Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Changes in N-acetyl-aspartate Content during Focal and Global Brain Ischemia of the Rat

N-Acetyl-aspartate (NAA) is almost exclu­ sively localized in neurons in the mature brain and might be used as a neuronal marker. It has been reported that the NAA content in human brain is decreased in neuro­ degenerative diseases and in stroke. Since the NAA con­ tent can be determined by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, it has potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. The objective of this study was to examine the change of NAA content and related substances following cerebral ischemia and compare the results to the damage of the tissue. We used rats to study the changes of NAA, N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG), glutamate, and as­ partate contents over a time course of 24 h in brain re­ gions affected by either permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (focal ischemia) or decapitation (global isch­ emia). The decreases of NAA and NAAG contents fol­ lowing global brain ischemia were linear over time but significant only after 4 and 2 h, respectively. After 24 h, the levels of N AA and N AAG were 24 and 44% of control values, respectively. The concentration of glutamate did not change, whereas the aspartate content increased at a rate comparable with the rate of decrease of N AA con­ tent. This is consistent with NAA being preferentially degraded by the enzyme amidohydrolase II in global isch-The levels in the CSF of various intracellular en­ zymes like superoxide dismutase and lactate dehy­ drogenase have been used to evaluate the brain damage in stroke (Lampl et aI., 1990; Strand and Marklund, 1992). Although increased levels of these enzymes are indicators of brain damage, the long diffusion distances and the dilution preclude a di-639 emia. In focal ischemia, there was a rapid decline of NAA within the first 8 h of ischemia followed by a slower rate of reduction. The reductions of NAA and NAAG con­ tents in focal ischemia were significant after 4 and 24 h, respectively. After 24 h, the NAA and NAAG contents were 33 and 64% of control values, respectively. Also, the glutamate and aspartate contents exhibited significant decreases in focal ischemic tissue. Our studies show that NAA decreases during brain ischemia, the initial rate be­ ing faster in focal ischemia than in global ischemia. In rat transient focal ischemia, others have shown that a middle cerebral artery occlusion of 2-to 3-h duration is sufficient to produc� an infarct that is similar in size to …
The Future of B2c E-commerce System Variables for Describing the Long-term Development of B2c E-commerce

b s t r a c t Condensing the understanding of Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce and its causal relations with the environment in a set of future meaningful, specific and exhaustive variables is a prerequisite for long-term forecasting. There is no consensus regarding even present quantitative estimates of e-commerce, nor does current research pinpoint immediate cause or effect. In around 50 semi-structured interviews with cross-functional e-commerce practitioners , academics, users and non-users, 14 variables describing the future structure of e-commerce and 35 environment variables have been identified. The understanding of e-commerce is focusing on the terms 'automation' and 'spatial separated delivery', leading to a differentiation between distance selling e-commerce and automated transactions at retail outlets. The environments investigated include Society, Distribution, Technology, Retail Outlets, Socio-Politics and Market environments, providing a holistic view on the long-term outlook of e-commerce. A u t h o r s Customer Loyalty and Forecasting. He teaches courses in Marketing and Management and has extensive experience as a management consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. Quantifying the impact and forecasting Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities needs a clear understanding of what e-commerce means and how it is causally related to its environment. However, current concepts of e-commerce differ, rendering different numbers for both current and past e-commerce activities. While this variance is partly due to measurement issues (cf. Fraumeni 2001: 318), conceptual or coverage differences, too, result in different estimates (cf. Rallet 2003: 158). Although subject to debate, the least common denominator seems to be 'transac-tions over computer-mediated net-works' (cf. Mesenbourg 2001: 4). While there is no consensus regarding even present estimates, forecasting adds a whole new dimension, as given today's language we almost certainly lack the means to describe the future (cf. Kirsch 1997: 48). Thus, a 'transaction over computer-mediated networks' alone might not be a meaningful differentiation for describing future impact, scope and structure of e-commerce. Additionally, long-term causal relations involving e-commerce are not yet well understood. Based on the analytic approach to scientific research and due to the newness of the e-commerce phenomenon, the research focused on immediate causes and effects of e-commerce adoption, with only few authors taking a longer-term perspective on e-commerce embedded in its environment (Zentes and Swoboda 1998, with a focus on retail in general) 1. Such immediate causes are, for example, product category (e.g., Choi et al. 1997), consumer characteristics such as demographics or lifestyles Kim et al. 2002). However, a …
Local‐ and regional‐scale effects of wave exposure, thermal stress, and absolute versus effective shore level on patterns of intertidal zonation

