Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human physiology under high pressure: I. Effects of Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, and Cold

We confirm the finding of Behnke, et al. (1935) that air at 8·6 atm. pressure has a somewhat intoxicating effect on human beings, and that this effect is due to nitrogen. The nitrogen effect reaches its maximum after about 3 min. There was no reduction of manual dexterity in the test used by us, but a considerable effect on performance of arithmetic, and on most practical activities. At 10 atm. these effects were somewhat enhanced, and manual dexterity was lowered in some cases. When helium or hydrogen was substituted for nitrogen there was no intoxication. 3–4% of carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure caused no deterioration in manual or arithmetical skill, and in the two subjects tested, 6% of carbon dioxide caused no deterioration. When air containing about 0·4% of carbon dioxide, and therefore with a partial pressure of about 4%, was breathed at 10 atm. , there was a marked deterioration in manual dexterity, and a good deal of confusion. When breathing carbon dioxide at partial pressures of 6·6–9·7% at 10. atm. , eight subjects lost consciousness in 1–5 min., but some could tolerate partial pressures of over 8% for 5 min. or more. With half an hour's exposure to a partial pressure of 6–7% of carbon dioxide, one subject lost consciousness after 7 min. at 10 atm. pressure, and another nearly did so. We consider that the percentage of carbon dioxide in air at 10 atm. pressure should be kept below 0·3%. Exposure to high partial pressures of carbon dioxide at 10 atm. does not increase the liability to ‘bends’ or other symptoms due to rapid decompression. Immersion in water below 40° F. did not enhance the effects of high-pressure air, or of carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure, but somewhat enhanced those of high pressure and carbon dioxide together. In certain breathing apparatus the resistance became so great at 10 atm. as to be intolerable. Few subjects experienced serious trouble during compression, or during or after decompression. But one developed a unilateral pneumothorax.
Orientations to happiness and life satisfaction in twenty-seven nations

Adults from 27 different nations (total N = 24,836) completed on-line surveys in English measuring orientations to the seeking of happiness (through pleasure, through engagement, and through meaning) and life satisfaction. Nations differed in their orientations and clustered into three interpretable groups in terms of them. One cluster was defined by relatively high endorsement of seeking pleasure and seeking engagement; the second cluster by relatively high endorsement of seeking engagement and seeking meaning; and the third cluster by relatively low endorsement of all three ways of seeking happiness. Across all nations, each of the three orientations predicted life satisfaction, although orientations to engagement and to meaning were more robustly associated with life satisfaction than was an orientation to pleasure, replicating and extending previous findings. Limitations and implications of the research were discussed.
Admission control and handover management for high‐speed trains in vehicular geostationary satellite networks with terrestrial gap‐filling

Following a recent upgrade, the Digital Video Broadcasting—Return Channel Satellite (DVB‐RCS) standard sets up to support terminal mobility. In this scenario, integration with terrestrial systems becomes a primary concern to ensure network connectivity in urban areas. This article proposes an integrated satellite–terrestrial architecture for the provision of broadband services onboard high‐speed trains, in which terrestrial cellular networks are seen as viable gap‐fillers for discontinuous satellite coverage. We derive an analytical model of the hybrid DVB‐RCS‐cellular system by exploiting analogies between the mobility pattern predictability of LEO constellations and that of high‐speed trains. Terminals whose QoS cannot be guaranteed by the satellite segment are proposed to temporarily divert the connections towards the terrestrial infrastructure, where available. Using an iterative approach based on the Erlang fixed‐point approximation, we show performance improvements with respect to stand‐alone satellite systems in terms of handover failure probability and overall resource utilization. The analytical model is also validated via our ns2‐based DVB‐RCS packet‐level simulator. Detailed modelling of synchronization and signalling mechanisms confirms the accuracy of the analytical results, and shows that topology and mobility information can contribute to refine radio resource utilization optimality when used jointly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do children and adults make inferences about ownership

