Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure label prediction using similarity-based retrieval and weakly supervised label mapping

Recently, there has been significant interest in various supervised machine learning techniques that can help reduce the time and effort consumed by manual interpretation workflows. However, most successful supervised machine learning algorithms require huge amounts of annotated training data. Obtaining these labels for large seismic volumes is a very time-consuming and laborious task. We have addressed this problem by presenting a weakly supervised approach for predicting the labels of various seismic structures. By having an interpreter select a very small number of exemplar images for every class of subsurface structures, we use a novel similarity-based retrieval technique to extract thousands of images that contain similar subsurface structures from the seismic volume. By assuming that similar images belong to the same class, we obtain thousands of image-level labels for these images; we validate this assumption. We have evaluated a novel weakly supervised algorithm for mapping these rough image-level labels into more accurate pixel-level labels that localize the different subsurface structures within the image. This approach dramatically simplifies the process of obtaining labeled data for training supervised machine learning algorithms on seismic interpretation tasks. Using our method, we generate thousands of automatically labeled images from the Netherlands Offshore F3 block with reasonably accurate pixel-level labels. We believe that this work will allow for more advances in machine learning-enabled seismic interpretation.
Exfoliatin-Producing Strains Define a Fourthagr Specificity Group in Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The staphylococcal virulon is activated by the density-sensingagr system, which is autoinduced by a short peptide (autoinducing peptide [AIP]) processed from a propeptide encoded byagrD. A central segment of the agr locus, consisting of the C-terminal two-thirds of AgrB (the putative processing enzyme), AgrD, and the N-terminal half of AgrC (the receptor), shows striking interstrain variation. This finding has led to the division of Staphylococcus aureus isolates into three different agr specificity groups and to the division of non-aureus staphylococci into a number of others. The AIPs cross-inhibit the agr responses between groups. We have previously shown that most menstrual toxic shock strains belong toagr specificity group III but that no strong clinical identity has been associated with strains of the other two groups. In the present report, we demonstrate a fourth agr specificity group among S. aureus strains and show that most exfoliatin-producing strains belong to this group. A striking common feature of group IV strains is activation of the agrresponse early in exponential phase, at least 2 h earlier than in strains of the other groups. This finding raises the question of the biological significance of the agr autoinduction threshold.
[Use of combined detection of hepatitis C virus core antigen and antibodies to reduce the serological window-phase].

OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed at evaluating the performances of a combined assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus core antigen and antibodies and comparing this test with conventional third generation Elisa. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two hundred forty-one samples were included in this study and tested by Monolisa HCV Ag-Ab ULTRA, Biorad and compared to Monolisa Anti-HCV Plus. A comparative study was performed on a HCV seroconversion panel (Monolisa anti-HCV Plus, Biorad; Innotest HCV Ab IV, Innogenetics and Murex anti-HCV, Abbott). False positive samples were detected with western blot assay (INNO-LIA HCV Ab III, Innogenetics). Two anti-HCV negative haemodialysis patients with rise in ALT have been tested for RNA detection (Amplicor v2.0, Roche). RESULTS Results obtained with Biorad Ag-Ab were in agreement with third generation ELISA on HCV seroconversion panel. From anti-HCV negative patients, four samples were found low positive with HCV Ag-Ab. Two anti-HCV negative haemodialysis patients/HCV RNA positive were also negative with HCV Ag-Ab and 13 low positive samples with Biorad Ab were found negative with Ag-Ab. CONCLUSION The HCV Ag-Ab assay has a high specificity and sensitivity comparatively to conventional ELISA; but in our study we don't prove the reduction of the "serologic window" for detection of anti-HCV antibodies.
The Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics System: Clinical Relevance, Reliability and Validity

In this paper, we present a multiaxial system for psychodynamic diagnosis, which has attained wide usage in Germany in the last 10 years. First we will discuss the 4 operationalized psychodynamic diagnostics (OPD) axes: illness experience and treatment assumptions, relationships, mental conflicts, and structure, then clinical applications will be outlined. Focus psychodynamic formulations can be employed both with inpatients and with outpatients. Studies show good reliability in a research context and acceptable reliability for clinical purposes. Validity will be separately summarized as content, criterion, and construct validity. Validity studies indicate good validity for the individual axes. Numerous studies on the OPD indicate areas of possible improvement, for example for clinical purposes the OPD should be more practically formulated.
A comparison of macro- and microelement concentrations in the whole grain of four Triticum species

