the expansion of information technology services speedily. This paper focuses on the prevailing development of governance policies for cyber space and defies among the agencies and information technology venders. Moreover, the case study of national bank of Pakistan and other cyber crime survey shows that a lot of law making is needed in order to reduce the chances of cyber crime.
Forced Trench Waves

Abstract A general theory for forced barotropic long trench waves in the presence of linear bottom friction is presented. Two specific forcing mechanisms are considered: (i) transverse fluctuations in a western boundary current as it flows across a trench, and (ii) a traveling wind system that moves parallel to the trench. The mechanisms (i) and (ii) are applied to the Japan-Kuril trench and Aleutian trench, respectively. In the case of the Japan-Kuril trench it is found that 3-month period fluctuations in the Kuroshio are able to generate currents along the trench of 0 (10 cm s−1) and coastal sea level variations of O (7 cm). In the case of the Aleutian trench, traveling wind systems in the northeast Pacific may produce a near resonant response. Such a response consists of velocity fluctuations of 0 (10 cm s−1) along the trench and of 0 (4 cm s−1) across the trench, the coastal sea level fluctuations can be up to 12 cm. While these estimates should be regarded as tentative because of the uncertainty in t.
A New Strategy of High-Speed Screening and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis to Evaluate Human ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter ABCG2-Drug Interactions

The human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCG2 (BCRP/MXR1/ABCP) plays a critical role in cellular protection against xenobiotics as well as pharmacokinetics of drugs in our body. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) latently residing in ABCG2-drug interactions. We first established standard methods for expression of human ABCG2 in insect cells, quality control of plasma membrane samples by using electron microscopy techniques, and high-speed screening of ABCG2 inhibition with test compounds. Plasma membrane vesicles prepared from ABCG2-expressing Sf9 cells were used as a model system to measure the ATP-dependent transport of [3H]methotrexate (MTX). Forty-nine different therapeutic drugs and natural compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit ABCG2-mediated MTX transport. Based on their inhibition profiles, we performed QSAR analysis using chemical fragmentation codes deduced from the structures of test compounds. Multiple linear regression analysis delineated a relationship between the structural components and the extent of ABCG2 inhibition, allowing us to identify one set of structure-specific chemical fragmentation codes that are closely correlated with the inhibition of ABCG2 transport activity. Based on the QSAR analysis data, we predicted the potency of gefitinib to inhibit ABCG2. The validity of our QSAR-based prediction for gefitinib was examined by actual experiments. Our kinetic analysis experiments suggest that the ABCG2-ATP complex binds gefitinib. The present study provides a new strategy for analyzing ABCG2-drug interactions. This strategy is considered to be practical and useful for the molecular designing of new ABCG2 modulators.
Evaluating visual ADAS components on the COnGRATS dataset

We present a framework that supports the development and evaluation of vision algorithms in the context of driver assistance applications and traffic surveillance. This framework allows the creation of highly realistic image sequences featuring traffic scenarios. The sequences are created with a realistic state of the art vehicle physics model; different kinds of environments are featured, thus providing a wide range of testing scenarios. Due to the physically-based rendering technique and variable camera models employed for the image rendering process, we can simulate different sensor setups and provide appropriate and fully accurate ground truth data.
Myeloid Dendritic Cells are Potential Players in Human Neurodegenerative Diseases

Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD) are devastating neurodegenerative disturbances, wherein neuroinflammation is a chronic pathogenic process with high therapeutic potential. Major mediators of AD/PD neuroimmune processes are resident immune cells, but immune cells derived from periphery may also participate and to some extent modify neuroinflammation. Specifically, blood borne myeloid cells emerge as crucial components of AD/PD progression and susceptibility. Among these, dendritic cells (DCs) are key immune orchestrators and players of brain immune surveillance; we candidate them as potential mediators of both AD and PD and as relevant cell model for unraveling myeloid cell role in neurodegeneration. Hence, we recapitulate and discuss emerging data suggesting that blood-derived DCs play a role in experimental and human neurodegenerative diseases. In humans, in particular, DCs are modified by in vitro culture with neurodegeneration-associated pathogenic factors and dysregulated in AD patients, while the levels of DC precursors are decreased in AD and PD patients’ blood, possibly as an index of their recruitment to the brain. Overall, we emphasize the need to explore the impact of DCs on neurodegeneration to uncover peripheral immune mechanisms of pathogenic importance, recognize potential biomarkers, and improve therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases.
Comparison of Prostaglandin E 2 Receptor Subtype 4 Agonist and Sulfasalazine in Mouse Colitis Prevention and Treatment

