Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Canny Edge Detection Operator

Edge detection is an important method in image processing, which can not only extract the important contour features of the image, but also greatly reduce the workload of the computer in processing. Among them, the canny operator has been widely used among many algorithms with its certain advantages, but the processing effect is easily affected by the noise. In order to remove the Gaussian noise in the image and to retain the edge information better, this paper proposes an improved canny edge detection algorithm. The algorithm discards the previous Gaussian filtering and adopts bilateral filtering to improve the smoothing process, replaces the original gradient template in the gradient calculation, and adds 45 angle and 135 angle gradient templates to reduce the problem of missed detection and false detection, then uses linear interpolation to calculate the sub-pixel gradient value in the non-maximum suppression to makes the non-maximum suppression result more accurate. At last, the Otsu is used for threshold selection in the dual-threshold screening stage to achieve its adaptivity. After comparison, it is found that the improved canny operator has some advantages in processing images with Gaussian noise compared with the traditional canny operator.
Micronuclei in genotoxicity assessment: from genetics to epigenetics and beyond

Micronuclei (MN) are extra-nuclear bodies that contain damaged chromosome fragments and/or whole chromosomes that were not incorporated into the nucleus after cell division. MN can be induced by defects in the cell repair machinery and accumulation of DNA damages and chromosomal aberrations. A variety of genotoxic agents may induce MN formation leading to cell death, genomic instability, or cancer development. In this review, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of MN formation after various clastogenic and aneugenic effects on cell division and cell cycle are described. The knowledge accumulated in literature on cytotoxicity of various genotoxins is precisely reflected and individual sensitivity to MN formation due to single gene polymorphisms is discussed. The importance of rapid MN scoring with respect to the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay is also evaluated.
Coronary thrombolysis with recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator.

The thrombolytic potency and myocardial infarct--sparing potential of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) were studied in electrocardiographically monitored, open-chest, anesthetized dogs. Localized coronary thrombosis was produced in the left anterior descending artery by endothelial injury and instillation of thrombin and fresh blood. After 2 hr of stable thrombotic occlusion, rt-PA was infused intravenously. At a dose of 4.3 micrograms/kg/min, time to reperfusion was greater than 40 min (n = 3). However, at higher infusion rates a linear, dose-dependent time to coronary reperfusion was obtained (r = .88): at 10 micrograms/kg/min reperfusion occurred after 31 +/- 2 min (n = 3), at 15 micrograms/kg/min it was at 26 +/- 7 min (n = 4), and at 25 micrograms/kg/min, lysis was accomplished within 13 +/- 3 min (n = 3). Thrombolysis was not associated with alterations in either plasma hemostatic factors (fibrinogen, plasminogen, and alpha 2-antiplasmin) or in systemic blood pressures. Epicardial electrographic measurements revealed a significant reduction in ST elevation in all reperfused hearts. A randomized, blinded study was also carried out with 15 micrograms/kg/min of rt-PA saline in 18 dogs with 30 min of coronary thrombosis. Reperfusion in the treated group occurred after 28 +/- 3 min. No evidence of thrombolysis was noted in the saline-treated group within 240 min. Size of myocardial infarction was determined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and planimetry. Infarction involved 2.5 +/- 0.5% of the left ventricular wall in the group receiving rt-PA, but 16 +/- 3% of the left ventricle in the saline-treated group (p = .001). It is concluded that intravenous infusion of rt-PA results in rapid, dose-dependent coronary thrombolysis without systemic fibrinolytic activation and that early lysis of coronary thrombi is associated with substantial salvage of myocardial tissue.
Pannexin 1 and Pannexin 3 Channels Regulate Skeletal Muscle Myoblast Proliferation and Differentiation

