Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary approach and Spline Interpolation for contrast enhancement

In this paper, image contrast enhancement techniques are explored and two novel approaches are proposed. The first approach uses a Super Resolution based Convolution kernel in Lab colour space which is optimized using Genetic Algorithms, for the evolutionary generation of the kernel values. The employed fitness function tends to provide a balance between contrast and naturalness of images. The second approach is called Spline Interpolation which works by fitting a continuous three dimensional curve through (0,0,0), the current pixel's RGB value and (255,255,255). These methods are compared with standard techniques on a database of bio-medical images and general images. The results indicate that the proposed methods overcome the drawbacks of existing methods.
Local community knowledge and participation for animal diversity conservation in SSWP IV Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia

Key to animal biodiversity conservation are the local communities that live in and around these sites as their livelihoods depend on the natural resources these sites provide. SSWP (Sub Satuan Wilayah Pembangunan) IV Sidoarjo covers Krian, Balongbendo, Tarik, Prambon, and Wonoayu subdistrict with the main function as technical agricultural, industrial zones supported by the low density of settlement activity. Development in this region which tend not balanced between technical agricultural and industrial activities, it is necessary to study in depth so that rapid industrial development can still pay attention to the environment because there is a trend change in agricultural land use and settlements for industrial activities. Take a look at the projections of potential future threats and potential huge biodiversity in SSWP IV is necessary to do a program with a strategic approach to community support efforts to efficiently manage potential biodiversity. As well as the development and diversification of fo.
D2-Like Dopamine Autoreceptor Activation Reduces Quantal Size in PC12 Cells

D2-like dopamine autoreceptors regulate dopamine release and are implicated in important actions of antipsychotic drugs and rewarding behaviors. To directly observe the effects of D2 autoreceptors on exocytic neurotransmitter release, we measured quantal release of dopamine from pheochromocytoma PC12 cells that express D2 and D4 autoreceptors. High potassium-evoked secretion in PC12 cells produced a unimodal population of quantal sizes. We found that exposures to the D2-like agonist quinpirole that inhibited tyrosine hydroxylase activity by ∼50% also reduced quantal size by ∼50%. The reduced quantal size was blocked by the D2 antagonist sulpiride and reversed byl-DOPA. Quinpirole also decreased the frequency of stimulation-evoked quantal release. Together, these findings indicate effects on quantal neurotransmission by D2-like dopamine autoreceptors previously distinguished as synthesis-modulating autoreceptors that regulate tyrosine hydroxylase activity versus impulse-regulating autoreceptors that modulate membrane potential. The results also provide an initial demonstration of a receptor-mediated mechanism that alters quantal size.
Al-1/d: a distributed programming system with multi-model reflection framework

We have proposed the Multi-Model Re ection Framework [3] where an object is described by multiple models each of which abstracts the object behavior in the di erent level, i.e., from the operating system level to a high-level programming language level. In one model, some objects called meta-level objects are constituted to describe the behavior of an object called a base-level object. An object is causally connected with its multiple meta-level objects, so that the object may have the ability to modify its behavior by the modi cation of those meta-level objects. In this paper, the application of Multi-Model Re ection Framework to a distributed system is reported. In a traditional distributed system, the operating system (or the runtime library) supports for the network transparency. By the network transparency, we mean that the user do not need to take the nature of the distributed environment into account. In the distributed system, the system needs to automatically change the con guration to balance the CPU's and communication load and make the system reliable. If the functionality of the dynamic con guration is effectively operated, users are satis ed with the system. However, most cases fail because it is di cult for the operating system to recognize the application's behavior without any hints. Rather, some users know the application's behavior. They are willing to change the con guration of the distributed environment in order to run their applications e ciently. The requirement of the network trans-
Prediction gait during ascending stair by using artificial neural networks

