Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro antioxidant activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss and Sinapis arvensis

Recently, interest in plant-derived food additives has grown mainly because synthetic antioxidants suffer from several drawbacks. Some plants are traditionally used for both food and medicine in Iran. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss leaves and stems and Sinapis arvensis L leaves, stems and flowers were prepared and evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF) and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by five different methods: free radical scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), inhibition of lipid peroxidation and reducing power. It was found that the leaves of S. cordifolium had the highest antioxidant activities (TPC: 51.31 ± 1.06 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, DPPH: 78.25 ± 0.69 % inhibition, FRAP: 381.17 ± 7.35 μmol Fe2+/g dry weight, TEAC: 96.27 ± 0.20 μmol trolox equivalents/g dry weight and TF: 19.00 ± 0.30 mg catechin equivalents/g dry weight) and thus could be rich sources of natural antioxidants. These results suggest that leaves of S. cordifolium may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical application. Further research is needed to isolate, characterize, and identify the bioactive compounds present in these plants.
An injection-locked frequency doubler with improved odd-order spur suppression

This paper presents a novel injection-locked frequency doubler (ILFD) with good odd-order harmonic rejection ratio (HRR). By utilizing a pair of complementary input signals, the odd-order harmonics are cancelled out effectively after current summation, leaving the even-order harmonic components unaffected. This technique is easy to implement, effective, frequency-independent, and suitable for wide-band operation. Theoretically all the odd-order HRRs could be improved simultaneously. As a concept design, a 7 GHz ILFD is implemented in 180nm CMOS process. From post-layout simulation, odd-order HRRs achieved improvements of more than 30 dB.
Transfer Metric Learning with Semi-Supervised Extension

Distance metric learning plays a very crucial role in many data mining algorithms because the performance of an algorithm relies heavily on choosing a good metric. However, the labeled data available in many applications is scarce, and hence the metrics learned are often unsatisfactory. In this article, we consider a transfer-learning setting in which some related source tasks with labeled data are available to help the learning of the target task. We first propose a convex formulation for multitask metric learning by modeling the task relationships in the form of a task covariance matrix. Then we regard transfer learning as a special case of multitask learning and adapt the formulation of multitask metric learning to the transfer-learning setting for our method, called transfer metric learning (TML). In TML, we learn the metric and the task covariances between the source tasks and the target task under a unified convex formulation. To solve the convex optimization problem, we use an alternating method in which each subproblem has an efficient solution. Moreover, in many applications, some unlabeled data is also available in the target task, and so we propose a semi-supervised extension of TML called STML to further improve the generalization performance by exploiting the unlabeled data based on the manifold assumption. Experimental results on some commonly used transfer-learning applications demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Fundamental-Mode Operation of GaInAsP/InP Membrane DFB Lasers Bonded on SOI Substrate and its Waveguide Integration

A room-temperature continuous-wave operation under optical pumping was demonstrated with GalnAsP/InP membrane DFB lasers prepared on an SOI substrate integrated with a rib-waveguide structure. A threshold pump power of 11.3 mW and a sub-mode suppression ratio of 29 dB were obtained with a cavity length of 140 mum and a stripe width of 1.5 mum. Light output was obtained through the SOI waveguide of 500 mum-length.
Management of the ‘tight orbit’ and associated visual loss

Purpose of reviewTo review the most recent literature on the management of the orbit under high pressure (the tight orbit) with threatened visual loss. Recent findingsDefinitive management of traumatic optic neuropathy remains unclear, lacking randomized head-to-head treatment option trials. Instead, numerous case series and anecdotal reports show benefit in each of the four treatment modalities currently in use, but a multitude of variables confound cross-study comparison. In contrast, the management of orbital hemorrhage and orbital emphysema is well known. A number of immunomodulatory protocols have recently arisen for the medical suppression of Graves’ ophthalmopathy, but when surgical decompression is required, most authors currently favor a combined transconjunctival and endoscopic endonasal approach. SummaryThis article reviews the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and intervention of the ‘tight orbit’ with associated visual loss. Guidelines for the intervention are given.
Application Collusion Attack on the Permission-Based Security Model and its Implications for Modern Smartphone Systems