In everyday life both adults and children are faced with the problem of judging who owns an object. Past research has indicated that adults and children may base their decisions on who was seen possessing an object first (the first possessor bias) or the person with whom an initial visual association was created. The current thesis aimed to investigate this, and ascertain whether children and adults maintain their bias to choose the first possessor of an object as its owner when other competing information regarding ownership is available. Chapters 2 and 3 used between subjects factorial designs in which adults (aged 18 - 60) and children (aged 3 - 4 years) viewed a number of stories of characters possessing objects in a variety of different scenarios. After viewing each story participants were required to judge which character owned the object. Results showed that when adults and children had no information, other than who possessed an object first, they chose the first possessor as the owner of the object. However when other competing information, such as the gender or age stereotype of the object, or who had constructive possession of the object, was available both adults and children disregarded their first possessor bias and made decisions in line with this other information. Chapter 4 used a between subjects factorial design and a mixed factorial design. The aim of the experiments was to ascertain whether adults and children take the history of an object into account when deciding who owns an object. Adults (aged 18 - 60) and children (aged 3 – 4 years) were shown stories in which one character wore and object and another character held an object. Information was given to help participants infer the history of each of the objects in the stories. Following each story participants were asked to judge who owned the object. Results demonstrated that both adults and children take the history of an object into account in their ownership decisions, and privilege this information above other competing information such as visual association, but that adults do this more reliably than children. All the experiments in this thesis demonstrated that when there is no other information available both adults and children base their decisions on who was seen possessing an object first. However when other information is available both adults and children take this into account in their decisions. Adults and children may use the information in order to reconstruct the history of an object to ascertain who had contact with it in the past and therefore who may have a legitimate claim of ownership over it.
Biogeography of anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria

Anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria are able to oxidize ammonia and reduce nitrite to produce N2 gas. After being discovered in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), anammox bacteria were subsequently characterized in natural environments, including marine, estuary, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. Although anammox bacteria play an important role in removing fixed N from both engineered and natural ecosystems, broad scale anammox bacterial distributions have not yet been summarized. The objectives of this study were to explore global distributions and diversity of anammox bacteria and to identify factors that influence their biogeography. Over 6000 anammox 16S rRNA gene sequences from the public database were analyzed in this current study. Data ordinations indicated that salinity was an important factor governing anammox bacterial distributions, with distinct populations inhabiting natural and engineered ecosystems. Gene phylogenies and rarefaction analysis demonstrated that freshwater environments and the marine water column harbored the highest and the lowest diversity of anammox bacteria, respectively. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that Ca. Scalindua strongly connected with other Ca. Scalindua taxa, whereas Ca. Brocadia co-occurred with taxa from both known and unknown anammox genera. Our survey provides a better understanding of ecological factors affecting anammox bacterial distributions and provides a comprehensive baseline for understanding the relationships among anammox communities in global environments.
[Total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer management: laparoscopic or transanal?].

AIM To evaluate and compare intraoperative features, early surgical outcomes, quality of excised specimen after laparoscopic and transanal total mesorectal excision (LA-TME and TA-TME). MATERIAL AND METHODS Prospective randomized study included 45 patients with confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma (cT2-4N0-2M0) since October 2013. LA-TME and TA-TME groups consisted of 23 and 22 patients respectively. Inclusion criteria were patients with primary-operable rectal cancer and satisfactory response after neoadjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy. Both groups were comparable in stages of cancer, age and body mass index (BMI). Median length from anal edge was 6.5 cm and 7 cm in TA-TME and LA-TME groups respectively. There was significantly greater number of patients after chemo- and radiotherapy in TA-TME group (86% vs. 48%, p=0.006). RESULTS Surgery time was 305 and 320 minutes in LA-TME and TA-TME groups recpectively, median blood loss -- less than 100 ml. Mean hospital-stay was 8.0 days in both groups. Each group had 1 conversion including laparoscopic procedure in TA-TME group. Transanal extraction of specimen was performed in 86% vs. 48% in TA-TME and LA-TME groups respectively (p=0.021). Complications (Clavien-Dindo sclale) were observed in 27% and 26% in TA-TME and LA-TME groups respectively without statistically significance. Complications IIIb, IVb and V degrees were not diagnosed in TA-TME group. Also in this group «good», «satisfactory» and «unsatisfactory» quality of TME was obtained in 68%, 14% and 18% of cases. At the same time in LA-TME group these values were 74%, 9% and 17% respectively (p=0.859). One of operated patients had «positive» lateral edge (TA-TME). Median distal edge of resection was 21 mm and 23 mm in TA-TME and LA-TME groups respectively. CONCLUSION Preliminary data show comparable early outcomes after transanal and laparoscopic techniques. Laparotomy and associated compications are avoided in case of transanal extraction of specimen. Further researches are necessary to study functional and long-term results.
Glucose Elevates NITRATE TRANSPORTER2.1 Protein Levels and Nitrate Transport Activity Independently of Its HEXOKINASE1-Mediated Stimulation of NITRATE TRANSPORTER2.1 Expression1[W][OPEN]

