Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suppression of adenosine 2 a receptor ( A 2 a R )-mediated adenosine signaling improves disease phenotypes in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease in which the majority of upper and lower motor neurons are degenerated. Despite intensive efforts to identify drug targets and develop neuroprotective strategies, effective therapeutics for ALS remains unavailable. The identification and characterization of novel targets and pathways remain crucial in the development of ALS therapeutics. Adenosine is a major neuromodulator that actively regulates synaptic transmission. Interestingly, adenosine levels are significantly elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of progressing human ALS patients. In the current study, we showed that adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR), but not adenosine 1 receptor (A1R), is highly enriched in spinal (motor) neurons. A2aR expression is also selectively increased at the symptomatic onset in the spinal cords of SOD1G93A mice and end-stage human ALS spinal cords. Interestingly, we found that direct adenosine treatment is sufficient to induce embryonic stem cell-derived motor neuron (ESMN) cell death in cultures. Subsequent pharmacological inhibition and partial genetic ablation of A2aR (A2aR) significantly protect ESMN from SOD1G93A+ astrocyte-induced cell death and delay disease progression of SOD1G93A mice. Taken together, our results provide compelling novel evidence that A2aR-mediated adenosine signaling contributes to the selective spinal motor neuron degeneration observed in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS.
The Design of Ultra-wideband Antennas with Performance Close to the Fundamental Limit

In this paper, we discuss how the classical fundamental-limit theory can be interpreted for ultra-wideband antennas and how one can design an antenna with size and performance close to fundamental limits. The frequency response of Chu’s equivalent circuit model for spherical modes suggests the concept of an ideal antenna. The transfer function of the ideal antenna, showing ultra-wideband antenna characteristics, simply has an entire function and two complex poles. An antenna design strategy is explained, based on observations of ideal antenna characteristics. The evolution process of antenna design to make the antenna close to theoretical performance limit is demonstrated. The final design suggested a general approach using a high-pass filter structure and a tapered feed to make an antenna close to the limit. Performance of the final design is evaluated in both frequency and time domains.
Are great teachers poor scholars ?

Colleges and universities must balance many goals, and research universities in particular aspire to excellence in both teaching and research. University administrators and policymakers alike are interested in ensuring that publicly-supported private and public universities operate at high levels of instructional and scholarly quality, but to date we know little about whether scholarly excellence comes at a cost in terms of teaching quality, or vice versa.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA FROM RHIZOSPHERE SOIL OF WEEDS OF KHEWRA SALT RANGE AND ATTOCK

During the present study rhizosphere soil of four halophytic weeds viz., Chrysopogon aucheri, Lactuca dissecta, Solanum surattense and Sonchus arvensis growing in saline soil of Khewra salt range and Solanum surattense growing in arid region of Attock were used for isolating phosphate solubilizing bacteria. The objective of this study was to explore the abilities of phosphate solubilization, production of stress hormone ABA (abscisic acid) and bacteriocin production of isolates. Only one isolate was selected randomly from culture of each plant rhizosphere soil. The isolates were preliminary identified on the basis of their morphology and biochemical characters. The isolates were able to solubilize tricalcium phosphate in broth cultures, the isolate 2P from rhizosphere soil of Lactuca dissecta and 1P from rhizosphere soil of Chrysopogon aucheri being more efficient. Least amount of phosphorous was solubilized by isolate 5P from rhizosphere soil of Solanum surattense growing in arid soil of Attock. Among all isolates maximum abscisic acid production was recorded in isolate 2P while least amount of ABA was produced by 1P. Bacterial isolates were also observed for bacteriocin production. Isolates 2P and 3P were able to produce bacteriocin, 2P produced bacteriocin of higher potency. The isolates used as inoculants, promoted growth of chickpea. The isolate 2P from rhizosphere soil of Lactuca dissecta growing in Khewra salt range having the ability of greater quantity of phosphorous solubilization, higher production of abscisic acid and bacteriocin, can be selected in the formulation of biofertilizer.
Computationally Efficient DOA and Range Estimation for Near-Field Source with Linear Antenna Array

This letter presents an effective direction of arrival (DOA) and range estimation algorithm for a single near-field source. In the proposed algorithm, a correlation function is firstly constructed based on the array configuration. Then, the phase which contains the information about the DOA and range is extracted. By utilizing the least square operation, the closedform solutions of DOA and range are obtained. Compared to the existing high-order statistics based estimate algorithm which involves spectral search and eigenvalue decomposition (EVD), the proposed algorithm can provide higher computation efficiency and improved estimate accuracy. Simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Fortification of Sand filters-An alternative technique of enhancing wastewater treatment efficacy