Walking up or down stairs is an important activity for human lives. Gait pattern of this activity is as same as walking except the range of motion and phase of muscles activities. Many studies have been focused on behavior of this motion. Two cameras and electromyogram (EMG) are the applications used in this study and analysis the motion. To determine the relationship of the both data, it can be performed in many techniques but in this study used artificial neural network model. Nonlinear Autoregressive model with exogenous (NARX) input was applied to this study to define the relationship between the electromyogram of eight muscles and angular displacement of knee and ankle joints of both legs. The results show that the predicted data from NARX were similar to the measured data.
DIABETIC STUDIES The Review of Prevalence of Undiagnosed Diabetes and Quality of Care in Diabetic Patients Followed at Primary and Tertiary Clinics in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates

1 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 3 Department of Family Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 4 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. 5 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Address correspondence to: Hussein Saadi, e-mail: saadih@uaeu.ac. ae
Evaluation of Assembly Strategies Using RNA-Seq Data Associated with Grain Development of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops cultivated worldwide. Identifying the complete transcriptome of wheat grain could serve as foundation for further study of wheat seed development. However, the relatively large size and the polyploid complexity of the genome have been substantial barriers to molecular genetics and transcriptome analysis of wheat. Alternatively, RNA sequencing has provided some useful information about wheat genes. However, because of the large number of short reads generated by RNA sequencing, factors that are crucial to transcriptome assembly, including software, candidate parameters and assembly strategies, need to be optimized and evaluated for wheat data. In the present study, four cDNA libraries associated with wheat grain development were constructed and sequenced. A total of 14.17 Gb of high-quality reads were obtained and used to assess different assembly strategies. The most successful approach was to filter the reads with Q30 prior to de novo assembly using Trinity, merge the assembled contigs with genes available in wheat cDNA reference data sets, and combine the resulting assembly with an assembly from a reference-based strategy. Using this approach, a relatively accurate and nearly complete transcriptome associated with wheat grain development was obtained, suggesting that this is an effective strategy for generation of a high-quality transcriptome from RNA sequencing data.
Performance Evaluation of Various Feature Extraction Techniques with Special Reference to Hand Gesture Recognition

Extraction of significant and dominant features from possibly large set of database is a crucial task. The Performance of feature extraction technique depends on the dimensions of generated features and reconstruction. In this paper we provide a comparative study of different feature extraction techniques like Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Principle Component Analysis (PCA), Local Binary Pattern (LBP), DCT+Gabor, DWT+ Gabor etc. and each technique is compared with each other based on Sebastian Marcel static hand postures database[24] consisting of six postures. We have used Neural Network to compare the performances of feature extraction techniques based on Recognition Accuracy (RA), False Acceptance Rate (FAR), False Recognition Rate (FRR) and also dimensions. We found that fusion of LBP and Gabor, DWT and Gabor provides good results.
Oral health in liver transplant children administered cyclosporin A or tacrolimus.

BACKGROUND Immunosuppression by cyclosporin A (CsA) is associated with adverse side-effects, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and gingival overgrowth. Tacrolimus (TAC/FK506) is a new immunosuppressive agent, recently approved for use in solid-organ transplants. The mode of action of TAC is similar to that of CsA and the toxicity profile of CsA is duplicated by TAC. The effect of TAC on the gingival tissue is not yet conclusive. SAMPLE Gingival overgrowth was assessed in 30 liver transplant children, 20 boys and 10 girls, aged 2-19 years. Seventeen children (10 boys, seven girls) were on a CsA-based immunosuppressive regimen whereas 13 children (10 boys, three girls) were on TAC for at least 1 year (mean 4.3 +/- 2.7). RESULTS In the CsA group, 35% of children exhibited gingival overgrowth characterized by one or more units with increased sulcus probing depth (> or = 4 mm), i.e. pseudopockets. In contrast to the CsA group, none of the children in the TAC group exhibited gingival overgrowth. The occurrence of enamel hypoplasia was observed in 11 children (36%) and enamel opacities were found in 23 children (76%). Six of the 12 children (50%) with hyperbilirubinaemia biliary atresia exhibited a marked greenish discoloration of the teeth. Caries experience (dmft/DMFT) among these children was 2.0 +/- 2.8. CONCLUSION No difference in caries experience or enamel defect was observed between the CsA and TAC group.
A new analysis method for thick planar EBG