Prodrugs of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), such as sulfasalazine, have been the mainstay for the treatment and maintenance of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for decades, which is attributable to their antiadaptive immune activity. However, 5-ASA compromises regeneration of intestinal epithelia and induces apoptosis. The majority of patients eventually undergo colectomy. Agonists for the prostaglandin E2 subtype 4 (EP4) receptor have been shown to protect epithelial barrier against colitis-inducing agents and could be valuable alternatives for sulfasalazine. Here, we compared sulfasalazine and a novel EP4 agonist for their abilities to prevent colitis induction and relieve symptoms of established colitis in a dextran sulfate sodium–indomethacin mouse model. The EP4 agonist dosedependently alleviated weight loss in colitis mice. Compared with sulfasalazine at 100 mg/kg on the colitis induction model, the EP4 agonist at 0.2 mg/kg was superior in reducing colitis symptoms, preventing increase of innate immune cells, and ameliorating inflammation in colon. In mice with established colitis, sulfasalazine quickly reversed weight loss but with fading efficacy. The EP4 agonist, in contrast, had slow but sustained effects on body weight gain and was more efficacious in epithelial regeneration. Such temporal differences between sulfasalazine and the EP4 agonist actions seemingly led to no additive effect in combination therapy. In conclusion, the EP4 agonist would be more efficacious in the maintenance of remission because of both anti-innate immune responses and epithelial regeneration activity, whereas sulfasalazine would be more suitable for induction of remission because of its rapid onset of antiadaptive inflammation action.
An Analysis of Emissions Reduction Phenomenon in South Africa

Climate change and global warming impacts are manifesting on a daily basis all over the world. Reports of catastrophic weather events are always being aired in the news, showing huge and massive destruction to property and life. Carbon emissions by both industrialised and non-industrialised countries are the main causes of global warming and climate change. While the developed nations are making frantic efforts through innovations and technologies to adapt to the changes in the climate, the developing countries do not have the capacity to develop such technologies, hence unable to adapt to the changes, leaving them with mitigation options. Against this backdrop, South African Government has put in place various interventions to curb the surge of global climate change. However, it is pertinent to point out that till date, there is no single law passed by the parliament specifically on global climate change. This notwithstanding, in view of the fact that global climate change is caused by emissions of harmful gases to the atmosphere and the environment, South Africa has ample laws controlling and regulating the environment. Therefore, the paper seeks to advance a compelling argument on implementation and enforcement of policy and law on carbon emissions reduction and how the law can be strengthened as part of mitigation strategy. As the issues surrounding global climate change relate and strictly pertain to the environment, the relevant environmental laws that are in place could be used to control and reduce emissions of all sorts and also enforce compliance. One of such pieces of legislation is the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n23p2709
A compact Ku-band Luneburg Lens reflector based on metamaterial structures

Compared to other conventional reflectors, better Radar Cross-Section (RCS) can be efficiently produced by the Luneburg Lens reflector. In this paper, a compact Ku-band Luneburg Lens reflector composed of metamaterial-based unit cells has been designed, simulated and characterized. By adjusting the dimension of the unit cell, almost continuously varying gradient index can be achieved. The effective permittivity of the unit cell is calculated by the simulation software CST and evaluated by the effective medium theory. The simulation results show that the proposed Luneburg Lens reflector is capable of providing a RCS of -1.49 dBm2 with a diameter of 75 mm (4A0 at 16 GHz), and a sound wide angle response as well.
Chemoenzymatic and Template-Directed Synthesis of Bioactive Macrocyclic Peptides

SUMMARY Non-ribosomally synthesized peptides have compelling biological activities ranging from antimicrobial to immunosuppressive and from cytostatic to antitumor. The broad spectrum of applications in modern medicine is reflected in the great structural diversity of these natural products. They contain unique building blocks, such as d-amino acids, fatty acids, sugar moieties, and heterocyclic elements, as well as halogenated, methylated, and formylated residues. In the past decades, significant progress has been made toward the understanding of the biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and their associated tailoring enzymes. Guided by this knowledge, researchers genetically redesigned the NRPS template to synthesize new peptide products. Moreover, chemoenzymatic strategies were developed to rationally engineer nonribosomal peptides products in order to increase or alter their bioactivities. Specifically, chemical synthesis combined with peptide cyclization mediated by nonribosomal thioesterase domains enabled the synthesis of glycosylated cyclopeptides, inhibitors of integrin receptors, peptide/polyketide hybrids, lipopeptide antibiotics, and streptogramin B antibiotics. In addition to the synthetic potential of these cyclization catalysts, which is the main focus of this review, different enzymes for tailoring of peptide scaffolds as well as the manipulation of carrier proteins with reporter-labeled coenzyme A analogs are discussed.
Reconstrucción paleoambiental del Holoceno en el registro sedimentario de la ciudad de Valencia