Malodourous odour, colour, algae blooms and eutrophication in surface water bodies are caused by presence of dissolved organic carbon and nutrients. Though these constitute wastewater constituents that are usually barely treated by septic systems, they have not been given adequate attention. In the wake of the current global climate change and escalating water demands in various countries, the need to protect available water sources from pollution has necessitated the urge to compel rural communities to comply with federal discharge quality standards. However, the low availability of alternative effective technologies limits their efforts to improve. This study tested the idea of sand filter fortification with biochar as a possible technique to improve septic tank effluent quality. Sand of 0.30 m depth in 0.045 m-diameter columns was topped with 0.20 m layer of biochar and tested on turbidity, DOC and phosphorus removal from wastewater hydraulically loaded at 0.063 L/d. The results showed that all the filters reduced influent turbidity (150 NTU) by up to 99%. The reference-biochar filter was most effective in lowering influent DOC (25.25 mg/L) by >60% than both reference(51.8%) and fortified (55.2%)-sand. The fortified filter also dominated in influent PO4 (6.18 mg/L) reduction achieving >45% whilst the reference-sand only achieved 35.2%. There was a reasonably strong linear correlation between pH and PO4 sorption efficiency of biochar (r = 0.81) and sand-biochar (r = 0.83) but a moderate one for sand (r = 0.57). Moreover, regression analysis revealed that 66% and 70% of variation in PO4 sorption efficiency was explained by the variation in pH of the B and SaB respectively. Also, student t-test showed that adding biochar to sand significantly improved its efficacy in phosphorus (p = 0.0001) and DOC (p = 0.027) reduction. Therefore, fortification of sand-filters may be considered a possible measure to improve effluent quality.
Neural Networks : a Versatile and Robust Tool for Mobile Space Communications

Neural Networks (NN) are now widely used tools, mainly used to solve recognition and classification problems. The present paper intends to show how their learning capability can be applied to adaptive signal processing problems risen by Mobile Space Communications, either in replacement of conventional adaptive methods or to cope with the most difficult cases in the domain: non linear and/or non stationary problems. A general overview of NN is given in the first section, highlighting their key features : approximation capability, learning characteristic, etc. The second section scans majors applications to Digital Communications : system and channel identification, equalization, and linearization (i.e. predistortion). A particular emphasis is put on selected specific examples where NNs yield unrivaled solutions : non linear communication systems, time-varying channels
Teleparallel gravity ( TEGR ) as a gauge theory : Translation or Cartan connection ?

In this paper we question the status of TEGR, the Teleparallel Equivalent of General Relativity, as a gauge theory of translations. We observe that TEGR (in its usual translation-gauge view) does not seem to realize the generally admitted requirements for a gauge theory for some symmetry group G: namely it does not present a mathematical structure underlying the theory which relates to a principal G-bundle and the choice of a connection on it (the gauge field). We point out that, while it is usually presented as absent, the gauging of the Lorentz symmetry is actually present in the theory, and that the choice of an Erhesmann connection to describe the gauge field makes the translations difficult to implement (mainly because there is in general no principal translation-bundle). We finally propose to use the Cartan Geometry and the Cartan connection as an alternative approach, naturally arising from the solution of the issues just mentioned, to obtain a more mathematically sound framework for TEGR.
Levels of Small Molecules and Enzymes in the Mother Cell Compartment and the Forespore of Sporulating Bacillus megaterium

We have determined the amounts of a number of small molecules and enzymes in the mother cell compartment and the developing forespore during sporulation of Bacillus megaterium. Significant amounts of adenosine 5′-triphosphate and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide were present in the forespore compartment before accumulation of dipicolinic acid (DPA), but these compounds disappeared as DPA was accumulated. 3-Phosphoglyceric acid (3-PGA) accumulated only within the developing forespore, beginning 1 to 2 h before DPA accumulation. Throughout its development the forespore contained constant levels of enzymes of both 3-PGA synthesis (phosphoglycerate kinase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and 3-PGA utilization (phosphoglycerate mutase, enolase, and pyruvate kinase) at levels similar to those in the mother cell and the dormant spore. Despite the presence of enzymes for 3-PGA utilization, this compound was stable within isolated forespores. Two acid-soluble proteins (A and B proteins) also accumulated only in the forespore, beginning 1 to 2 h before DPA accumulation. At this time the specific protease involved in degradation of the A and B proteins during germination also appeared, but only in the forespore compartment. Nevertheless, the A and B proteins were stable within isolated forespores. Arginine and glutamic acid accumulated within the forespore in parallel with DPA accumulation. The forespore also contained the enzyme arginase at a level similar to that in the mother cell and a level of glutamic acid decarboxylase 2- to 25-fold higher than that in the mother cell, depending on when in sporulation the forespores were isolated. The specific activities of several other enzymes (protease active on hemoglobin, ornithine transcarbamylase, malate dehydrogenase, aconitase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase) in forespores were about 10% or less of the values in the mother cell. Aminopeptidase was present at similar levels in both compartments; threonine deaminase was not found in either compartment.
Cooperative effects in one-dimensional chains of three-center hydrogen bonding interactions