Planar EBGs can be described as planar periodic metallic arrays with a resonant behaviour and therefore in order to fully analyze them it is not advisable to consider the layers infinitely thin, especially at higher frequencies. This paper focuses on a new method to analyze planar EBG made up of thick screens. We integrate our previous work with a waveguide approach, which describes the behaviour inside the openings in the thick metallic slab.
Design and implementation of a fully automated planner-scheduler constraint satisfaction problem

The idea of constraint programming is to solve problems by stating constraints (conditions, properties) which must be satisfied by the solution. This paper introduces a fully automated scenario for complex scheduling problems. There are two constraint satisfaction problems: the planner (determines which orders should be accepted) and the scheduler (determines the timetable for the products). The third main component of the architecture is an OPC UA server which uses the solutions of the scheduler in order to control the devices of the machine tools, on which the parts are manufactured. An important step has been the reduction of the solving time corresponding to the second CSP (the scheduler). Two important actions have been taken. First the model has been split into four distinct CSPs, one for each manufacturing stage. Thus locally optimum solutions are combined into a global solution which is comparable to the global optimum solution. Secondly, we have tested various search strategies and we have managed to reduce the solving time to less than half of the initial time.
Syndecans as Modulators and Potential Pharmacological Targets in Cancer Progression

Extracellular matrix (ECM) components form a dynamic network of key importance for cell function and properties. Key macromolecules in this interplay are syndecans (SDCs), a family of transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Specifically, heparan sulfate (HS) chains with their different sulfation pattern have the ability to interact with growth factors and their receptors in tumor microenvironment, promoting the activation of different signaling cascades that regulate tumor cell behavior. The affinity of HS chains with ligands is altered during malignant conditions because of the modification of chain sequence/sulfation pattern. Furthermore, matrix degradation enzymes derived from the tumor itself or the tumor microenvironment, like heparanase and matrix metalloproteinases, ADAM as well as ADAMTS are involved in the cleavage of SDCs ectodomain at the HS and protein core level, respectively. Such released soluble SDCs “shed SDCs” in the ECM interact in an autocrine or paracrine manner with the tumor or/and stromal cells. Shed SDCs, upon binding to several matrix effectors, such as growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines, have the ability to act as competitive inhibitors for membrane proteoglycans, and modulate the inflammatory microenvironment of cancer cells. It is notable that SDCs and their soluble counterparts may affect either the behavior of cancer cells and/or their microenvironment during cancer progression. The importance of these molecules has been highlighted since HSPGs have been proposed as prognostic markers of solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies. Going a step further down the line, the multi-actions of SDCs in many levels make them appealing as potential pharmacological targets, either by targeting directly the tumor or indirectly the adjacent stroma.
Span of apprehension in acute schizophrenics: full-report technique.

Thirty hospitalized, acute, male, psychiatric patients (15 schizophrenics and 15 nonschizophrenics) were administered a full-report span of apprehension task. Contrary to previous studies which had employed a partial-report task, no differences were found between these two groups. From the two sets of findings, an explanation of schizophrenic deficit in terms of iconic (unprocessed) memory decay or general slowness in information processing seems untenable. On the other hand, differences in processing strategies, difficulty in disengaging from irrelevant stimulus elements, and difficulty in applying less familiar instructions remain as alternative explanations. The notion that partialversus full-report performance differences should be attributed only to differences in short-term memory loss is rejected.
A Case of Relapsing Polychondritis Successfully Treated with Combination of a Glucocorticoid and Cyclosporine