Independent mechanisms link photosynthate availability with nitrate uptake and assimilation into amino acids. Mineral nutrient uptake and assimilation is closely coordinated with the production of photosynthate to supply nutrients for growth. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), nitrate uptake from the soil is mediated by genes encoding high- and low-affinity transporters that are transcriptionally regulated by both nitrate and photosynthate availability. In this study, we have studied the interactions of nitrate and glucose (Glc) on gene expression, nitrate transport, and growth using glucose-insensitive2-1 (gin2-1), which is defective in sugar responses. We confirm and extend previous work by showing that HEXOKINASE1-mediated oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) metabolism is required for Glc-mediated NITRATE TRANSPORTER2.1 (NRT2.1) expression. Treatment with pyruvate and shikimate, two products derived from intermediates of the OPPP that are destined for amino acid production, restores wild-type levels of NRT2.1 expression, suggesting that metabolites derived from OPPP metabolism can, together with Glc, directly stimulate high levels of NRT2.1 expression. Nitrate-mediated NRT2.1 expression is not influenced by gin2-1, showing that Glc does not influence NRT2.1 expression through nitrate-mediated mechanisms. We also show that Glc stimulates NRT2.1 protein levels and transport activity independently of its HEXOKINASE1-mediated stimulation of NRT2.1 expression, demonstrating another possible posttranscriptional mechanism influencing nitrate uptake. In gin2-1 plants, nitrate-responsive biomass growth was strongly reduced, showing that the supply of OPPP metabolites is essential for assimilating nitrate for growth.
Nucleotide sequence of the hemolysin I gene from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

The DNA sequence of the gene encoding the structural protein of hemolysin I (HlyI) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 strain 4074 was analyzed. The nucleotide sequence shows a 3,072-bp reading frame encoding a protein of 1,023 amino acids with a calculated molecular size of 110.1 kDa. This corresponds to the HlyI protein, which has an apparent molecular size on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels of 105 kDa. The structure of the protein derived from the DNA sequence shows three hydrophobic regions in the N-terminal part of the protein, 13 glycine-rich domains in the second half of the protein, and a hydrophilic C-terminal area, all of which are typical of the cytotoxins of the RTX (repeats in the structural toxin) toxin family. The derived amino acid sequence of HlyI shows 42% homology with the hemolysin of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5, 41% homology with the leukotoxin of Pasteurella haemolytica, and 56% homology with the Escherichia coli alpha-hemolysin. The 13 glycine-rich repeats and three hydrophobic areas of the HlyI sequence show more similarity to the E. coli alpha-hemolysin than to either the A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 hemolysin or the leukotoxin (while the last two are more similar to each other). Two types of RTX hemolysins therefore seem to be present in A. pleuropneumoniae, one (HlyI) resembling the alpha-hemolysin and a second more closely related to the leukotoxin. Ca(2+)-binding experiments using HlyI and recombinant A. pleuropneumoniae prohemolysin (HlyIA) that was produced in E. coli shows that HlyI binds 45Ca2+, probably because of the 13 glycine-rich repeated domains. Activation of the prohemolysin is not required for Ca2+ binding.
A note on input-to-state stabilization for nonlinear sampled-data systems

We provide a framework for the design of L/sub /spl infin// stabilizing controllers via approximate discrete-time models for sampled-data nonlinear systems with disturbances. In particular, we present sufficient conditions under which a discrete-time controller that input-to-state stabilizes an approximate discrete-time model of a nonlinear plant with disturbances would also input-to-state stabilize (in an appropriate sense) the exact discrete-time plant model.
Thanatos, Shame and Other Essays: On the Psychology of Destructiveness

Finnish psychoanalysis has through the decades made important and original contributions to psychoanalytical theory, and the authors of this book, Pentti Ikonen and Eero Rechardt, are among the most original Finnish voices. Up to now their thinking has mostly been known in Scandinavian countries but this publication may open up their work to a wider group of readers. Together the two authors have explored several fundamental concepts of psychoanalysis, such as the death drive, the process of binding and symbolization. From 1976 until 1992 they published extensively together, and their most important papers have now been collected in this book. At the core of the texts presented are their interpretation of Freud’s later drive theory and, especially, their original understanding of the death drive, Thanatos. Ikonen and Rechard have, through a reading of Beyond the Pleasure Principle (Freud, 1920), developed a consistent theory of Thanatos which situates Thanatos as a general tendency (desire) to get rid of disturbance and to achieve peace and relief. Thanatos works jointly, in accordance with Freud’s theory, with Eros which strives towards expansion, the creation of greater wholes and greater tension. The authors are critical of Freud’s later references to Thanatos as a destructive drive (Freud, 1937, 1938), and also towards other interpretations of the death drive that focus mainly on destructivity and aggression. In their theory destructivity is only one of several possible expressions of Thanatos, as sexuality is only one possible expression of the activities of Eros. Ikonen and Rechardt arrive at their conclusions through their understanding of the process of ‘binding’. A basic need for all human beings is the capacity to be able to bind instinctual energy. Ikonen and Rechardt argue that the process of binding may take many forms throughout psychic development, from the most primitive binding of energy involved in primary processes, to the most advanced forms. This development goes from states where libido is ‘freely moving’, through states of ‘tonic binding’ towards states of ‘mobile binding’ where manoeuvrability is increased and is creating the possibility for increased flexibility. In Ikonen and Rechardt’s view, ‘binding’ is not a function of the ego; it is the other way around. Ego is established as an expression of the developing ‘binding function’. In Ikonen and Rechardt’s view, binding is the central task of Thanatos. The ‘dualistic’ relation between Eros and Thanatos then also becomes clearer. While Eros strives for expansion, greater wholes and increased tension, Thanatos is the instinctual drive to give Eros form, to lesson tension, to withdraw, to ‘bind’. Accordingly, there may be many situations where Eros and Thanatos work together, in the same direction. The forms of Eros and Thanatos may be multiple, from situations of panic and trauma, where libidinous energy is unbound, towards situations of creative flexibility and development where Thanatos gives form to Eros.
Coping, Personality Traits and Social Support in Severe Burn Survivors