We show that the way in which permission-based mechanisms are used on today's mobile platforms enables attacks by colluding applications that communicate over overt and covert communication channels. These attacks allow applications to indirectly execute operations that those applications, based on their declared permissions, should not be able to execute. Example operations include disclosure of users private data (e.g., phone book and calendar entries) to remote parties by applications that do not have direct access to such data or cannot directly establish remote connections. We further show that on todayâ€™s mobile platforms users are not made aware of possible implications of application collusion--quite the contrary--users are implicitly lead to believe that by approving the installation of each application independently, based on its declared permissions, they can limit the damage that an application can cause. In this work, we show that this is not correct and that application permissions should be displayed to the users differently (e.g., in their aggregated form), reflecting their actual implications. We demonstrate the practicality of application collusion attacks by implementing several applications and example covert channels on an Android platform and an example channel on a Windows Phone 7 platform. We study free applications from the Android market and show that the potential for application collusion is significant. Finally, we discuss countermeasures that can be used to mitigate these attacks.
Reducing Expenses of Sensor-Cloud Services for Dynamic Skyline Monitoring

In the concept of Sensor-Cloud, many sensor networks are unified and provide Sensing as a Service to users. The users can utilize provisioning virtual sensors to perform desired tasks. The expense (cost) is based on the amount and types of data requests. In this paper, unlike other existing works, we propose a cost-minimizing framework for dynamic skyline monitoring. Our approach avoids paying the cost of all attributes by iteratively requesting the most cost-effective attributes that can identify whether a tuple is in dynamic skyline. We conduct some experiments on various real datasets. The results confirm the effectiveness compared with the baseline and the random strategy.
A SPITZER UNBIASED ULTRADEEP SPECTROSCOPIC SURVEY

We carried out an unbiased, spectroscopic survey using the low-resolution module of the infrared spectrograph (IRS) onboard Spitzer targeting two 2.6 square arcminute regions in the GOODS-North field. The IRS was used in a spectral mapping mode with 5 hr of effective integration time per pixel. One region was covered between 14 and 21 μm and the other between 20 and 35 μm. We extracted spectra for 45 sources. About 84% of the sources have reported detections by GOODS at 24 μm, with a median fν(24 μm) ∼ 100 μJy. All but one source are detected in all four IRAC bands, 3.6 to 8 μm. We use a new cross-correlation technique to measure redshifts and estimate IRS spectral types; this was successful for ∼60% of the spectra. Fourteen sources show significant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission, four mostly SiO absorption, eight present mixed spectral signatures (low PAH and/or SiO) and two show a single line in emission. For the remaining 17, no spectral features were detected. Redshifts range from z ∼ 0.2 to z ∼ 2.2, with a median of 1. IR luminosities are roughly estimated from 24 μm flux densities, and have median values of 2.2 × 1011L☉ and 7.5 × 1011L☉ at z ∼ 1 and z ∼ 2, respectively. This sample has fewer active galactic nuclei than previous faint samples observed with the IRS, which we attribute to the fainter luminosities reached here.
Difficulties Encountered by Bilingual Arab Learners in Translating Arabic ‘fa’ into English

This study investigates the problems that translators and Arab learners of English encounter in translating Arabic sentences containing the Arabic discourse marker ‘fa’ into English. Several types of texts were surveyed in order to identify the salient functions that this marker has in Arabic discourse. Five major functions were identified: Explanatory, Consequential, Causal, Sequential and Adversative. A translation task was designed to find out how this marker translates into English. The subjects were 50 English-major Arab students studying at the University of Sharjah. The difficulties that Arab learners encounter in translating Arabic ‘fa’ into English were identified and rank ordered in terms of difficulty.
The Möbius function of the permutation pattern Poset

A permutation \tau contains another permutation \sigma as a pattern if \tau has a subsequence whose elements are in the same order with respect to size as the elements in \sigma. This defines a partial order on the set of all permutations, and gives a graded poset P. We give a large class of pairs of permutations whose intervals in P have Mobius function 0. Also, we give a solution to the problem when \sigma occurs precisely once in \tau, and \sigma and \tau satisfy certain further conditions, in which case the Mobius function is shown to be either -1, 0 or 1. We conjecture that for intervals [\sigma,\tau] consisting of permutations avoiding the pattern 132, the magnitude of the Mobius function is bounded by the number of occurrences of \sigma in \tau. We also conjecture that the Mobius function of the interval [1,\tau] is -1, 0 or 1.
The Bcl-2 protein: a prognostic indicator strongly related to p53 protein in lymph node-negative breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND The bcl-2 gene (also known as BCL2) encodes for a mitochondrial protein thought to prevent apoptosis of normal cells. The protein has been detected by immunohistochemical procedures in hormonally regulated epithelia. PURPOSE We analyzed the predictive relevance of Bcl-2 expression on 6-year relapse-free and overall survival in lymph node-negative breast cancers in relation to pathologic (tumor size) and biologic ([3H]thymidine-labeling index, p53 protein expression, and estrogen receptor [ER] status) features. METHODS The expression of Bcl-2 and p53 was detected by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections from 283 node-negative resectable breast cancers treated with local-regional therapy alone until relapse. The [3H]thymidine-labeling index was evaluated on histologic sections after incubation of fresh tumor tissue with [3H]thymidine, and ER content was determined by the dextran-coated charcoal absorption technique. RESULTS A significantly higher fraction of Bcl-2-positive cells was observed in small, ER-positive, slowly proliferating, and p53-negative tumors than in large, ER-negative, rapidly proliferating, and p53-positive tumors. A stronger association was observed between Bcl-2 and p53 expression than between these variables and [3H]thymidine-labeling index. In univariate analysis, Bcl-2 and p53 expression, [3H]thymidine-labeling index, tumor size, and ER status were indicators for relapse-free and, with the exception of tumor size, overall survival within 6 years of surgery. In multivariate analysis, Bcl-2 failed to maintain its prognostic role for relapse-free and overall survival in the presence of p53 expression, whereas the [3H]thymidine-labeling index was still statistically significant as a predictor for both events. CONCLUSION The predictive role of Bcl-2 expression on 6-year relapse-free and overall survival was mainly dependent on p53 expression.
Characterization of Laser-Doped Localized p-n Junctions for High Efficiency Silicon Solar Cells

