Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of some channelling agents on the compaction properties of the mixed stem bark extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Prosopis africana

Background & Aim: The hot water extract of a mixture of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Prosopis africana is widely used in the northern part of Nigeria for the treatment and management of asthma. Since investigations of its pharmacological activities already justify its use, and the need for standardization of herbal medicine and develop appropriate dosage forms has continued to grow, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of some common channelling agents (sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate and sodium lauryl sulphate) on the compaction properties of the mixed stem bark extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Prosopis africana. Experimental: Granules of the mixed extracts (AA1) were produced using the wet granulation method of massing and screening. The micromeritics and flow properties of the extracts as well as the effects of the three common additives were studied, while the compaction properties of the extract formulated alone and in the presence of these additives were interrogated using the Heckel equation. Results: Our results showed that, all the formulations containing the channelling agents exhibited poor flow. Granules prepared using sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) exhibited plastic deformation during consolidation, those formulated using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) showed initial fragmentation before consolidation by plastic deformation and those formulated using sodium lauryl sulphate consolidated essentially by plastic deformation. Inclusion of additives modified the compressibility profiles of the formulations. Tensile strength of the formulations containing NaHCO3 and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) were observed to be concentration dependent while those containing CaCO3 showed no appreciable increase in tensile strength with increased pressure. Generally, formulations containing 5% of the additives gave the highest tensile strength, however, those containing CaCO3 were found to be higher than the other two formulations. Recommended applications/industries: Considering that, none of the channelling agents altered significantly the compaction properties of AA1, they might be useful in developing standardized and robust tablets of A. leiocarpus and P. africana admixtures for Asthma therapy. Type: Original Research Topic: Medicinal Plants Received February 19 2016 Accepted April 15 2016
Remote assistance using visual prompts for demented elderly in cooking

This paper presents a smart kitchen system for supporting demented elderly cooking in a kitchen. In this system, a remote supporter provides a user with verbal and visual prompts manually. As a prompting method for this system projection should be chosen as a priority because it enables direct pointing of targets in a real scene. Even if projection is used as a priority, this system should be designed to solve three practical problems: 1) there are many areas where sharp images cannot be projected in a kitchen, 2) kitchen is a too complex environment to display visual prompts using only a single method, 3) remote supporters do not know the kitchen environment well enough. In this paper we propose a novel system overcoming the above problems as follows, respectively.1) The system first tries indirect projection of circular markers as visual prompts around target objects.2) Proper method is automatically selected from using projector, embedded monitor and illumination devices based on environmental information.3) The system automatically acquires flat surfaces to project on and their reflectance properties as the environmental information. Based on an observation of two elderly suffering from dementia, we discuss the feasibility and concrete problems in displaying visual prompt and how to solve them technically.
Improved local binary pattern with pyramid model and its application in face recognition

The local binary pattern (LBP) is an effective facial descriptor which has been successful as it applies to face recognition. This paper presents an improved LBP with a pyramid model and in face recognition applications, in which a separate output label for each uniform pattern and all non-uniform patterns is reclassified instead of collecting them into a single bin. Firstly, each pixel in the low spatial pyramid is obtained by down sampling from its adjacent low-pass filtered high-resolution image. Secondly, for each pyramid, the face area is divided into small regions from which those pixels whose patterns is 'non-uniform' are further processed to extract their LBP pattern with a smaller radius, and replace the non-uniform pattern with the pattern in a small radius. In the final radius tier, those non-uniform patterns are incorporated into existing uniform patterns by minimising the Hamming distance between this pattern and the uniform patterns. Finally, all histograms are concentrated into a single, spatially enhanced feature vector to be used as a face descriptor, in which all patterns are uniform. The experiment on the ORL face dataset, as well as the Honda/UCSD video database shows that the proposed scheme is superior to other related methods.
Energy Efficient Cognitive Unicast Routing for Wireless Sensor Networks

Survivability is crucial in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) especially when they are used for monitoring and tracking applications with limited available resources. In this paper we are proposing the use of an energy Efficient Cognitive Unicast Routing (ECUR) protocol that tries to keep a balance between the energy consumption and the packet delay in a WSN. The proposed routing protocol has a next node selection criterion to change the routing path dynamically following the network conditions and the channel availability while the energy consumption per node is also considered. Simulation results are presented that show an increase in network lifetime of up to 30% compared with geographic opportunistic routing while the packet delay remains similar.
Privacy Guarantees through Distributed Constraint Satisfaction

The reason for using distributed constraint satisfaction algorithms is often to allow agents to find a solution while revealing as little as possible about their variables and constraints. So far, most algorithms for DisCSP do not guarantee privacy of this information. This paper describes some simple techniques that can be used with DisCSP algorithms such as DPOP, and provide sensible privacy guarantees based on the distributed solving process without sacrificing its efficiency.
Virtual Spring Mesh Algorithms for Control of Distributed Robotic Macrosensors ; CU-CS-996-05

(cid:151) We have developed a novel control mechanism that deploys a large number of inexpensive robots as a distributed remote sensing array, called a Distributed Robotic Macrosen-sor (DRM). A simple virtual spring mesh abstraction is used to provide fully distributed control that is both (cid:3)exible and fault-tolerant. We describe and evaluate several algorithms for virtual spring mesh(cid:150)based control and present simulation results demonstrating the ef(cid:2)cacy of the spring mesh approach.
Event driven persistent sensing: Overcoming the energy and lifetime limitations in unattended wireless sensors

The DARPA Near Zero Power RF and Sensor Operations (N-ZERO) program seeks to overcome the power limitations of persistent sensing by developing wireless, event-driven sensing capabilities that allow physical, electromagnetic and other sensors to remain dormant — effectively asleep yet aware — until an event of interest awakens them. State-of-the-art sensors use active electronics to monitor the environment for such external triggers. The power consumed by these electronic circuits limits the sensor lifetime to durations of weeks to months. In contrast, N-ZERO seeks to exploit the energy in signal signatures to detect and recognize attention-worthy events, such as the presence of a particular machinery type or radio communications protocol, while rejecting noise and interference. This paper will discuss the new architectural approaches and component technologies being developed under the N-ZERO program, which are predicted to extend the lifetime of wireless sensors to several years under many operational scenarios.
Structure of the Hydrophilic Domain of Respiratory Complex I from Thermus thermophilus

Respiratory complex I plays a central role in cellular energy production in bacteria and mitochondria. Its dysfunction is implicated in many human neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in aging. The crystal structure of the hydrophilic domain (peripheral arm) of complex I from Thermus thermophilus has been solved at 3.3 angstrom resolution. This subcomplex consists of eight subunits and contains all the redox centers of the enzyme, including nine iron-sulfur clusters. The primary electron acceptor, flavin-mononucleotide, is within electron transfer distance of cluster N3, leading to the main redox pathway, and of the distal cluster N1a, a possible antioxidant. The structure reveals new aspects of the mechanism and evolution of the enzyme. The terminal cluster N2 is coordinated, uniquely, by two consecutive cysteines. The novel subunit Nqo15 has a similar fold to the mitochondrial iron chaperone frataxin, and it may be involved in iron-sulfur cluster regeneration in the complex.
Real Time Social Network Data Analysis for Community Detection

WWW becomes a widely used platform for different social networks and social medias for the social communication. This platform becomes the oasis of a huge amount of data. Therefore, this data repository draws tremendous attention from corporate, government, NGOs, social workers, politician, etc. to either promote their products or to convey their message to the targeted community. But identification of community structure and social graph becomes a challenging issue for the social network researcher and graph theory researchers since the pervasive usage of instant messaging systems and fundamental shift in publishing contents in these social medias. Although a lot of attention has been given by the researcher to introduce several algorithms for identifying the community structure, most of them are not suitable for dealing with the large scale social network data in real time. This paper presents a model for community detection from social graph using the real time data analytic. In this paper, we introduce data analytic algorithms that can analysis contextual data. These algorithms can analyze large scale social interaction data and can detect a community based on the user supplied threshold value for community detection. Experiment result shows that the proposed algorithms can identify expected number meaningful communities from the social graph.
Adipocyte insulin receptor binding and lipogenesis at term in normal pregnancy

Abstract. Lipogenesis in subcutaneous abdominal adipocytes during late human pregnancy was investigated by studying insulin receptor binding, 3‐O‐methyl‐(14C‐(U))‐glucose flux and incorporation of (14C(U))‐glucose into CO2 (oxidation) and total lipids (lipogenesis) in adipocytes from 18 healthy pregnant women undergoing Caesarean section at term, and 19 non‐pregnant women undergoing gynaecological surgery. The cell diameter and fasting insulin were increased in the pregnant women, compared with controls (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05, respectively). The insulin receptor binding, 3‐O‐methyl‐glucose flux, and basal oxidation were similar in both groups. Basal lipogenesis was higher in adipocytes from pregnant women than from controls (P < 0·05), but the maximally stimulated increment was similar in both groups. Basal and maximally stimulated lipogenesis correlated positively with the cell diameter (P < 0·001 and P < 0·05, respectively). The findings indicate that lipogenesis in subcutaneous abdominal adipocytes from pregnant women is increased due to post‐receptor events and that adipocytes do not contribute to the insulin resistance in late pregnancy.
A Brief Introduction to Algebraic Set Theory

Abstract This brief article is intended to introduce the reader to the field of algebraic set theory, in which models of set theory of a new and fascinating kind are determined algebraically. The method is quite robust, applying to various classical, intuitionistic, and constructive set theories. Under this scheme some familiar set theoretic properties are related to algebraic ones, while others result from logical constraints. Conventional elementary set theories are complete with respect to algebraic models, which arise in a variety of ways, such as topologically, type-theoretically, and through variation. Many previous results from topos theory involving realizability, permutation, and sheaf models of set theory are subsumed, and the prospects for further such unification seem bright.
Sarcopenia as a Determinant of Chemotherapy Toxicity and Time to Tumor Progression in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Capecitabine Treatment

Purpose: Body composition has emerged as an important prognostic factor in cancer patients. Severe depletion of skeletal muscle (sarcopenia) and, hence, of overall lean body mass may represent an occult condition in individuals with normal or even high body weight. Sarcopenia has been associated with poor performance status, 5-fluorouracil toxicity, and shortened survival in cancer patients. Here, we prospectively studied patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving capecitabine treatment in order to determine if sarcopenia was associated with a higher incidence of toxicity and a shorter time to tumor progression (TTP). Experimental Design: Fifty-five women with metastatic breast cancer resistant to anthracycline and/or taxane treatment were included. Skeletal muscle cross-sectional area at the third lumbar vertebra was measured by computerized tomography, and sarcopenia was defined using a previously published cutoff point. Toxicity was assessed after cycle 1 of treatment, and TTP was determined prospectively. Results: Approximately 25% of patients were classified as sarcopenic, and this feature was seen in normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals. Toxicity was present in 50% of sarcopenic patients, compared with only 20% of nonsarcopenic patients (P = 0.03), and TTP was shorter in sarcopenic patients (101.4 days; confidence interval, 59.8-142.9) versus nonsarcopenic patients (173.3 days; confidence interval, 126.1-220.5; P = 0.05). Conclusion: Sarcopenia is a significant predictor of toxicity and TTP in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with capecitabine. Our results raise the potential use of body composition assessment to predict toxicity and individualize chemotherapy dosing.
Sudden Cardiac Death With Autopsy Findings of Uncertain Significance: Potential for Erroneous Interpretation

Background—The sudden death of young individuals is commonly attributed to inherited cardiac disorders, and familial evaluation is advocated. The identification of pathognomonic histopathologic findings, or the absence of cardiac pathology (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome [SADS]) at postmortem, directs familial evaluation targeting structural disorders or primary arrhythmogenic syndromes, respectively. In a proportion of autopsies, structural abnormalities of uncertain significance are reported. We explored the hypothesis that such sudden cardiac deaths represent SADS. Methods and Results—Families (n=340) of index cases of sudden cardiac deaths who underwent postmortem evaluation were evaluated in specialist cardiogenetics clinics. Families in whom the deceased exhibited structural abnormalities of uncertain significance (n=41), such as ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and minor coronary artery disease, were included in the study. Results were compared with 163 families with normal postmortem (SADS). Relatives underwent comprehensive cardiac evaluation. Twenty-one families (51%) with autopsy findings of uncertain significance received a diagnosis based on the identification of an inherited cardiac condition phenotype in ≥1 relatives: 14 Brugada syndrome; 4 long-QT syndrome; 1 catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia; and 2 cardiomyopathy. A similar proportion of families (47.2%) received a diagnosis in the SADS cohort (P=0.727). An arrhythmogenic syndrome was the predominant diagnosis in both cohorts (46% versus 45%; P=0.863). Conclusions—Familial evaluation after sudden cardiac deaths with autopsy findings of uncertain significance identified a similar proportion of primary arrhythmogenic syndromes to a contemporary series of SADS. Our study highlights the need for accurate interpretation of autopsy findings to avoid erroneous diagnoses, with potentially devastating implications.
Extraordinary intelligence and the care of infants

Significance One mystery of human evolution is why our cognition differs qualitatively from our closest evolutionary relatives. Here we show how natural selection for large brains may lead to premature newborns, which themselves require more intelligence to raise, and thus may select for even larger brains. As we show, these dynamics can be self-reinforcing and lead to runaway selection for extremely high intelligence and helpless newborns. We test a prediction of this account: the helplessness of a primate’s newborns should strongly predict their intelligence. We show that this is so and relate our account to theories of human uniqueness and the question of why human-level intelligence took so long to evolve in the history of life. We present evidence that pressures for early childcare may have been one of the driving factors of human evolution. We show through an evolutionary model that runaway selection for high intelligence may occur when (i) altricial neonates require intelligent parents, (ii) intelligent parents must have large brains, and (iii) large brains necessitate having even more altricial offspring. We test a prediction of this account by showing across primate genera that the helplessness of infants is a particularly strong predictor of the adults’ intelligence. We discuss related implications, including this account’s ability to explain why human-level intelligence evolved specifically in mammals. This theory complements prior hypotheses that link human intelligence to social reasoning and reproductive pressures and explains how human intelligence may have become so distinctive compared with our closest evolutionary relatives.
Surface Roughness of Commercial Composites after Different Polishing Protocols: An Analysis with Atomic Force Microscopy