El analisis de varios cortes de excavaciones arqueologicas del subsuelo de la ciudad de Valencia permite distinguir cinco grandes niveles de acumulacion fluvial de diferente interpretacion ambiental; los analisis micromorfologicos y polinicos aportan datos complementarios.
Analysis of Different Methods for 3D Reconstruction of Natural Surfaces from Parallel‐Axes UAV Images

Recent advances in structure from motion (SfM) and dense matching algorithms enable surface reconstruction from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images with high spatial resolution, allowing for new insights into earth surface processes. However, accuracy issues are inherent in parallel‐axes UAV image configurations. In this study, the quality of digital elevation models (DEMs) is assessed using images from a simulated UAV flight. Five different SfM tools and three different cameras are compared. If ground control points (GCPs) are not integrated into the adjustment process with parallel‐axes image configurations, significant dome‐effect systematic errors are observed, which can be reduced based on calibration parameters retrieved from a testfield captured with convergent images immediately before or after the UAV flight. A comparison between DEMs of a soil surface generated from UAV images and terrestrial laser‐scanning data show that natural surfaces can be very accurately reconstructed from UAV images, even when GCPs are missing and simple geometric camera models are considered.
Shaping the Health Policy Agenda: The Case of Safe Motherhood Policy in Vietnam

BACKGROUND Maternal health remains a central policy concern in Vietnam. With a commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 target of maternal mortality rate (MMR) of 70/100 000 by 2015, the Ministry of Health (MoH) issued the National Plan for Safe Motherhood (NPSM) 2003-2010. In 2008, reproductive health, including safe motherhood (SM) became a national health target program with annual government funding. METHODS A case study of how SM emerged as a political priority in Vietnam over the period 2001-2008, drawing on Kingdon's theory of agenda-setting was conducted. A mixed method was adopted for this study of the NPSM. RESULTS Three related streams contributed to SM priority in Vietnam: (1) the problem of high MMR was officially recognized from high-quality research, (2) the strong roles of policy champion from MoH in advocating for the needs to reducing MMR as well as support from government and donors, and (3) the national and international events, providing favorable context for this issue to emerge on policy agenda. CONCLUSION This paper draws on the theory of agenda-setting to analyze the Vietnam experience and to develop guidance for SM a political priority in other high maternal mortality communities.
Widrow Hoff Learning Algorithm Based Minimization of BER Multi-User Detection in SDMA

In this paper minimization of BER in MUD based on neural network has been proposed. The change in weights from Widrow-Hoff learning algorithm has been used to update the weight vectors of the equalizer. Neural networks can be used for linear design, adaptive prediction, amplitude detection, character recognition and many other applications. In this paper adaptive prediction has been used in detecting the errors caused in AWGN channel. These errors are rectified by using Adaptive prediction methods based LMS algorithm for updating their weights. SDMA scheme with 3 users and 4 receiver antennas has been considered in the present work for obtaining the results. BPSK is used as the modulation scheme.
trans-Dichloridobis(propane-1,3-diamine-κ2 N,N′)chromium(III) perchlorate

In the title compound, [CrCl2(C3H10N2)2]ClO4, the CrIII atom is coordinated equatorially by four N atoms of two propane-1,3-diamine (tn) ligands and axially by two mutually trans Cl atoms, thus displaying a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with no crystallographically imposed symmetry. The two six-membered chair chelate rings in the complex cation are in an anti conformation with respect to each other. The Cr—N bond lengths range from 2.0831 (18) to 2.0917 (19) Å, and the Cr—Cl bond lengths are 2.3148 (6) and 2.3135 (6) Å. The perchlorate anions have slightly distorted tetrahedral geometries. Weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the tn ligand NH groups as donors, and chloride ligands and anion O atoms as acceptors are observed.
A Model for Conceptualising Green Logistics and its use for exploring RFIDs in 'Greening' Supply Chains