Background: Pannexins functions in skeletal myogenesis are unknown. Results: Panx1 and Panx3 species are co-expressed in skeletal muscle. Their levels are modulated during myoblast differentiation regulating either myoblast proliferation and/or differentiation status. Conclusion: Panx1 and Panx3 channels are novel regulators of skeletal muscle myoblast differentiation and proliferation. Significance: Skeletal muscle development and health depend on functional pannexin channels. Pannexins constitute a family of three glycoproteins (Panx1, -2, and -3) forming single membrane channels. Recent work demonstrated that Panx1 is expressed in skeletal muscle and involved in the potentiation of contraction. However, Panxs functions in skeletal muscle cell differentiation, and proliferation had yet to be assessed. We show here that Panx1 and Panx3, but not Panx2, are present in human and rodent skeletal muscle, and their various species are differentially expressed in fetal versus adult human skeletal muscle tissue. Panx1 levels were very low in undifferentiated human primary skeletal muscle cells and myoblasts (HSMM) but increased drastically during differentiation and became the main Panx expressed in differentiated cells. Using HSMM, we found that Panx1 expression promotes this process, whereas it was impaired in the presence of probenecid or carbenoxolone. As for Panx3, its lower molecular weight species were prominent in adult skeletal muscle but very low in the fetal tissue and in undifferentiated skeletal muscle cells and myoblasts. Its overexpression (∼43-kDa species) induced HSMM differentiation and also inhibited their proliferation. On the other hand, a ∼70-kDa immunoreactive species of Panx3, likely glycosylated, sialylated, and phosphorylated, was highly expressed in proliferative myoblasts but strikingly down-regulated during their differentiation. Reduction of its endogenous expression using two Panx3 shRNAs significantly inhibited HSMM proliferation without triggering their differentiation. In summary, our results demonstrate that Panx1 and Panx3 are co-expressed in human skeletal muscle myoblasts and play a pivotal role in dictating the proliferation and differentiation status of these cells.
Overview of Microgrid with Renewable Energy Sources Operation, Architecture and Energy Management

Utilizing energy from environmentally friendly sources has become a feasible alternative for supplying the world's growing energy needs, reducing climate change, and promoting long-term growth. Microgrid systems, which offer a collection of solutions using technology that enable communication of data between distributed production centers and users, are used to integrate these systems in a distributed manner, suggesting that they must be efficiently regulated. Energy administration in microgrids refers to a data collection and management network that offers the functionality required to ensure that both the generating and distribution systems generate energy at the lowest practical operational costs. This paper reviews the literature on energy management in microgrid systems that use renewable energy sources. This is a succinct explanation of microgrids, how they work, and a comparison of different energy management systems.
Transactional processes in child disruptive behavior and maternal depression: A longitudinal study from early childhood to adolescence

Abstract Although much has been written about the utility of applying Sameroff and Chandler's transactional perspective to the study of child psychopathology, relatively few researchers have used such an approach to trace the emergence of child problem behavior from infancy to adolescence. Using a sample of 289 male toddlers from predominantly low-income families, the current study examined associations between various forms of early child disruptive behavior, subsequent trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms over the course of 8 years, and adolescent problem behavior. Results indicated that early child noncompliance was the most robust predictor of more chronic and elevated trajectories of maternal depression, which in turn discriminated teacher and youth reports of adolescent antisocial behavior but not internalizing symptoms. The findings were consistent with transactional perspectives of developmental psychopathology that have emphasized the dynamic interplay between child and parent characteristics.
Generating Parallel Execution Plans with a Partial-order Planner

Many real-world planning problems require generating plans that maximize the parallelism inherent in a problem. There are a number of partial-order planners that generate such plans; however, in most of these planners it is unclear under what conditions the resulting plans will be correct and whether the planner can even find a plan if one exists. This paper identifies the underlying assumptions about when a partial plan can be executed in parallel, defines the classes of parallel plans that can be generated by different partial-order planners, and describes the changes required to turn UCPOP into a parallel execution planner. In addition, we describe how this planner can be applied to the problem of query access planning, where parallel execution produces substantial reductions in overall execution time.
Secure Biometrics: Concepts, Authentication Architectures, and Challenges

Biometrics are an important and widely used class of methods for identity verification and access control. Biometrics are attractive because they are inherent properties of an individual. They need not be remembered like passwords and are not easily lost or forged like identifying documents. At the same time, biometrics are fundamentally noisy and irreplaceable. There are always slight variations among the measurements of a given biometric, and, unlike passwords or identification numbers, biometrics are derived from physical characteristics that cannot easily be changed. The proliferation of biometric usage raises critical privacy and security concerns that, due to the noisy nature of biometrics, cannot be addressed using standard cryptographic methods. In this article, we present an overview of secure biometrics, also referred to as biometric template protection, an emerging class of methods that address these concerns.
miR-24 Regulates Apoptosis by Targeting the Open Reading Frame (ORF) Region of FAF1 in Cancer Cells

Background microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate cognate mRNAs at the post-transcriptional stage. Several studies have shown that miRNAs modulate gene expression in mammalian cells by base pairing to complementary sites in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the target mRNAs. Methodology/Principal Findings In the present study, miR-24 was found to target fas associated factor 1(FAF1) by binding to its amino acid coding sequence (CDS) region, thereby regulating apoptosis in DU-145 cells. This result supports an augmented model whereby animal miRNAs can exercise their effects through binding to the CDS region of the target mRNA. Transfection of miR-24 antisense oligonucleotide (miR-24-ASO) also induced apoptosis in HGC-27, MGC-803 and HeLa cells. Conclusions/Significance We found that miR-24 regulates apoptosis by targeting FAF1 in cancer cells. These findings suggest that miR-24 could be an effective drug target for treatment of hormone-insensitive prostate cancer or other types of cancers. Future work may further develop miR-24 for therapeutic applications in cancer biology.
A Personal Theory of Teaching Computing Through Final Year Projects