To further increase the efficiency of industrial crystalline silicon solar cells, a point-contact solar cell concept with localized p-n junctions is considered a promising candidate if implemented by a low cost processing technique like laser doping. For efficient development and optimization of such a processing technique, we present a dedicated test structure to derive the fundamental diode characteristics specific to the localized p-n junction, namely the contact resistance to the metal and the recombination properties, i.e., the dark saturation current. Those properties are fitted to measured dark current-voltage curves by 3-D device simulations using Quokka. We show that in particular, the contact resistance can be accurately extracted and that the method is robust against uncertainties of other device properties of the test structure. Simulations of an idealized point-contact solar cell are performed to judge the usefulness of the extractable value range with respect to the efficiency potential. Furthermore, we apply the method to laser doping experiments. We successfully characterize the recombination and contact resistance and identify a ~24% efficiency potential of a nonoptimized two-step laser doping process. Other single step processes show a very high recombination (J0pn ≫ 1e-10 A/cm2) likely due to imperfections around the perimeter of the laser processed area.
Design of CPW-fed dual-folded slot patch antenna for 4.9 GHz public safety spectrum

In this paper, a new coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed dual folded slot antenna is designed for 4.9 GHz public safety spectrum. The dual folded slot antenna is designed on FR4 substrate has thickness 0.8 mm with dielectric constant 4.4. The simulated gain at this resonance frequency is 4 dBi and the total efficiency is 98% The proposed antenna size is only 11 × 15 mm2. The symmetrical and omnidirectional radiation patterns are obtained in elevation plane and azimuthal plane. These properties and the reduced size of antenna make the antenna effectively for 4.9 GHz applications.
Signaling Pathways in Cardiac Myocyte Apoptosis

Cardiovascular diseases, the number 1 cause of death worldwide, are frequently associated with apoptotic death of cardiac myocytes. Since cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a highly regulated process, pharmacological intervention of apoptosis pathways may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for a number of cardiovascular diseases and disorders including myocardial infarction, ischemia/reperfusion injury, chemotherapy cardiotoxicity, and end-stage heart failure. Despite rapid growth of our knowledge in apoptosis signaling pathways, a clinically applicable treatment targeting this cellular process is currently unavailable. To help identify potential innovative directions for future research, it is necessary to have a full understanding of the apoptotic pathways currently known to be functional in cardiac myocytes. Here, we summarize recent progress in the regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis by multiple signaling molecules and pathways, with a focus on the involvement of these pathways in the pathogenesis of heart disease. In addition, we provide an update regarding bench to bedside translation of this knowledge and discuss unanswered questions that need further investigation.
vQuery : A Platform for Connecting Configuration and Performance

Discovering the causes of performance problems in virtualized systems is often more difficult than without virtualization, because they can be caused by changes in infrastructure configuration rather than the user's application. vQuery is a system that collects, archives, and exposes configuration changes alongside fine-grained performance data, so the two can be correlated. It gathers configuration change data without modifying the systems it collects from and copes with platform-specific details within a general, graph-based model of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) infrastructures. Configuration data collected from two VMware® vSphere™ environments reveals that configuration changes are frequent and involved, opening interesting new directions for configuration-aware performance diagnosis techniques.
P-Body Formation Is a Consequence, Not the Cause, of RNA-Mediated Gene Silencing