Rocky intertidal ecosystems are characterized by marked zonation patterns in which species replace one another along the vertical gradient of emersion time. Yet, we still do not fully understand the reasons that zonation patterns are variable in space and time. Here, we use effective shore level (ESL), a metric that incorporates the modifying influence of wave splash, to describe the relationship between uninterrupted emersion time and the zonation patterns of two ecologically important species: the mussel Mytilus californianus and the barnacle Balanus glandula. At the local scale (10s to 100s of meters) on Tatoosh Island, the upper limits of both species are closely related to ESL, regardless of substrate aspect or maximum temperature. At larger spatial scales (10s to 100s of kilometers), the upper limit of Balanus is related to ESL at cool sites but not at hotter sites. Thus, although ESL explains most of the local‐scale variation in zonation at a cool site, other factors (temperature, desiccation) likely become important as spatial scale increases to incorporate warmer sites. Our results emphasize that an understanding of where and when specific ecological factors are limiting is crucial for our ability to explain and predict large‐scale biological patterns in space and time.
Gravitating discs around black holes

Fluid discs and tori around black holes are discussed within different approaches and with the emphasis on the role of disc gravity. First reviewed are the prospects of investigating the gravitational field of a black hole–disc system using analytical solutions of stationary, axially symmetric Einstein equations. Then, more detailed considerations are focused to the middle and outer parts of extended disc-like configurations where relativistic effects are small and the Newtonian description is adequate.Within general relativity, only a static case has been analysed in detail. Results are often very inspiring. However, simplifying assumptions must be imposed: ad hoc profiles of the disc density are commonly assumed and the effects of frame-dragging are completely lacking. Astrophysical discs (e.g. accretion discs in active galactic nuclei) typically extend far beyond the relativistic domain and are fairly diluted. However, self-gravity is still essential for their structure and evolution, as well as for their radiation emission and the impact on the surrounding environment. For example, a nuclear star cluster in a galactic centre may bear various imprints of mutual star–disc interactions, which can be recognized in observational properties, such as the relation between the central mass and stellar velocity dispersion.
Large scale incremental web video categorization

With the advent of video sharing websites, the amount of videos on the internet grows rapidly. Web video categorization is an efficient methodology for organizing the huge amount of videos. In this paper we investigate the characteristics of web videos, and make two contributions for the large scale incremental web video categorization. First, we develop an effective semantic feature space Concept Collection for Web Video with Categorization Distinguishability (CCWV-CD), which is consisted of concepts with small semantic gap, and the concept correlations are diffused by a novel Wikipedia Propagation (WP) method. Second, we propose an incremental support vector machine with fixed number of support vectors (n-ISVM) for large scale incremental learning. To evaluate the performance of CCWV-CD, WP and n-ISVM, we conduct extensive experiments on the dataset of 80,021 most representative videos on a video sharing website. The experiment results show that the CCWV-CD and WP is more representative for web videos, and the n-ISVM algorithm greatly improves the efficiency in the situation of incremental learning.
Model­based Techniques for Tracking Human Head for Human­robot Interaction

Humans are known to use gesture cues lavishly in communication. Some estimates say more than 70 percent of human communication is non verbal. Therefore, identifying and tracking these gestures as well as mimicking them has emerged as a focus area in Robotics and Human Computer Interaction. This work looks at one of the aspects involved, viz. Human head tracking. Specifically, we seek to identify the yaw, pitch and roll angles of a human head from a live video stream and make a robot move its head in sync with the subject under observation. 1. INTRODUCTION Humans' use different gesture cues e.g. gaze, hand and head movements to convey intentions and augment the spoken words. A conversation role among participants is often established by merely looking at the other person. In human-robot interactions where robots are required to take some of these roles, directing and controlling robot's gaze in reference to the direction of human participants becomes imperative [2]. Head tracking is intrinsically linked to a more general problem of gaze tracking. In gaze tracking we try identify the focus and direction of person's eyes. This ability to quickly interpret orientation and movement of human head is very primitive to humans but for computer vision it is a challenging problem. The challenge is to handle a large number of variances in the captured images e.g. camera distortion, projective geometry, lighting and also difference in biological appearances. The exact description of what is meant by head pose detection can be tricky given how many degrees of freedom are desired. In this project we are targeting detection of full 3D human pose with six degree of freedom (DOF). The three-degree of face comes from yaw, pitch and roll of human face as shown in Figure 1. The remaining 3 degrees are position of head in the scene. Figure 1: 3 degrees of freedom of human head (Picture taken form [1]) There are wide variety of techniques available in computer vision literature that solve this problem with varying degree of robustness, degree of freedom, complexity etc. In this project we focused only on methods, which are generally referred to as model based techniques. A more
DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD OF ANALYSIS OF EEG WAVE PACKETS IN EARLY STAGES OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