Stated learning objectives for final year projects tend to be fairly generic. As a result, individual students' experience of project work will depend heavily on the attitudes and beliefs of their supervisor. This paper questions the purpose of projects in the computing curriculum and proposes a personal theory of teaching through projects. In deciding whether such a personal theory should emphasize disciplinary specific content or an experiential approach to learning we consider teaching and learning as a process of enculturation. The personal theory of teaching proposed envisages projects as an opportunity for students to engage in realistic activity which allows them to learn something of the nature of the discipline. The student may be thought of as being on a journey, while the supervisor takes the role of a guide pointing out alternatives along the route but allowing students ultimately to find their own way.
How Much Energy Are We Using? Potential of Residential Energy Demand Feedback Devices

Past studies of providing instantaneous feedback on household electrical demand show promise to reduce energy consumption by 10-15%. This paper surveys past research and describes a pilot evaluation of two low cost monitoring systems in case study homes. We also develop an evaluation protocol to use such devices to determine the relative energy intensity of various energy end uses. An identified advantage of the technology is that it provides better guidance on profitable areas to reduce household electrical demand—many of which are often unexpected. Moreover, our case studies showed that use of targeted power strips and occupancybased controls can significantly reduce electricity use associated with household entertainment centers, home office equipment and rechargeable devices.
Analysis of two D 1-like dopamine receptors from the honey bee Apis mellifera reveals agonist-independent activity first

Dopamine is found in many invertebrate organisms, including insects, however, the mechanisms through which this amine operates remain unclear. We have expressed two dopamine receptors cloned from honey bee (AmDOP1 and AmDOP2) in insect cells (Spodoptera frugiperda), and compared their pharmacology directly using production of cAMP as a functional assay. In each assay, AmDOP1 receptors required lower concentrations of dopamine and 6,7-ADTN for maximal activation than AmDOP2 receptors. Conversely, butaclamol and cis(Z)-flupentixo were more potent at blocking the cAMP response mediated through AmDOP2 than AmDOP1 receptors. Expression of AmDOP1, but not AmDOP2, receptors significantl increased levels of cAMP even in the absence of ligand. This constitutive activity was blocked by cis(Z)-flupentixol This work provides the firs evidence of a constitutively activated dopamine receptor in invertebrates and suggests that although AmDOP1 and AmDOP2 share much less homology than their vertebrate counterparts, they display a number of functional parallels with the mammalian D1-like dopamine receptors.  2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Theme: Neurotransmitters, modulators, transporters, and receptors Topic: Catecholamine receptors
Liquid Medication Errors and Dosing Tools: A Randomized Controlled Experiment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Poorly designed labels and packaging are key contributors to medication errors. To identify attributes of labels and dosing tools that could be improved, we examined the extent to which dosing error rates are affected by tool characteristics (ie, type, marking complexity) and discordance between units of measurement on labels and dosing tools; along with differences by health literacy and language. METHODS: Randomized controlled experiment in 3 urban pediatric clinics. English- or Spanish-speaking parents (n = 2110) of children ≤8 years old were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 study arms and given labels and dosing tools that varied in unit pairings. Each parent measured 9 doses of medication (3 amounts [2.5, 5, and 7.5 mL] and 3 tools [1 cup, 2 syringes (0.2- and 0.5-mL increments)]), in random order. Outcome assessed was dosing error (>20% deviation; large error defined as > 2 times the dose). RESULTS: A total of 84.4% of parents made ≥1 dosing error (21.0% ≥1 large error). More errors were seen with cups than syringes (adjusted odds ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 4.2–5.1) across health literacy and language groups (P < .001 for interactions), especially for smaller doses. No differences in error rates were seen between the 2 syringe types. Use of a teaspoon-only label (with a milliliter and teaspoon tool) was associated with more errors than when milliliter-only labels and tools were used (adjusted odds ratio = 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.4). CONCLUSIONS: Recommending oral syringes over cups, particularly for smaller doses, should be part of a comprehensive pediatric labeling and dosing strategy to reduce medication errors.
Real-World Treatment Patterns among Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer in South Korea