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare cartilaginous inflammatory disease affecting the external ear, nose, peripheral joints and tracheobronchial tree. It is characterized by recurrent inflammation and degeneration of cartilage and connective tissue. A 72-year-old man complained of dyspnea, cough and wheezing for 2 months. Diffuse wall thickening and narrowing from the trachea to segmental bronchus were seen on chest CT. Tracheostomy was performed in order to avoid as-phyxia, and he was diagnosed as relapsing polychondritis on the basis of pathology evaluation of a tracheal biopsy specimen. He was treated with high doses of a glucocorticoid, with which his symptoms improved. However, the cough and wheezing recurred after tapering of the glucocorticoid. His symptoms thereafter were improved by combination of the glucocorticoid with cyclosporine. The immunosuppressive agent provided effective treatment for glucocorticoid-resistant relapsing polychondritis.
Human Bex2 interacts with LMO2 and regulates the transcriptional activity of a novel DNA-binding complex

Human Bex2 (brain expressed X-linked, hBex2) is highly expressed in the embryonic brain, but its function remains unknown. We have identified that LMO2, a LIM-domain containing transcriptional factor, specifically interacts with hBex2 but not with mouse Bex1 and Bex2. The interaction was confirmed both by pull-down with GST-hBex2 and by coimmunoprecipitation assays in vivo. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we have demonstrated the physical interaction of hBex2 and LMO2 as part of a DNA-binding protein complex. We have also shown that hBex2 can enhance the transcriptional activity of LMO2 in vivo. Furthermore, using mammalian two-hybrid analysis, we have identified a neuronal bHLH protein, NSCL2, as a novel binding partner for LMO2. We then showed that LMO2 could up-regulate NSCL2-dependent transcriptional activity, and hBex2 augmented this effect. Thus, hBex2 may act as a specific regulator during embryonic development by modulating the transcriptional activity of a novel E-box sequence-binding complex that contains hBex2, LMO2, NSCL2 and LDB1.
Paracetamol: a review with specific focus on the haemodynamic effects of intravenous administration

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide with non-prescription sales exceeding 25 thousand million doses per year in the United States of America. The haemodynamic effects of the intravenous paracetamol formulations are largely understudied. There is an emerging body of evidence suggesting that intravenous paracetamol may cause iatrogenic hypotension. Little is known as to the mechanisms of this phenomenon or if intravenous paracetamol indeed does cause hypotension. As paracetamol has negligible solubility in aqueous solutions, many of the commercially available intravenous formulations contain mannitol (up to 3.91 g/100 mL paracetamol) as a stabilising ingredient. It is unknown if mannitol is a contributing factor in the observed hypotension. In this review, we outline the development of paracetamol’s current intravenous formulations, describe the composition of these formulations, and overview the literature pertaining to the proposed phenomenon of paracetamol-induced altered hypotension. Understanding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodymanic properties of intravenous paracetamol may have important clinical implications for vulnerable patients in subgroups where haemodynamic stability is at risk such as those undergoing elective and emergency surgery.
Reherniation and Failure After Lumbar Discectomy: A Comparison of Fragment Excision Alone Versus Subtotal Discectomy

Study Design Retrospective review of 259 lumbar discectomies. Objective To compare rates of reoperation after subtotal discectomy versus established rates after fragment excision. Summary of Background Data Herniated nucleus pulposes (HNP) and annular morphology influence rates of reherniation after discectomy. Certain patterns are linked to reherniation rates exceeding 20%. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 259 single-level lumbar discectomies performed between 1980 and 2005. Mean follow-up was 60.9 months. In each case, annulotomy and subtotal discectomy was performed in addition to excision of disc fragments. HNP morphology was classified according to the 4-part system of Carragee (type 1: fragment/fissure; type 2: fragment/defect; type 3: fragment/contained; type 4: no fragment/contained). Fisher exact test was used to compare our proportion of patients with reherniation and/or reoperation to Caragee's series in which only fragment excision was performed. Results Of 259 cases, 12 (4.5%) reoperations were performed. A significant difference in failure/reoperation rate was noted in type 2 herniations. There was a significantly lower rate of failure and reoperation for type 2 HNP after subtotal discectomy (3.4%) when compared with fragment excision alone (21.2%), P<0.003. Conclusions Subtotal discectomy is an acceptable technique that decreases reherniation after lumbar discectomy.
AN OPEN SOURCE MECHANISTIC MODEL FOR CO2 / H2S CORROSION OF CARBON STEEL