A method of analysis of EEG wave packets based on wavelets and nonparametric statistics is developed. The method is compared with standard methods based on Fourier spectra and complex Morlet wavelets by the example of Parkinson's disease experimental data. We demonstrate that these methods are complementary, that is, the standard methods and the wave packet analysis method reveal sufficiently different effects in the EEG data.
Resource Allocation for OFDMA Uplink System Based on Adaptive Genetic Algorithms with Fuzzy Logic Controller

Considering multiuser OFDMA uplink system, an adaptive subcarrier and bit allocation algorithm based on adaptive genetic algorithms (AGA) with fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is proposed. With the goal of minimizing the overall transmit power and striving for the fulfillment of each user's data rate requirement under the distributive power constraints, our algorithm acquires a suboptimal channel assignment through AGA with the assistance of FLC, which can adjust strategic parameters of genetic algorithms adaptively, then load bit and allocate transmit power to each channel of users by greedy algorithm to achieve the minimal transmit power. Simulations show that the proposed algorithms can efficiently allocate resource to reduce the overall transmit power and guarantee quality of service (QoS) requirement.
A Modified Advanced Encryption Standard Algorithm for Image Encryption

Cryptography algorithms are becoming more necessary to ensure secure data transmission, which can be used in several applications. Increasing use of images in industrial process therefore it is essential to protect the confidential image data from unauthorized access. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a well- known block cipher that has many benefits in data encryption process. In this paper, proposed some modification to the Advanced Encryption Standard (M-AES) to increase and reaching high level security and enhance image encryption. The modification is done by modifying the ShiftRow Transformation. Detailed results in terms of security analysis and implementation are given. Comparing the proposed algorithm with the original AES encryption algorithm shows that the proposed M-AES has more security from the cryptographic view and gives better result of security against statistical attack.
The Blog Network in America : Blogs as Indicators of Relationships among US Cities

An analysis of links among U.S. weblogs is done to examine the interpersonal social network and social connections among U.S. cities. Drawing 4,241 weblogs from the NITLE census dataset that are identified as being located in the United States, this project extracts the outward links of these weblogs and uses them to analyze the relationship between cities. A total of 632 U.S. city/region units, represented by the first three-digits of US postal codes, are taken as nodes of the network. In total, 41,212 permanent links from blogs of each of the city units are counted as weighted arcs in the network. Inlinks and outlinks of each city unit are recorded for analysis. The study finds that the city units whose bloggers attract most inlinks are Manhattan, San Francisco and Bay Area, Washington, D.C. and its western suburbs, Boston and its suburbs, Los Angeles and Seattle. The study discovers a super-metropolitan cluster, transcending geographical boundaries, within which the cities traditionally associated with cultural elites are closely connected. For other less metropolitan areas, blogs are most heavily connected at a geographically local level, and then extend to a national network.
Validation of a High-Throughput Multiplex Genetic Detection System for Helicobacter pylori Identification, Quantification, Virulence, and Resistance Analysis

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely related to various gastroduodenal diseases. Virulence factors and bacterial load of H. pylori are associated with clinical outcomes, and drug-resistance severely impacts the clinical efficacy of eradication treatment. Existing detection methods are low-throughput, time-consuming and labor intensive. Therefore, a rapid and high-throughput method is needed for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring for H. pylori. High-throughput Multiplex Genetic Detection System (HMGS) assay was established to simultaneously detect and analyze a set of genes for H. pylori identification, quantification, virulence, and drug resistance by optimizing the singlet-PCR and multiple primers assay. Twenty-one pairs of chimeric primers consisted of conserved and specific gene sequences of H. pylori tagged with universal sequence at the 5′ end were designed. Singlet-PCR assay and multiple primers assay were developed to optimize the HMGS. The specificity of HMGS assay was evaluated using standard H. pylori strains and bacterial controls. Six clinical isolates with known genetic background of target genes were detected to assess the accuracy of HMGS assay. Artificial mixed pathogen DNA templates were used to evaluate the ability to distinguish mixed infections using HMGS assay. Furthermore, gastric biopsy specimens with corresponding isolated strains were used to assess the capability of HMGS assay in detecting biopsy specimens directly. HMGS assay was specific for H. pylori identification. HMGS assay for H. pylori target genes detection were completely consistent with the corresponding genetic background. Mixed infection with different drug-resistant isolates of H. pylori could be distinguished by HMGS assay. HMGS assay could efficiently diagnose H. pylori infection in gastric biopsy specimens directly. HMGS assay is a rapid and high throughput method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of H. pylori, analysis of virulence and drug resistance in both isolated strains and biopsy specimens. It could also be used to distinguish the mixed infection with different resistant genotype strains. Furthermore, HMGS could detect H. pylori infection in gastric biopsy specimens directly.
Critical Race Theory in Education