Integrating environmental considerations into supply-chain management has become an increasingly important issue for industry, government and academic research. Supply chain managers are being required to respond to the challenges of new legislation, standards and regulations; changing customer demands; drivers for efficiency, cost effectiveness and return on investment; while simultaneously being „green‟. Facing the central tension between business and environmental drivers is difficult, but critical to understanding how developments, such as RFID technologies can be incorporated to deliver holistic solutions. This paper reviews contemporary discussions on the current state of supply-chain management and green logistics. It presents a model that combines a number of existing frameworks covering forward and reverse logistics as an approach to conceptualise green supply chains. The paper then illustrates how this combined model can be used to explore the potential of RFID technologies for „greening‟ supply chains.
Interactive document retrieval using faceted terminological feedback

Presents a new interactive paradigm for iterative information retrieval based on the automatic construction of a faceted representation for a document subset. Facets are chosen heuristically based on lexical dispersion (a measure of the number of different terms with which a word co-occurs within noun phrases appearing in the document set). The phrases in which these terms occur serve to provide a set of attributes, specializations, related concepts, etc., for the so-identified "facet" terms. The resulting representation serves the dual purpose of providing a concise, structured summary of the contents of the result set, as well as presenting a set of terms for engaging in interactive query reformulation.
Relating e+ e- annihilation to high energy scattering at weak and strong coupling

We explore the correspondence between the final state in e+e? annihilation and the small-x hadronic wavefunction in the transverse plane both in weakly coupled QCD and strongly coupled = 4 SYM. At strong coupling, the virtual and static photon produced in e+e? annihilation can be treated as a shock wave propagating in AdS space leaving spherical energy and charge distributions on the boundary. This is shown to be mathematically identical to the computation of energy and charge distributions in the transverse plane generated by a high energy color singlet state. At weak coupling, the correspondence is useful in studying interjet observables. By performing the stereographic projection to the BFKL equation, we construct an exact solution to the evolution equation derived by Marchesini and Mueller, and find the angular distribution of small-x gluons in the interjet region. Finally we argue that the correspondence holds also for the energy correlation functions.
Modelling Energy-Environment-Economy Interdependencies: A Comparative Analysis of Ten E3 Models

Understanding the interdependencies between energy, environmental issues and economic issues is of fundamental importance in developing appropriate policies for decarbonising the economy. The relationships between these three factors are, however, complex and different approaches have been taken in analysing the key relationships between these factors in order to assess the implications. This paper will assess one type of approach, examining economic or econometric models that include indexes for energy, environment and economic issues, i.e. E3 models. The objective of the paper is to assess some of the key features of these models, as identified by the research groups in their literature, as an introduction to the variety of strategies available to, and used by, E3 modelling groups.
Growth and erosion of mountain ranges at the northeastern margin of Tibet

The hypothesis that mountain belts may reach a steady state, in which rock uplift is balanced by erosion, has been supported by numerous field studies and numerical models. The early evolution of mountain ranges, however, and especially the relation between fault growth and topographic response has received little attention. By using a space-for-time substitution we illustrate how active thrust faults and small, fault-bounded mountain ranges evolve into mature mountain chains that will ultimately be incorporated into the laterally growing Tibetan Plateau. At an early stage of development, when faults propagate laterally, slip rates are constant along strike [1-3]. As long as no significant topographic relief has developed, tectonic uplift is at least an order of magnitude faster than the rate of erosion [2,4]. During progressive relief growth and the establishment of drainage basins, erosion of the rising mountain ranges becomes more important, but the studied ranges are still in a pre-steady state and continue to grow both vertically and laterally [5]. During this stage the rate of erosion is linearly correlated to the mean hillslope gradient and the mean local relief, if differences in lithology or rock strength are negligible [6]. The rate of relief growth may be inferred from the difference between local erosion rates on ridge crests and catchment-wide denudation rates [7] – the latter may be taken as a surrogate for the rate of river incision. As hillslopes approach a threshold value, landsliding becomes the dominant process of mass transport and erosion rates increase non-linearly with slope. Once a steady state has been reached, the erosion rate is equal to the rate of rock uplift. A key problem is how the rate of rock uplift can be quantified in such regions, because the stochastic distribution of landslides causes the denudation rates inferred from 10Be in river sediment to be highly variable [8].