Cooperative effects in a one-dimensional network of intermolecular bifurcated hydrogen bonding interactions are investigated by means of ab initio calculations. The trans–trans conformation of the diformamide molecule is used as a basic motif to model a chain of bifurcated H bonds. In this model system, the two proton–acceptor atoms belong to the same molecule. The one-dimensional network is modeled then by periodically stacking up to 12 molecules of the unit motif. Different indicators of H-bond strength such as energetic, structural, dielectric, vibrational frequencies, and isotropic chemicals shifts consistently show significant cooperative effects in the chains. The dissociation energy in the dimer is calculated to be 9.88 kcal/mol, while that of the strongest interaction in the decamer is calculated to be 26.12 kcal/mol (164% increase in cooperativity). Thus, although three-center H bonds can be viewed as a consequence of proton deficiency, in some cases they may also be viewed as the natural result .
Desensitizing toothpaste versus placebo for dentin hypersensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM The aim is to assess the effect of desensitizing toothpaste on dentin hypersensitivity. METHODS We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase on December 20, 2013. RESULTS Out of the 626 articles searched, a total of 31 randomized controlled clinical trials were included. The Standardized mean differences (SMD) for potassium-containing toothpaste (n = 8) was -1.28 (95% Confidence interval (CI) -2.05 to -0.51; I(2) = 93%); Stannous fluoride- (n = 6) was -1.37 (95% CI, -2.30 to -0.44; I(2) = 95%); Potassium and stannous fluoride- (n = 3) was -2.50 (95% CI, -4.10 to -0.91; I(2) = 95%); Calcium sodium phosphosilicate- (n = 4) was -2.36 (95% CI, -3.72 to -1.00; I(2) = 92%); Arginine- (n = 8) was -3.25 (95% CI, -3.87 to -2.63; I(2) = 86%). The desensitizing effect was favoured in the intervention group treated with potassium-, stannous fluoride-, potassium and stannous fluoride-, calcium sodium phosphosilicate-, and arginine-containing toothpaste compared to placebo. Whereas, strontium-containing toothpaste (SMD, 0.05; 95% CI, -0.34 to 0.44; I(2) = 64%) was found to have no statistically significant desensitizing effect in the meta-analysis of four studies. CONCLUSIONS The study reports that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of potassium-, stannous fluoride-, potassium and stannous fluoride-, calcium sodium phosphosilicate-, and arginine-containing desensitizing toothpastes for dentin hypersensitivity, but not the use of strontium-containing desensitizing toothpaste.
Design and implement of a multifunctional image keying system

Image matting is one of the most common image processing techniques, because it is often necessary to extract the desired foreground object from the original image and then to composite the extracted foreground with the another background. Over the years, there have been lots of commercial image processing tools or softwares which can support the human beings this function, such as photoshop, photoimpact and so on. However, it seems not very easy to use these tools, especially for most beginners who are not familiar with them. Moreover, these softwares usually require payments from the users. In view of the above issues, a multifunctional image keying system which can provide two main functions: image composition and image matting for free and without complicated operations is proposed in this paper. The proposed system is mainly implemented by utilizing the closed form matting method and the trimap which the users simply and roughly provide, thus it can make the users achieve the purpose of performing the operations of the image matting and composite easily and quickly.
The Role of Police to Reduce and Prevent Cyber-bullying Crimes in Indonesia

The impact of cyber-bullying crime causes victims to be harassed, intimidated, threatened, insulting someone else's self-esteem resulting in hostility between them both through the internet medium. This phenomenon is interesting to explain in depth. The goal to be achieved in this article is to explain the role of the police to reduce and prevent cyber-bullying crimes in Indonesia. The method used in this research is qualitative with analytic description approach and case study. Data collection using literature study, interview, document analysis. Data analysis using literature and conceptual study techniques. The result of the study that the role of police to reduce and prevent cyber-bullying crimes in Indonesia, can be done the following steps: 1) socialization to educational institution, institution, campus and society regularly, 2) internet ethics, the role of parents should be more intensively supervise the development of children against the influence of the internet media, police officers routinely conduct "anti-bullying" (stop bully) campaigns in schools, campuses/institutions and communities, and involving social organizations to monitor the circulation of cyberbullying crime. So the preemptive action of the police in doing cyber-bullying prevention cannot be done alone (police) but must be mutual cooperation with various the stakeholders. Keywords— Role; Police; Reduce; Prevent,; Cyber-bullying
Light Scattering of PMMA Latex Particles in Benzene : Structural Effects