Objective: The present study aimed at investigating the correlations among coping, personality traits, and social support for burn survivors. Method: Participants were 48 patients from a reference burn hospital who attended group meetings at a non-governmental organization associated to that institution that offers support to burn survivors. Data were collected from February to May, 2010. The participants answered a socio-demographic questionnaire and three instruments: Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI), Personality Markers, and Social Support Questionnaire (MOS Scale). Results: The data obtained showed a significant correlation among the personality traits neuroticism and socialization and social support, as well as between socialization and coping; however, differently than expected, no significant correlation was established between social support and coping. Conclusion: Personality traits are related to the perception of support from others; however the perception of support does not influence the way burn survivors cope with their problems. These data were discussed in order to broaden the knowledge and stimulate new studies on the area, so that, based on this information, more efficient treatment plans and interventions can be designed to fulfill both the physical and emotional needs of these survivors with more competency and perceptiveness.
Near-Optimal Low Complexity MLSE Equalization

An iterative maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) equalizer (detector) with hard outputs, that has a computational complexity quadratic in the data block and the channel length, is proposed. Its performance is compared to the Viterbi MLSE algorithm that has a computational complexity that is linear in the block length and exponential in the channel memory length. It is shown via computer simulation that the proposed iterative MLSE detector is able to detect binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) signals in systems with significantly larger channel length than what is possible with the Viterbi algorithm, for frequency selective Rayleigh fading channels.
Effect of lipid composition and liposome size on toxicity and in vitro fungicidal activity of liposome-intercalated amphotericin B

Intercalation of amphotericin B into liposomes at a 10 mol% drug/lipid ratio decreased its cytotoxicity by 3- to 90-fold in cultured murine cells and reduced its lethality by 2- to 8-fold in a median lethal dose (LD50) test in mice when compared with the commercial deoxycholate-solubilized drug (LD50 = 2.3 mg/kg). The cytotoxicity and lethality of the liposomal preparations were a function of their lipid composition and diameter. There was no correlation between the reduction of toxicity in the tissue culture assay and the reduction of lethality in the LD50 test. The rank order of reduction of lethality was sterol-containing liposomes greater than solid liposomes greater than fluid liposomes. In general, small sterol-containing vesicles were less lethal than large vesicles of the same composition. Intercalation of amphotericin B in sterol or solid liposomes increased not only the LD50 but also the time to death. The organ distribution of amphotericin B 24 h after intravenous administration was similar whether the drug was given as the commercial deoxycholate preparation or in liposomes. Finally, there were no differences among any of the formulations in their fungicidal activity against Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in vitro. The lesser and slower lethality of the liposomal and detergent-solubilized drug suggests that the mechanism by which liposomes reduce the lethality of amphotericin B is by slowing its rate of transfer to a sensitive cellular target.
Slope filtrations and (φ,Γ)-modules in families

These are the notes for a three-lecture minicourse given at the Institut Henri Poincaré in January 2010 as part of the Galois Trimester. The first lecture reviews the theory of slopes and slope filtrations for Frobenius actions (φ-modules) over the Robba ring, the link to p-adic Hodge theory via the work of Berger, and the analogue of Dieudonné-Manin classifications over the Robba ring. The second lecture introduces the notion of an arithmetic family of φ-modules, and describes our fairly limited knowledge about such objects, particularly the variation of slopes in a family. The few positive results we have are joint with Ruochuan Liu. The third lecture introduces the notion of a geometric family of φ-modules, gives a much more comprehensive treatment of variation of slopes than in the arithmetic case, and indicates an application to the theory of Rapoport-Zink period domains. This lecture represents work in progress, again joint with Ruochuan Liu; we plan to prepare a more detailed manuscript later.