ABSTRACT P bodies are cytoplasmic domains that contain proteins involved in diverse posttranscriptional processes, such as mRNA degradation, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), translational repression, and RNA-mediated gene silencing. The localization of these proteins and their targets in P bodies raises the question of whether their spatial concentration in discrete cytoplasmic domains is required for posttranscriptional gene regulation. We show that processes such as mRNA decay, NMD, and RNA-mediated gene silencing are functional in cells lacking detectable microscopic P bodies. Although P bodies are not required for silencing, blocking small interfering RNA or microRNA silencing pathways at any step prevents P-body formation, indicating that P bodies arise as a consequence of silencing. Consistently, we show that releasing mRNAs from polysomes is insufficient to trigger P-body assembly: polysome-free mRNAs must enter silencing and/or decapping pathways to nucleate P bodies. Thus, even though P-body components play crucial roles in mRNA silencing and decay, aggregation into P bodies is not required for function but is instead a consequence of their activity.
ProActive: an integrated platform for programming and running applications on Grids and P2P systems

Programming for the Grid raises new challenge for parallel and distributed programming. Mainly characterized by resource heterogeneousness, location dispersity, and high volatility (among others); the Grid requires the adoption of new programming paradigms that address these issues. Based on our research, in this article we propose an approach for Grid programming using the ProActive middleware. ProActive was originally created as an implementation of Active Object programming model [11], and has developed into a multifeatured middleware for programming and deploying distributed applications on the Grid. ProActive is still evolving; and currently represents the manifestation of our studies.
Influence of different anesthesia methods on the cognitive ability and myocardial damage in cardiac surgery

Objective: Cardiac surgery is associated with some degree of cognitive dysfunction and myocardial injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two anesthesia methods on cognitive ability and myocardial damage in cardiac surgery patients. Methods: 90 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were collected in the study and were randomly divided into sevoflurane (S) and propofol (P) group. MMSE was performed to measure the cognitive function of patients. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), and cardiac function index (CFI) were monitored and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), myoglobin, and creatinine kinase MB isoenzyme (CKMB) were determined using sandwich enzyme immunoassay method. Results: Compared to T0 time, the MMSE score was significantly decreased at T2 and T3 in both S and P groups, but no significant difference was found between the two groups. Moreover, there were no differences for any of the haemodynamic variables between the two groups, except CI at T4 time. And the concentration of cTnI, myoglobin, and CKMB increased significantly postoperatively with a peak at T2 time point in S and P groups. The level of cTnI and CKMB was lower in S group than in P group at T2. Conclusions: No significant difference was found on the influence of two anesthesia method on post-operative cognitive function. The implementation of seveflurane anesthesia in cardiac surgery may exhibit a more favorable cardioprotective function and promote patients recovery.
Target Size and Luminance in Apparent Brightness of the Peripheral Visual Field

Four target sizes between 15 and 120 min. of arc with six luminance levels covering the range between 398.1 and 1.26 cd/m2 in steps of . 5 log units were presented to 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80° nasal retinal loci. In both peripheral and foveal viewing, magnitude estimates to apparent brightness judged by 12 Ss changed as a function of target size and luminance. The exponent of the power function was not dependent on retinal loci but on target size. However, when target size increased, the apparent brightness was slightly greater with peripheral viewing than with foveal viewing.
Functional correction of episomal mutations withshort DNA fragments and RNA–DNA oligonucleotides

Gene correction is an alternative approach to replacement gene therapy. By correcting mutations within the genome, some of the barriers to effective gene therapy are avoided. Homologous nucleic acid sequences can correct mutations by inducing recombination or mismatch repair. Recently, encouraging data have been presented using both short DNAfragments (SDFs) and RNA–DNA oligonucleotides (RDOs) in experimental strategies to realize clinical gene correction.
Role of Platelet rich fibrin in wound healing: A critical review

Aim: The aim is to review and discuss the strategies available for use of platelet rich fibrin as healing aid in dentistry. Background: Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is a fibrin matrix in which platelet cytokines, growth factors, and cells are trapped and may be released after a certain time and that can serve as a resorbable membrane. Choukroun and his associates were amongst the pioneers for using PRF protocol in oral and maxillofacial surgery to improve bone healing in implant dentistry. Autologous PRF is considered to be a healing biomaterial, and presently, studies have shown its application in various disciplines of dentistry. Materials and Methods: By using specific keywords, electronic search of scientific papers was carried out on the entire PubMed database with custom range of 5 years. The electronic search yielded 302 papers; based on inclusion and exclusion criteria which were specifically predetermined, 72 papers were identified as suitable to the inclusion criteria and the remaining 230 papers were excluded. After adding three more selected papers through hand search, full text of all the articles retrieved and review was done. By pooling the extracted data from selected papers, the reviewed data was synthesized. Conclusion: Recently by showing good promising results with use of the PRF, it has proved to have a good prospect for its use as healing aid in various aspects of the dentistry.