Intraand interparticle structural effects were studied in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) latex dispersions in a nonpolar solvent with the technique of light scattering. The required transparency of the dispersions was attained by a close matching of the refractive index of PMMA and solvent, for which benzene was chosen. Two latices were studied with divinylbenzene (DVB) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) as crosslinking agents. The latex particles were characterized by electron microscopy in the dry state and by viscosity, sedimentation, light scattering, and laser light scattering spectroscopy in dilute solutions. The molar mass of the particles is in the range of 5 × 109 g mole-L In benzene they are swollen and a hydrodynamic radius in the range of 200 nm was measured. The light scattering intensity and its angular variation were found to be strongly temperature dependent, This could be explained by the difference in temperature coefficients of the refractive indexes of PMMA and benzene which is sufficient to change their matching appreciably. For the latex containing DVB this phenomenon could be used to characterize the spatial distribution of the DVB inside the particle. At higher concentrations (20-80 g dm 3) light scattering as a function of scattering angle shows the emergence of a diffuse diffraction peak which points to interparticle structural effects. In one case the radial distribution function of particle centers was determined by a Fourier transformation of the structure factor and is discussed in terms of some theories of atomic liquids. The position of the diffraction peaks as a function of concentration is also discussed in terms of an "expanded-latt ice" structure, Results suggested that some structure persisted down to concentrations of 2% (w/v) of latex. However, the calculated mean interpa~icle distances seem much too large to be explained on a basis of interpenetration of peripheral chains of the particles. Attempts were made to interpret the long range interaction by electrostatic repulsions. However, measurements of the electric conductivity of the dispersions do not corroborate this view. Similar structural effects showed up with laser light scattering spectroscopy, where it was found that the diffusion coefficient depended on the scattering angle. On prolonged standing some of the systems showed sharp, bright diffraction peaks in visible light due to the formation of "supramolecular crystals" as reported earlier in the literature.
Average Genetic Correlations Among Offspring From Open-Pollinated Forest Trees

In estimating additive genetic variance and heritability, most forest tree geneticists assume that the genetic correlation among offspring (coefficient of relationship) of an open-pollinated tree is . 25. Such offspring (often called a half-sib family) are all related as half-sibs only when none of them resulted from self-pollination and when all of them were sired by different males. When they are truly half-sibs and when the parents are not correlated or inbred, the correlation between all pairs of offspring is . 25. Since these conditions are usually not fulfilled, geneticists are aware that the average correlation is likely to be greater than . 25. Assumption that the correlation among offpring is . 25 usually results in an overestimate of additive genetic variance (NAMKOONG, 1966). Assumption that the parents are unrelated may lead to either overor underestimates 01 additive genetic variance (FUJISHIMA and FREDEEN, 1972). Biases in estimates of additive genetic variance in turn cause biases in estimates of heritability and of genetic gains. Average genetic correlations among offspring from openpollination are computed herein for a range of hypothetical conditions. An attempt is also made to estimate the biases resulting from assumptions noted above, and recommendations are given for alleviating them.
Alternative Medicine Use by Canadian Ambulatory Gastroenterology Patients: Secular Trend or Epidemic?

OBJECTIVES:To assess the prevalence and determinants of alternative medicine (AM) use in gastroenterology outpatients and those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS:An 80-item questionnaire, addressing symptoms, general health, quality of life, and AM use, was administered and analyzed using logistic regression.RESULTS:52.5% of 341 participants used AM in the previous year. Most commonly used were herbal medicine (45.2% of users; 95% CI 35.4–52.5%), chiropractor (40.7%; 95% CI 31.4–48.0%), and massage therapy (22.9%; 95% CI 15.9–29.1%). Reasons prompting AM use were ineffective medical therapy (39.5%; 95% CI 30.4–46.8%), a greater sense of self-control (29.1%; 95% CI 21.2–35.7%), agreement with personal beliefs (19.5%; 95% CI 13.1–25.4%), and conventional drug adverse-effects (17.3%; 95% CI 11.2–22.9%). AM use was predicted as follows: (1) higher education (odds ratio (OR) 2.10; 95% CI 1.22–3.60), (2) comorbid medical conditions (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.08–3.00), 3) poor mental component summary score of the SF-12 health survey (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07), and (4) higher annual income (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.001–1.36), but was not related to response to conventional medical therapy. AM practitioners had instructed 8.6% to change prescription medications. AM usage for gastrointestinal disease was greater in patients with IBD (44.6%vs 10.0%; p< 0.05), who were more likely to cite adverse drug effects as a reason for AM use (28.9 vs 14.4%; p= 0.03). CONCLUSIONS:AM was used by 52.5% of gastroenterology outpatients and its use was greater in those with a higher level of education, comorbid conditions, poorer mental health-related quality of life, and higher income. Drug-related side effects also led to increased AM use.