A mechanistic model is developed to predict the corrosion rate caused by CO2, H2S, organic acids and/or O2. The aim of this model was to provide the corrosion community with a theoretically sound, simple and effective corrosion model for internal corrosion of mild steel lines. This model is available in the open literature and can be easily accessed on the internet. All the background information, including theories behind, data used for calibration, limitations, etc. is shared with users. In addition, the source code of the model, which has been written in object-oriented fashion, is open to the public to encourage utilization of any individual modules and development of add-on modules by third parties. The main features of this model include: prediction of uniform corrosion rate by CO2, H2S, organic acids and/or O2, simulation of iron carbonate film and iron sulfide film growth, identification of major corrosive species by quantifying respective contributions from various species, capability of distinguishing CO2/ H2S dominant corrosion processes, display and manipulation of polarization curves for CO2 dominant processes, or display of H2S concentration profile as a function of distance from steel surface for H2S dominant processes, capability of modifying the corrosion calculation process by adding user-defined reactions or excluding any undesired reactions.
[PTEN loss correlates withthe clinical efficacy of lapatinib in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer with trastuzumab-resistance].

OBJECTIVE To discuss the indexes related to the efficacy of lapatinib after failure in trastuzumab in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) such as the status of PTEN, p-4EBP1 and clinical features. METHODS Sixtymatched patients were included. Immunohistochemical (IHC) test of tissue specimens of metastatic lesions were applied to determine the status of PTEN and p-4EBP1. The correlation betweenclinical efficacy andthestatus of PTEN, p-4EBP1 and clinical features were analysed by long-rank test and Cox regression. RESULTS In all patients, themedian progression free survival (PFS), ORR and CBR was 4.6 months, 36.7% and 50.0% respectively.Univariate analysis revealed that lapatinib-treated patients with PTEN loss (P = 0.015) and liver metastasis (P = 0.02) had significantly shorter median PFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with PTEN lossandliver metastasis had higher risk of diseaseprogression (P = 0.005, 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION HER2-positive MBC with trastuzumab-resistance could benefit from lapatinib regimen. PTEN statusand liver metastasis couldpredict theclinical efficacyof subsequent lapatinib therapy. The detection ofrelated biomarkers could provide some referenceto optimize the personal treatment with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Trend Of daily rainfall and temperature in Peninsular Malaysia based on gridded data set

A gridded data set with the size of 0.05 degree resolution (approximately 5.5km) which representing ground observations of daily rainfall and temperature of Peninsular Malaysia has been created over 1975-2006. The integration and processing of the variety of data sources and data assessment is also presented. The 32-year period of the daily gridded rainfall and temperature data set were assessed to see how the daily mean rainfall and temperature have changed over time and space. Northeast monsoon (NEM) contributes more rainfall over the country compare to southwest monsoon (SWM). The rainfall trend during NEM is found significantly increased at the 95% confidence level (7mm/season/year), meanwhile SWM rainfall does not pose any significant trends. Both NEM and SWM temperature trends show significant increasing trends at 95% confidence level at 0.32oC/decade and 0.31oC/decade, respectively over the 32-year period. A drastic increased of mean temperature (1.20oC) was found in Klang Valley over the 20-year period. The mean decadal temperature was found consistently decrease as it approached the northern, east coast and southern part of the country.