The aim of this study was to compare the concentrations of five macro- and fifteen microelements in the whole grain of spring lines of emmer, einkorn, spelt and two common wheat cultivars, all grown under identical environmental conditions. All elements were determined by ICP-SFMS analysis. The studied Triticum species differed significantly with respect to the concentrations of P, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Na, Cu, Sr, Rb, and Mo. The grain of all hulled wheats, compared with common wheat, contained significantly more Zn (from 34% to 54%), Fe (from 31% to 33%) and Cu (from 3% to 28%). In the majority of cases, there were no relationships between the concentrations of the analyzed elements, except for significant positive correlations between the levels of Fe, Zn and Mn, in particular in T. monococcum and T. dicoccum. The classical linear discriminant analysis enabled to distinguish between the three studied Triticum species with regard to the concentrations of all analyzed elements in their grain. A significant dis crimination indicates that the concentrations of the investigated elements are a species-specific character. A strong correlation between Zn, Fe and Mn could have important implications for wheat quality breeding.
Solution structure and dynamics of DNA duplexes containing the universal base analogues 5-nitroindole and 5-nitroindole 3-carboxamide

Universal bases hybridize with all other natural DNA or RNA bases, and have applications in PCR and sequencing. We have analysed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy the structure and dynamics of three DNA oligonucleotides containing the universal base analogues 5-nitroindole and 5-nitroindole-3-carboxamide. In all systems studied, both the 5-nitroindole nucleotide and the opposing nucleotide adopt a standard anti conformation and are fully stacked within the DNA duplex. The 5-nitroindole bases do not base pair with the nucleotide opposite them, but intercalate between this base and an adjacent Watson–Crick pair. In spite of their smooth accommodation within the DNA double-helix, the 5-nitroindole-containing duplexes exist as a dynamic mixture of two different stacking configurations exchanging fast on the chemical shift timescale. These configurations depend on the relative intercalating positions of the universal base and the opposing base, and their exchange implies nucleotide opening motions on the millisecond time range. The structure of these nitroindole-containing duplexes explains the mechanism by which these artificial moieties behave as universal bases.
Use of Perflubron Emulsion to Decrease Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in High-blood-loss Non-Cardiac Surgery: Results of a European Phase 3 Study

Background This single-blind randomized study in general surgery evaluated the efficacy of perflubron emulsion (PFC) as an artificial oxygen carrier being used to augment preoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution to reduce and avoid transfusion of both allogeneic erythrocytes and erythrocytes from preoperative autologous donation compared with standard of care. Methods Subjects (N = 492) with hemoglobin concentrations of 12–15 g/dl undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures with 20 ml/kg or greater expected blood loss were randomized into two groups. Control patients were transfused intraoperatively at a hemoglobin concentration less than 8.0 ± 0.5 g/dl or at protocol-defined, physiologic triggers. PFC-treated patients first underwent acute normovolemic hemodilution to hemoglobin of 8.0 ± 0.5 g/dl, followed by dosing with perflubron emulsion (1.8 g/kg). When hemoglobin reached less than 6.5 ± 0.5 g/dl, an additional 0.9-g/kg dose was given. PFC patients were transfused at hemoglobin less than 5.5 ± 0.5 g/dl or at predefined physiologic triggers. After surgery, hemoglobin was maintained at 8.5 ± 0.5 g/dl or greater in all patients until discharge. Efficacy endpoints included the number of allogeneic and preoperative autologous donation units transfused and the percentage of subjects avoiding transfusion. Results Both groups had similar hemoglobin concentrations at screening (13.5 ± 1.0 g/dl) and at discharge: 10.8 ± 1.2 g/dl (PFC) and 11.1 ± 1.3 g/dl (control). At 24 h, more patients in the PFC group avoided allogeneic and preoperative autologous donation erythrocyte transfusions (53%vs. 43%, P < 0.05), and fewer erythrocytes were transfused (1.5 ± 4.8 vs. 2.1 ± 3.9 units; median, 0 vs. 1 unit;P = 0.013). By day of discharge, these differences were not significant in the intent-to-treat population, but overall there were less allogeneic and preoperative autologous donation erythrocyte transfusions in the PFC group (696 vs. 846 units). In the protocol-defined target population (n = 330 subjects with blood loss ≥ 20 ml/kg), significantly greater avoidance of any erythrocyte transfusion was maintained through day of hospital discharge (26%vs. 16% in the PFC and control groups, respectively;P < 0.05), and there was also a significant reduction in the number of erythrocyte units transfused (3.4 ± 2.9 vs. 4.9 ± 2.4 units; median 2 vs. 4 units;P < 0.001). Adverse events rates were similar in the PFC (86%) and control (81%) groups; however, more serious adverse events were reported in the PFC group (32%) than in controls (21%;P < 0.05). Overall mortality was 3%, and the difference between groups (PFC, 4%vs. controls, 2%) was not statistically significant. Conclusions Augmented acute normovolemic hemodilution with PFC reduces transfusion needs in patients undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures with blood loss 20 ml/kg or greater.
50 years of bat tracking: device attachment and future directions