[A four volume collection of canonical and cutting-edge writing in the field of critical race theory. ] Critical Race Theory (CRT) offers an account of society based on systemic, deep-rooted racist oppression that saturates our commonsensical judgements to such an extent that all but the most extreme racism appears normal and unexceptional, simply ‘business as usual’. CRT is one of the fastest growing and most controversial fields of contemporary social theory, and education is the discipline where its most dynamic and challenging work is taking place. Now, answering the need for an authoritative reference work to make sense of this sometimes shocking and often contentious body of thought, Routledge announces a new title in its Major Themes in Education series. In four volumes, Critical Race Theory in Education provides a unique ‘mini library’ that encompasses the very best CRT scholarship in education. As with other titles in the series, the collection’s hallmark is its combination of the canonical and the cutting edge: every selection is either an established ‘classic’ or significantly challenges and advances thinking on current issues. The first volume (‘Tenets of Critical Race Theory in Education’) sets out the core themes that distinguish the CRT approach. Volume II (‘Whiteness and White Supremacy’), meanwhile, explores the construction and maintenance of assumptions and practices that take for granted the elevated status of white people’s interests and perspectives. The third volume (‘Global and Specific: CRT Off-shoot Movements’) focuses on the development of CRT as an approach with an international reach, while simultaneously retaining space for distinctive developments that prioritize individual social groups within their particular historic, cultural, and economic contexts. The collection’s final volume (‘Doing CRT in Education’) is dedicated to questions of method, ethics, and praxis in the everyday struggle to advance research and effect genuine anti-racist change amid systems that normalize racism and deny the legitimacy of race-conscious scholarship. David Gillborn, the editor of the collection, is recognized internationally as a leading scholar of race inequity in education. He was one of the first writers to apply CRT outside North America.
The Opposite Effects of High-Sucrose and High-Fat Diet on Fatty Acid Oxidation and Very Low Density Lipoprotein Secretion in Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Aims. To determine the effect of two different diets (high-sucrose (HS) and high-fat (HF)) on the main metabolic pathways potentially contributing to the development of steatosis: (1) activity of the liver lysosomal and heparin-releasable lipases; (2) fatty acid (FFA) oxidation; (3) FFA synthesis de novo; (4) VLDL output in vivo in a rat model of metabolic syndrome (MetS), hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats fed HS or HF diets. Results. Both diets resulted in triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in the liver (HF > HS). The intracellular TAG lipolysis by lysosomal lipase was increased in both groups and positively correlated with the liver TAG content. Diet type significantly affected partitioning of intracellular TAG-derived fatty acids among FFA-utilizing metabolic pathways as HS feeding accentuated VLDL secretion and downregulated FFA oxidation while the HF diet had an entirely opposite effect. FFA de novo synthesis from glucose was significantly enhanced in the HS group (fed ≫ fasted) while being completely eradicated in the HF group. Conclusions. We found that in rats prone to the development of MetS associated diseases dietary-induced steatosis is not simply a result of impaired TAG degradation but that it depends on other mechanisms (elevated FFA synthesis or attenuated VLDL secretion) that are specific according to diet composition.
Robust DT-CWT Watermarking for DIBR 3D Images

The popularity of 3D content is on the rise since it provides an immersive experience to viewers. In this situation, depth-image-based rendering (DIBR) has taken on an important role in 3D technology due to its low bandwidth cost and ease of depth configuration. Noting that the viewer could record provided center view or synthesized views for illegal distribution, it is clear that copyright protection must be taken into account for the DIBR 3D content, including the possibility that one single view could be illegally distributed as 2D content. In this paper, we propose a robust watermarking scheme for DIBR 3D images by quantization on dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DT-CWT) coefficients with consideration of imperceptibility. To make the proposed scheme robust to DIBR process, two characteristics of DT-CWT are employed: approximate shift invariance and directional selectivity. We select certain coefficient sub-blocks and group the coefficient rows based on the properties of DIBR. On the extraction side, the threshold is carefully chosen with a low false positive rate. The simulation results show that the embedded watermark is stably extracted from the center view and the synthesized left and right views. In addition, even if the synthesized left and right views are distorted by general attacks, the watermark is successfully extracted. Furthermore, the proposed scheme is robust to pre-processing of the depth image and baseline adjusting, which are common processing on the DIBR system for better quality of 3D views.
Neuro-rough-fuzzy approach for regression modelling from missing data

Neuro-rough-fuzzy approach for regression modelling from missing data Real life data sets often suffer from missing data. The neuro-rough-fuzzy systems proposed hitherto often cannot handle such situations. The paper presents a neuro-fuzzy system for data sets with missing values. The proposed solution is a complete neuro-fuzzy system. The system creates a rough fuzzy model from presented data (both full and with missing values) and is able to elaborate the answer for full and missing data examples. The paper also describes the dedicated clustering algorithm. The paper is accompanied by results of numerical experiments.