Purpose The purpose of this study was to understand patient treatment patterns, outcomes, and healthcare resource use in cases of metastatic and/or locally recurrent, unresectable gastric cancer (MGC) in South Korea. Materials and Methods Thirty physicians reviewed charts of eligible patients to collect de-identified data. Patients must have received platinum/fluoropyrimidine first-line therapy followed by second-line therapy or best supportive care, had no other primary cancer, and not participated in a clinical trial following MGC diagnosis. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe survival. Results Of 198 patients, 73.7% were male, 78.3% were diagnosed with MGC after age 55 (mean, 61.3 years), and 47.0% were current or former smokers. The majority of tumorswere located in the antrum/pylorus (51.5%). Metastatic sites most often occurred in the peritoneum (53.5%), lymph nodes (47.5%), and liver (38.9%). At diagnosis, the mean Charlson comorbidity indexwas 0.4 (standard deviation, 0.6). The most common comorbidities were chronic gastritis (22.7%) and cardiovascular disease (18.7%). Most patients (80.3%) received second-line treatment. Single-agent fluoropyrimidine was reported for 22.0% of patients, while 19.5% were treated with irinotecan and a fluoropyrimidine or platinum agent. The most common physician-reported symptoms during second-line treatment were nausea/vomiting (44.7%) and pain (11.3%), with antiemetics (44.7%), analgesics (36.5%), and nutritional support (11.3%) most often used as supportive care. Two-thirds of inpatient hospitalizations were for chemotherapy infusion. Outpatient hospitalization (31.6%) and visits to the oncologist (58.8%) were common among second-line patients. Conclusion Most patients received second-line treatment, although regimens varied. Understanding MGC patient characteristics and treatment patterns in South Korea will help address unmet needs.
Adrenocortical tumors: an integrated clinical, pathologic, and molecular approach at the University of Michigan.

CONTEXT The University of Michigan Health System has a rich tradition in the study and treatment of endocrine neoplasia. Recently, an integrated clinical and research program focused on primary cancer of the adrenal gland has been developed. OBJECTIVE To discuss the foundation of the University of Michigan Adrenal Cancer Program that consists of 3 components: (1) advancement of excellent clinical care, (2) dissemination of resources and knowledge, and (3) scientific discovery. DATA SOURCES Recent programmatic activity includes genome-wide transcriptomic evaluation of human adrenocortical tumors for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation; interrogation of the Wnt signaling pathway in adrenocortical carcinoma, using mouse models and transcriptome profiling; and clinical trials with targeted therapy focused on inhibition of insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This review article presents an overview of this program and its recent activity.
Analysis Of Community Participating Factors In Development Planning Applying The Participatory Rural Appraisal Method

To achieve development success in the Medan Tuntungan District, it is important to give space for community involvement. Participation of the community is the most crucial aspect in determining the success of development. The Medan Tuntungan District consists of nine villages and is one of the city's districts. In the Medan Tuntungan District of Medan City, the compilation of development planning documents is conducted utilizing a participatory method, whereby the local government prepares development program plans that the community deems essential for enhancing their well-being. Through the activities of the Development Planning Meeting, the participatory method is implemented by incorporating all parts of society and stakeholders in development planning. The purpose of this research are: (1) To assess and determine the amount of community engagement in development planning in the Medan Tuntungan District, Medan City, in terms of non-participation, tokenism, and citizen power characteristics. (2) to examine the elements that encourage and discourage community engagement in development planning in the Medan Tuntungan District of Medan City. This study employs a quantitative model using the participatory rural appraisal method and factor analysis inside the SPSS software. (1) Community participation in development planning is influenced by indicators of consultation, delegated power, and citizen control; (2) in the process of participation, the community has supporting factors such as opportunity, ability, and ability, while inhibiting factors include individual characteristics and demographic conditions.
Oxytocin and vasopressin: linking pituitary neuropeptides and their receptors to social neurocircuits

Oxytocin and vasopressin are pituitary neuropeptides that have been shown to affect social processes in mammals. There is growing interest in these molecules and their receptors as potential precipitants of, and/or treatments for, social deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. Numerous behavioral-genetic studies suggest that there is an association between these peptides and individual social abilities; however, an explanatory model that links hormonal activity at the receptor level to complex human behavior remains elusive. The following review summarizes the known associations between the oxytocin and vasopressin neuropeptide systems and social neurocircuits in the brain. Following a micro- to macro- level trajectory, current literature on the synthesis and secretion of these peptides, and the structure, function and distribution of their respective receptors is first surveyed. Next, current models regarding the mechanism of action of these peptides on microcircuitry and other neurotransmitter systems are discussed. Functional neuroimaging evidence on the acute effects of exogenous administration of these peptides on brain activity is then reviewed. Overall, a model in which the local neuromodulatory effects of pituitary neuropeptides on brainstem and basal forebrain regions strengthen signaling within social neurocircuits proves appealing. However, these findings are derived from animal models; more research is needed to clarify the relevance of these mechanisms to human behavior and treatment of social deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders.