Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diabetic Retinal Fundus Images: Preprocessing and Feature Extraction for Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy

The investigation of clinical reports suggested that more than ten percent patients with diabetes have a high risk of eye issues. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is an eye ailment which influences eighty to eighty-five percent of the patients who have diabetes for more than ten years. The retinal fundus images are commonly used for detection and analysis of diabetic retinopathy disease in clinics. The raw retinal fundus images are very hard to process by machine learning algorithms. In this paper, pre-processing of raw retinal fundus images are performed using extraction of green channel, histogram equalization, image enhancement and resizing techniques. Fourteen features are also extracted from pre-processed images for quantitative analysis. The experiments are performed using Kaggle Diabetic Retinopathy dataset, and the results are evaluated by considering the mean value and standard deviation for extracted features. The result yielded exudate area as the bestranked feature with a mean difference of 1029.7. The result attributed due to its complete absence in normal diabetic images and its simultaneous presence in the three classes of diabetic retinopathy images namely mild, normal and severe.
The Benefits and Importance of Commercial Real Estate

The economic climate of late has battered investment classes across the board, including commercial real estate. Aside from the usual arguments about including real estate in a well-diversified portfolio, there are compelling reasons to invest in commercial real estate in the current environment. Though the risks are real, income and return characteristics of commercial real estate investment provide a buffer through annuitized cash flow, and savvy investors who “dollar cost average” into the real estate cycle maybe able to acquire assets at prices that will deliver attractive returns over the long time. The Islamic dictum stands side by side on this notion and with the Shariah compliant version in form of „i-REITS‟, it has indeed made its presence felt, but still it leaves a lot to be explored in this sector which mars an ideal potential for a new found.
CHARACTERIZATION AND CONTROLLING THE SPECIFICATION OF DEFINITIVE HEMATOPOIESIS DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ZEBRAFISH

Modern studies propose that, in the primary mesoderm, there is collaboration between the hematopoietic and cardiac lineages. Though, whether miRNAs can affect other lineages remains unidentified. Consequently, we have investigated whether hematopoietic miR-142-3p modulated the mesoderm formation. We account that knockdown of miR142-3p, a hematopoietic-specific miRNA, in zebrafish occasioned in damage of hematopoiesis during embryonic development. Interestingly, we detected abnormal cardiac phenotypes and inadequacy of somitegenesis in KD-morphants. In the early developmental phase, a tiny heart, contractile dysfunction in the ventricle, cardiac arrhythmia and bradycardia were constantly observed. Histological examination exposed unadorned hypoplasia of the ventricle and disrupted muscle alignment. To determine the mechanism, we executed DNA microarray analysis. The results exposed that the expression of several mesodermal genes necessary for the development of cardiac and somatic mesoderm, such as no tail, T-box gene 16, mesoderm posterior a, one eye pinhead, and rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase (Rock2a), were augmented in miR-142-3p KD-morphants. In this paper, the characterization and controlling the specification of definitive hematopoiesis during the development of zebrafish has been elaborated.
Semen evaluation techniques and their relationship with fertility

This review summarizes those methodsestablished and emerging- of semen assessment whose outcome intents revealing its potential fertility and, as a carry-over concept, that of the sire whose semen we examined. The review does not, however, focus on the wide display of current techniques designed to explore specific or multiple sets of sperm attributes essential for fertilization but on two basic concerns present: the heterogeneity of the sperm suspension and the multitude of attributes required for each spermatozoon to be fertile; concepts that shadow our diagnostic capabilities. The review points out advancements in the exploration of the genome, the transcriptome, and the proteome of both spermatozoa and the seminal plasma which unveil how spermatozoa modulate their own survival and signal to the environment when displaying degenerative changes. Specific seminal plasma components, both among individuals and portions of the ejaculate, not only relate to survival but also signal differential immune tolerance by the female with a previously unattended linkage to fertility. Lastly it foresees how Cytomics, combining novel designed motility analyzers, flow cytometers and enhanced digital imaging shall dominate the landscape of andrological laboratories and enable quick determinations on huge sperm numbers for markers highly relevant to sperm function and hence, for fertility.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Meets Systems Biology: A Multi-Omics Challenge and Frontier.

The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a systemic disease that is characterized by the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It includes ulcerative colitis and the Crohn's disease. Presently, IBD is one of the most investigated common complex human disorders, although its causes remain unclear. Multi-omics mechanisms involving genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic variations, not to forget the miRNome, together with environmental contributions, result in an impairment of the immune system in persons with IBD. Such interactions at multiple levels of biology and in concert with the environment constitute the actual engine of this complex disease, demanding a multifactorial and multi-omics perspective to better understand the root causes of IBD. This expert analysis reviews and examines the latest literature and underscores, from the perspective of systems biology, the value of multi-omics technologies as opportunities to unravel the "IBD integrome. " We anticipate that multi-omics research will accelerate the new discoveries and insights on IBD in the near future. It shall also pave the way for early diagnosis and help clinicians and families with IBD to forecast and make informed decisions about the prognosis and, possibly, personalized therapeutics in the future.
PET imaging of neuropathology in tauopathies: progressive supranuclear palsy.

OBJECTIVE Currently [18F]FDDNP is the only PET imaging probe with the ability to visualize hyperphosphorylated tau fibrillar aggregates in living subjects. In this work, we evaluate in vivo [18F]FDDNP labeling of brain neuropathology, primarily tau fibrillar aggregates, in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a human tauopathy usually lacking amyloid-β deposits. METHODS Fifteen patients with PSP received [18F]FDDNP PET scanning. [18F]FDDNP distribution volume ratios, in reference to cerebellar gray matter, were determined for cortical and subcortical areas and compared with those of patients with Parkinson's disease with short disease duration, and age-matched control subjects without neurodegenerative disorders. RESULTS [18F]FDDNP binding was present in subcortical areas (e.g., striatum, thalamus, subthalamic region, midbrain, and cerebellar white matter) regardless of disease severity, with progressive subcortical and cortical involvement as disease severity increased. Brain patterns of [18F]FDDNP binding were entirely consistent with the known pathology distribution for PSP. High midbrain and subthalamic region [18F]FDDNP binding was distinctive for PSP subjects and separated them from controls and patients with Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence that [18F]FDDNP is a sensitive in vivo PET imaging probe to map and quantify the dynamic regional localization of tau fibrillar aggregates in PSP. Furthermore, [18F]FDDNP PET may provide a tool to detect changes in tau pathology distribution either associated with disease progression or as a treatment biomarker for future tau-specific therapies. Patterns of [18F]FDDNP binding may also be useful in diagnosis early in disease presentation when clinical distinction among neurodegenerative disorders is often difficult.
Vascular Access Vulnerability in Intensive Hemodialysis: A Significant Achilles' Heel?

Background: Frequent hemodialysis (HD) may be associated with an increased risk of vascular access complications. Studies addressing vascular access outcomes in frequent HD show conflicting results. Methods: We searched Medline for trials looking at vascular access outcomes in frequent HD. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria; only studies with a control group were included for analysis (n = 15). The vascular access event rate was higher in intensive HD as compared to conventional HD (difference of 6.7 events per 100 patient-years, p = 0.009). Overall event rates were not significantly different between conventional and intensive HD when stratified for access type, but were notably higher in the arteriovenous grafts and catheter group as compared to the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) group. Conclusion: Intensive HD is associated with an increased risk of vascular access complications. Overall reported event rates were lower in the AVF group. Further controlled studies should investigate whether a ‘fistula first' strategy may be recommended also for intensive HD.
Post harvest losses in pineapple production: case study of Ado-odo Otta local government area of Ogun State

Decline in food production has been largely traced to post harvest losses for food crops that are more prone to perishability such as pineapple. This paper analyzes the economics of post harvest losses in pineapple production with evidences from Ado-Odo Otta Local Government area of Ogun State. The data for the study were collected from 54 pineapple farmers using Purposive random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, budgetary analysis (gross margin) and regression technique. The regression result showed that 74.9 percent variations in the quantity of fruit loss from harvesting to marketing stage were explained by the specified variables. The gross margin analysis showed that losses had a significant impact on the revenue of the farmers. Losses contributed approximately 24 percent reduction in the gross margin of the pineapple farmers. The regression result of the impact of losses on gross margin indicated that losses are significant on gross margin. The causes of losses were identified as the area of land cultivated, transport cost, distance from farm to market, days fruit spend on farm and number of bruised fruits. More efforts at mobilizing extension services, to train the farmers on how to use post harvest technology to reduce losses, is strongly recommended. Keywords : Post-harvest losses, gross margin, pineapple. Bowen Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 (1&2) 2008: pp. 55-062
Comparison of diagnostic values of thyroid aspiration samples using liquid‐based preparation and conventional smear: one‐year experience in a single institution

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is the most useful tool in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Liquid‐based preparation (LBP) in FNA of thyroid nodules is now widely used and is replacing the conventional smear (CS). We compared the diagnostic value of the LBP method with that of CS in thyroid lesions. A total of 1767 CS FNA samples and 2523 LBP FNA samples were included in this comparison of diagnostic values. We also assessed the differences in cytomorphologic features in 41 randomly selected cases of PTC. The measured sensitivities of CS and LBP were 78.9% and 76.3%, respectively, and the specificities were 64.2% and 54.9%, respectively, whereas the positive predictive values were 92.3% and 94.3%, respectively, and the negative predictive values were 89.5% and 81.8%, respectively. The cytomorphological features of LBP showed better‐preserved nuclear details, cleaner background and fewer large papillae than were evident in CS. The results indicate that LBP reduces the diagnosis of non‐diagnostic or unsatisfactory/atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance, although the diagnostic values for CS and LBP are not appreciably different.
Three PIGGYBACK genes that specifically influence leaf patterning encode ribosomal proteins

Leaves are determinate organs that arise from the flanks of the shoot apical meristem as polar structures with distinct adaxial (dorsal) and abaxial (ventral) sides. Opposing regulatory interactions between genes specifying adaxial or abaxial fates function to maintain dorsoventral polarity. One component of this regulatory network is the Myb-domain transcription factor gene ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1). The contribution of AS1 to leaf polarity varies across different plant species; however, in Arabidopsis, as1 mutants have only mild defects in leaf polarity, suggesting that alternate pathways exist for leaf patterning. Here, we describe three genes, PIGGYBACK1 (PGY1), PGY2 and PGY3, which alter leaf patterning in the absence of AS1. All three pgy mutants develop dramatic ectopic lamina outgrowths on the adaxial side of the leaf in an as1 mutant background. This leaf-patterning defect is enhanced by mutations in the adaxial HD-ZIPIII gene REVOLUTA (REV), and is suppressed by mutations in abaxial KANADI genes. Thus, PGY genes influence leaf development via genetic interactions with the HD-ZIPIII-KANADI pathway. PGY1, PGY2 and PGY3 encode cytoplasmic large subunit ribosomal proteins, L10a, L9 and L5, respectively. Our results suggest a role for translation in leaf dorsoventral patterning and indicate that ribosomes are regulators of key patterning events in plant development.
Drivers of supply chain vulnerability: an integrated framework

Purpose – This paper aims to report on findings of a cross‐sector empirical study of the sources and drivers of supply chain vulnerability.Design/methodology/approach – The research was undertaken in accordance with the realist tradition. It begins with a descriptive exploratory stage involving an in‐depth exploratory case study of aerospace industry supply chains, validated through in‐depth interviews with managers representing other “critical sectors” of the UK economy. This is followed by an explanatory theoretical stage. The work is supported throughout with reference to relevant literature sources.Findings – The findings highlight the absence of any widespread understanding of the scope of and dynamic nature of the problem, which should be considered from multiple perspectives and at four levels of analysis: value stream/product or process; asset and infrastructure dependencies; organisations and inter‐organisational networks; and social and natural environment.Research limitations/implications – The.
Small retailers in an inner city community: a case study of Adamsdown, Cardiff

Many retail and business areas in Britain’s inner cities find difficulties in competing with modern retail developments in town centre and off‐centre locations, and are in decline as a result. This paper examines one such area, in Cardiff, Wales, and reviews the steps which could be taken to halt decline and revive the area’s economic and social role in the community. The views of traders and local residents concerning possible improvements to the area are explored, through consultations carried out through the local Community Forum and a survey carried out by students from Cardiff University. The paper concludes with a discussion of the main “agents for change”, in particular the crucial role of the local authority in facilitating environmental and economic change.
El Niño-Southern Oscillation und mögliche Effekte auf die raumzeitliche Ausbreitung von Malaria im östlichen Äquatorialafrika im Jahr 2030/31

It is assumed, that the East African Community (EAC) is influenced by climatological teleconnections during an ENSO event. ArcMap was utilized to generate potential climate conditions for the EAC during a strong ENSO event occurring in the years 2030/2031, in order to model possible temporal and spatial malaria transmission patterns of the region under these conditions. The relevant climate variables have been normalized with the tool ‘fuzzy membership’ in accordance with the prerequisites of malaria transmission so as to generate monthly maps displaying malaria suitability values. The final malaria suitability maps display quasi perennial transmission along the Indian Ocean coast and low malaria suitability in the remaining parts of the EAC. Yet, incorporating complementary factors in the data analysis suggest for suitable conditions in these regions as well.
Components of quality: competence, leadership, teamwork, continuing learning and service

The article appearing in this issue, ‘Using systems-based practice to integrate education and clinical services’ by Dickey et al. (2004) is a significant case study on how one institution has taken to heart the recommendations of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The ACGME identified general outcomes that all residents must attain to be competent. The IOM identified standards of quality healthcare to minimize errors. The IOM defines quality of care as ‘‘the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge’’ (Lohr, 1990). Marrying an institution’s responsibility to the public that its graduates are competent and that the education they receive helps minimize errors in patient care is of the highest importance in medical education today. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a little more explanation of the competences that are referred to in the aforementioned article and to introduce other, equally important components of quality.
ABC transporters in human lymphocytes: expression, activity and role, modulating factors and consequences for antiretroviral therapies

Importance of the field: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a superfamily of efflux pumps that transport numerous compounds across cell membranes. These transporters are located in various human tissues including peripheral blood cells, in particular lymphocytes, and present a high variability of expression and activity. This variability may affect the intracellular concentrations and efficacy of drugs acting within lymphocytes, such as antiretroviral drugs. Areas covered in this review: This review focuses on the current knowledge about the expression, activity, roles and variability of ABC drug transporters in human lymphocytes. The identified modulating factors and their impact on the intracellular pharmacokinetics and efficacy of antiretroviral drugs are also detailed. What the reader will gain: Controversial data regarding the expression, activity and sources of variability of ABC transporters in lymphocytes are discussed. The modulating factors and their pharmacological consequences regarding antiretroviral therapies are also provided. Take home message: Numerous studies have reported conflicting results regarding the expression and activity of ABC drug transporters in lymphocytes. Despite these discrepancies, which may partly result from heterogeneous analytical methods, ABCC1 appears to have the highest expression in lymphocytes and may thus play a predominant role in the resistance to antiretroviral drugs, particularly to protease inhibitors.
Measurement-Based Performance Comparison of Colocated Tripolarized Loop and Dipole Antennas

In this paper, a colocated tripolarized loop (TPL) antenna is proposed and a colocated tripolarized dipole (TPD) antenna is also designed for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) performance comparison. Both antennas have satisfactory performances of impedance bandwidth and isolation. The channel measurements are conducted in a nonlossy reverberation chamber (RC), a lossy RC, a corridor, and an office room. For both antennas, the measured average correlation coefficients (CCs) in the nonlossy RC are the smallest, close to 0.1, in the lossy RC are the largest, 0.3-0.5, and in the two indoor scenarios are slightly larger than that in the nonlossy RC. Except for the signal correlation, the relative path loss (RPL) should also be included to fairly compare the channel capacities. If the RPL is considered, a strong dependence of the channel capacity on the propagation properties can be seen. For both antennas, the channel capacities in the two indoor scenarios are 20%-30% smaller than that in the nonlossy RC. Interestingly, both antennas have similar condition numbers (CNs) in all the four scenarios, whose PDFs are close to that of the independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) complex Gaussian channel, which reveals that both antennas can obtain nearly three independent parallel subchannels and good multiplexing performance.
Blastoid NK Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma with Cutaneous Involvement

Malignant neoplasms from natural killer (NK) cells are characterized by their positivity for CD56 and absence of monoclonal TCR gene rearrangement. Recently, they have been classified into four main types (nasal and nasal-type NK cell lymphoma, aggressive NK cell leukemia/lymphoma, and blastoid NK cell leukemia/lymphoma), based on clinical features, racial predisposition, presence of azurophilic granules, immunophenotype and association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. A 72-year-old Caucasian man presented with a malignant neoplasm comprised of blastoid cells without azurophilic granules in the Giemsa stain, with positivity for CD2, CD4, HLA-DR, CD45 and CD56, and negativity for CD3 (surface and cytoplasmic) and CD5. In situ hybridization for EBV and PCR analysis of rearrangement of the T cell receptor gene were negative. Based on these results, a diagnosis of blastoid NK cell lymphoma was made. In this case the first clinical manifestations were the cutaneous lesions, and, although the disease was already advanced at the diagnosis, the patient responded completely to the treatment and remains asymptomatic 14 months after diagnosis.
Elaboration of continuous wavelet transform parameters for problems of ultrasonic thickness gauging

The theoretical work presents elaboration of continuous wavelet transform parameters for problems of ultrasonic thickness gauging. The advantage of the processing method using synthesized wavelets as compared with the correlation method in case of difference between an extracted signal and a reference one at signal-to-noise ratio of 1–3 has been shown using the stability criterion.
On Finding Sparse Three-Edge-Connected and Three-Vertex-Connected Spanning subgraphs

We present algorithms that construct a sparse spanning subgraph of a three-edge-connected graph that preserves three-edge connectivity or of a three-vertex-connected graph that preserves three-vertex connectivity. Our algorithms are conceptually simple and run in O(|E|) time. These simple algorithms can be used to improve the efficiency of the best-known algorithms for three-edge and three-vertex connectivity and their related problems, by preprocessing the input graph so as to trim it down to a sparse graph. Afterwards, the original algorithms run in O(|V|) instead of O(|E|) time. Our algorithms generate an adjacency-lists structure to represent the sparse spanning subgraph, so that when a depth-first search is performed over the subgraph based on this adjacency-lists structure it actually traverses the paths in an ear-decomposition of the subgraph. This is useful because many of the existing algorithms for three-edge- or three-vertex connectivity and their related problems are based on an ear-decomposition of the given graph. Using such an adjacency-lists structure to represent the input graph would greatly improve the run-time efficiency of these algorithms.