Radiotelemetry and satellite‐based telemetry approaches are essential to describe the behaviour and biology of animals. This is especially true for bats, whose small size and cryptic lifestyles make them challenging to study. However, only a handful of studies have evaluated how transmitter mass and the attachment method affect bat behaviour or health, and none have assessed the development of technical methods in the field. We review the past 50 years of bat tracking studies to determine how devices have been attached, how guidelines have been followed or changed, and whether any health or fitness impacts from these transmitters can be determined. Half of the nearly 300 studies available used devices heavier than the recommended 5% of body mass with minimal justification. Devices were typically glued directly to the backs of small bats and remained attached for 9 days. This is far shorter than battery life span of most devices. Little information is available regarding the overall impact of attaching transmitters on the health, survival and reproductive success of bats, and there has been little development in attachment methods since the first tracking studies. We consequently developed a collar for small bats with a degradable weak link and tested it on several species. The collar worked successfully on three of four species. This allows longer habituation and tracking times while ensuring that the device drops off after the battery expires. Future studies will need to invest more effort in assessing potential long‐term effects of tracking. They also need to build upon previous knowledge to find the best attachment method, size and shape for their study species to effectively improve wildlife tracking.
Incidence of dry eye in a sample population in KualaLumpur

Background: Dry eye disease is one of the most frequently encountered ocular problems and yet limited prevalence data on Asian population is available in the literature. Aims and Objective: To determine the incidence of dry eye in a sample population in Kuala Lumpur using the McMonnies dry eye questionnaire (MDEQ). Methods: Around 900 subjects were invited to participate in this study. The MDEQ was distributed to all subjects and the survey was self administered. The results were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. Results: A total of 850 subjects completed the MDEQ with 375 (44.1%) males and 475 (55.9%) females. The age distribution was 353 (41.5%) under 25 years (Group 1), 247 (29.1%) between 25 to 45 years (Group 2) and 250 (29.4%) above 45 years (Group 3). Around 44% were Malays, 48.1% Chinese, 7.4% Indians and 0.5% from other races. 14.6% of the population was having dry eye. Mean score for all subjects were 9.38±5.63 with significantly higher score (10.01±5.86) for females than males (8.57 ±5.21) (p=0.02). No significant difference was detected between races (p=0.07). Following age, mean score for Group 1, 2 and 3 was 6.80± 4.01, 10.17±5.64 and 12.24±5.96 respectively with significant difference between Group 1 and other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Around 15% of the sample population is having dry eye, with higher score in females and older age groups. The MDEQ should be considered by eye care practitioners for screening dry eye and the results may improve the management of dry eye problems in this region.
Aging-associated formaldehyde-induced norepinephrine deficiency contributes to age-related memory decline

A norepinephrine (NE) deficiency has been observed in aged rats and in patients with Alzheimer's disease and is thought to cause cognitive disorder. Which endogenous factor induces NE depletion, however, is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of aging‐associated formaldehyde (FA) on the inactivation of NE in vitro and in vivo, and on memory behaviors in rodents. The results showed that age‐related DNA demethylation led to hippocampal FA accumulation, and when this occurred, the hippocampal NE content was reduced in healthy male rats of different ages. Furthermore, biochemical analysis revealed that FA rapidly inactivated NE in vitro and that an intrahippocampal injection of FA markedly reduced hippocampal NE levels in healthy adult rats. Unexpectedly, an injection of FA (at a pathological level) or 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA, a NE depletor) can mimic age‐related NE deficiency, long‐term potentiation (LTP) impairments, and spatial memory deficits in healthy adult rats. Conversely, an injection of NE reversed age‐related deficits in both LTP and memory in aged rats. In agreement with the above results, the senescence‐accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mice also exhibited a severe deficit in LTP and memory associated with a more severe NE deficiency and FA accumulation, when compared with the age‐matched, senescence‐resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice. Injection of resveratrol (a natural FA scavenger) or NE into SAMP8 mice reversed FA accumulation and NE deficiency and restored the magnitude of LTP and memory. Collectively, these findings suggest that accumulated FA is a critical endogenous factor for aging‐associated NE depletion and cognitive decline.
The addition of adenovirus type 5 region E3 enables calydon virus 787 to eliminate distant prostate tumor xenografts.