Background and Aims: Polishing may increase the surface roughness of composites, with a possible effect on bacterial growth and material properties. This preliminary in vitro study evaluates the effect of three different polishing systems (PoGo polishers, Enhance, Venus Supra) on six direct resin composites (Gradia Direct, Venus, Venus Diamond, Enamel Plus HFO, Tetric Evoceram, Filtek Supreme XT). Materials and Methods: For each composite, 12 square specimens were prepared: 9 specimens were polished, three for each different method, while three specimens were used as controls. Surface roughness was determined with AFM by measuring Root Mean Square (RMS) of average height. Results: PoGo polisher determined a significantly rougher surface, versus controls, in 5 out of 6 composites evaluated. Some significant differences from unpolished controls were observed also for Enhance polishing. Polishing with Venus Supra did not result in any significant difference in surface roughness versus controls. No differences were observed between different polishing systems. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that Venus Supra polishing system could determine a smoother composite surface if compared to the other polishing systems tested. On this basis, we are conducting an in vivo study to evaluate bacterial colonization on some combinations of composites and polishing protocols.
Structure-Preserving Subgraph Query Services

A fundamental problem of graph databases is subgraph isomorphism query (a.k.a subgraph query): given a query graph Q and a graph database, it retrieves the graphs Gs from the database that contain Q. Due to the cost of managing massive data coupled with the computational hardness of subgraph isomorphism testing, outsourcing the computations to a third-party provider is an appealing alternative. However, confidentiality has been a critical attribute of quality of service (QoS) in query services. To the best of our knowledge, subgraph query services with tunable preservation of privacy of structural information have never been addressed. In this paper, we present the first work on structure-preserving subIso (SPsubIso). A crucial step of our work is to transform subIso-the seminal subgraph isomorphism algorithm (the Ullmann's algorithm)-into a series of matrix operations. We propose a novel cyclic group based encryption (CGBE) method for private matrix operations. We propose a protocol that involves the query client and static indexes to optimize SPsubIso. We prove that the structural information of both Q and G are preserved under CGBE and analyze the privacy preservation in the presence of the optimizations. Our extensive experiments on both real and synthetic datasets verify that SPsubIso is efficient and the optimizations are effective.
The effectiveness of relaxation training in reducing treatment‐related symptoms and improving emotional adjustment in acute non‐surgical cancer treatment: a meta‐analytical review

Cancer patients often have to deal with severe side effects and psychological distress during cancer treatment, which have a substantial impact on their quality of life. Among psychosocial interventions for reducing treatment‐related side effects, relaxation and imagery were most investigated in controlled trials. In this study, meta‐analytic methods were used to synthesize published, randomized intervention–control studies aiming to improve patients' treatment‐related symptoms and emotional adjustment by relaxation training. Mean weighted effect sizes were calculated for 12 categories, treatment‐related symptoms (nausea, pain, blood pressure, pulse rate) and emotional adjustment (anxiety, depression, hostility, tension, fatigue, confusion, vigor, overall mood). Significant positive effects were found for the treatment‐related symptoms. Relaxation training also proved to have a significant effect on the emotional adjustment variables depression, anxiety and hostility. Additionally, two studies point to a significant effect of relaxation on the reduction of tension and amelioration of the overall mood. Intervention features of the relaxation training, the time the professional spent with the patient overall (intervention intensity) and the schedule of the intervention (offered in conjunction with or independent of medical treatment to the cancer patient) were relevant to the effect of relaxation on anxiety. The interventions offered independently of medical treatment proved to be significantly more effective for the outcome variable anxiety. Relaxation seems to be equally effective for patients undergoing different medical procedures (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, hyperthermia). According to these results relaxation training should be implemented into clinical routine for cancer patients in acute medical treatment. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monoclonal Gammopathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

In order to ascertain the incidence of monoclonal gammopathy (MG) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 120 SLE patients were evaluated. Four patients (3.3%), two of whom were under 50 years of age, were found to have a monoclonal immunoglobulin in their serum. Our data agree with the previous literature in demonstrating a higher incidence of MG in SLE patients in comparison with the general population. Neither the clinical importance nor the pathogenetic significance of this association is known.