CV787, a novel highly prostate-specific replication-competent adenovirus with improved efficacy, was constructed. CV787 contains the prostate-specific rat probasin promoter, driving the adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) E1A gene, and the human prostate-specific enhancer/promoter, driving the E1B gene. To improve efficacy, we constructed CV787 such that it also contains the entire Ad5 E3 region. CV787 replicates in prostate-specific antigen (PSA)+ cells as well as wild-type adenovirus, but in PSA- cells, CV787 replicates 10(4)-10(5) times less efficiently. CV787 destroys PSA+ prostate cancer cells 10,000 times more efficiently than PSA- cells. Incorporation of the Ad5 E3 region significantly improves the target cell killing ability or efficacy of CV787. In nu/nu mice carrying s.c. LNCaP xenografts, a single i.v. tail vein injection of CV787 eliminates 300-mm3 tumors within 4 weeks. CV787 could be a powerful therapeutic for human metastatic prostate cancer.
X-Ray Timing, Spectroscopy, and Photometry of the Anomalous X-Ray Pulsar Candidate CXOU J010043.1–721134

We present new X-ray timing and spectral results on the 8.0 s X-ray pulsar CXOU J010043.1-721134 from a series of observations using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. We found a spin period in 2004 January of 8.020392 ± 0.000009 s. A comparison of this to the 2001 Chandra observations implies a period derivative = (1.88 ± 0.08) × 10-11 s s-1, leading to an inferred dipole surface magnetic field of 3.9 × 1014 G. The spectrum is well fit to an absorbed blackbody of temperature kT = 0.38 ± 0.02 keV with a power-law tail of photon index Γ = 2.0 ± 0.6. We find that the source has an unabsorbed X-ray flux (0.5-10 keV) of 4 × 10-13 ergs cm-2 s-1 and a corresponding X-ray luminosity of ~2 × 1035 ergs s-1 for a distance of 60 kpc. These properties support the classification of CXOU J010043.1-721134 as the seventh confirmed anomalous X-ray pulsar, the eleventh confirmed magnetar, and the first magnetar to be identified in the Small Magellanic Cloud.
A 4 GHz Continuous-Time  $\Delta\Sigma$ ADC With 70 dB DR and $-$74 dBFS THD in 125 MHz BW

A 4 GHz third-order continuous-time ΔΣ ADC is presented with a loop filter topology that absorbs the pole caused by the input capacitance of its 4-bit quantizer and also compensates for the excess delay caused by the quantizer's latency. The ADC was implemented in 45 nm-LP CMOS and achieves 70 dB DR and -74 dBFS THD in a 125 MHz BW, while dissipating 260 mW from 1.1/1.8 V supply. The ADC occupies 0.9 mm2 including the modulator, clock circuitry and decimation filter.
EARLY OPTICAL OBSERVATIONS OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS BY THE TAROT TELESCOPES: PERIOD 2001–2008

The Télescopes à Action Rapide pour les Objets Transitoires telescopes are two robotic observatories designed to observe the prompt optical emission counterpart and the early afterglow of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We present data acquired between 2001 and 2008 and discuss the properties of the optical emission of GRBs, noting various interesting results. The optical emission observed during the prompt GRB phase is rarely very bright: we estimate that 5%–20% of GRBs exhibit a bright optical flash (R < 14) during the prompt gamma-ray emission, and that more than 50% of the GRBs have an optical emission fainter than R = 15.5 when the gamma-ray emission is active. We study the apparent optical brightness distribution of GRBs at 1000 s showing that our observations confirm the distribution derived by other groups. The combination of these results with those obtained by other rapid slewing telescopes allows us to better characterize the early optical emission of GRBs and to emphasize the importance of very early multiwavelength GRB studies for the understanding of the physics of the ejecta.
Premere occlusion system for transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure: Mid‐term results of a single‐center registry

Background: Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) with rigid devices may be problematic in patients with long channel PFO: alternative devices with asymmetrical opening and more physiological positioning may be preferable in such cases. We present the mid‐term results of transcatheter closure of PFO with Premere Occlusion System, a device studied for this specific anatomy, in a single‐center registry of adults with previous cerebral ischemia. Methods: During a 53‐months period (July 1, 2005 to December 1, 2009) 70 patients (48 females and 22 males, mean age 38 ± 6.7 years) with previous stroke were admitted in our center for transcatheter closure of PFO with Premere Occlusion System on the basis of absence of moderate or severe atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) on Transesophageal echocardiography and intracardiac echocardiography (< 3RL or 3LR ASA and length of PFO channel >10 mm). Results: The procedure was successful in all of the patients with no peri‐operative and in‐hospital complications. Forty‐six 20 mm and twenty‐four 25 mm Premere devices were implanted. Rates of procedural success, predischarge occlusion, and complication were: 100%, 95.7% and 0%, respectively. On mean follow‐up of 40 ± 10.9 months (range 6–54), the follow‐up occlusion rate was 98.5%. During follow‐up, no cases of permanent atrial fibrillation, aortic/atrial erosion, device thrombosis, or atrioventricular valve inferences were noted. Conclusion: The mid‐term outcomes of our registry suggests that the Premere Occlusion System may be an excellent device for patients with long‐channel PFO and absence of moderate/severe ASA, offering a physiological and anatomically respective closure of PFO also in patients with hypertrophic rims. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.