Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioturbation at the water-sediment interface of the Thau Lagoon: impact of shellfish farming

Quantifying of sediment reworking processes provides new insights into benthic ecosystem functioning of the Thau lagoon, an important European shellfish farming area. In order to evaluate bioturbation rates of surface sediments, profiles of 7 Be (half-life: 53 days) and 234 Th (half-life: 24.1 days) were measured in cores collected since December 2001 to December 2006. Several sites were selected to sample the diversity of the Thau lagoon: C4, T10, and T11 in the middle of the lagoon, C5, T7 and T8 nearby oyster farming, T2 and T4 in the western edge, T12 in the eastern part closed to industry. 234 Th in excess ( 234 Thxs; i.e. supplied to sediment by settling particles) and 7 Be both show seasonal variations in activities and in penetration within sediment. Taking into account the moderate sedimentation rates of the Thau lagoon, sites (0.1-0.4 cm per year), the penetration of both short-lived radionuclides to variable depths, from 1 up to 8 cm, indicates efficient biological mixing of upper sediments. Bioturbation rates (Db) to the distribution of excess 234 Th ( 234 Pb-Db) and of 7 Be ( 7 Be-Db) range between 1 and 35 cm 2 y −1 , depending on site and season. Surface sediment mixing of the Thau lagoon is primarily controlled by the quality of particle input, i.e. the food supply to the benthic fauna, mainly governed by the hydrological and seasonal conditions. But locally shellfish production is a key parameter that influences bioturbation through biodeposition.
In Vivo Pharmacological Evaluations of Novel Olanzapine Analogues in Rats: A Potential New Avenue for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Olanzapine (Olz) is one of the most effective antipsychotic drugs commonly used for treating schizophrenia. Unfortunately, Olz administration is associated with severe weight gain and metabolic disturbances. Both patients and clinicians are highly interested in the development of new antipsychotics which are as effective as atypical antipsychotics but which have a lower propensity to induce metabolic side effects. In the present study, we examined two new derivatives of Olz; OlzEt (2-ethyl-4-(4′-methylpiperazin-1′-yl)-10Hbenzo[b]thieno[2,3-e][1,4]diazepine), and OlzHomo (2-ethyl-4-(4′-methyl-1′,4′-diazepan-1′-yl)-10H-benzo[b]thieno[2,3-e] [1,4]diazepine), for their tendency to induce weight gain in rats. Weight gain and metabolic changes were measured in female Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were treated orally with Olz, OlzEt, OlzHomo (3 or 6 mg/kg/day), or vehicle (n = 8), three times daily at eight-hour intervals for 5 weeks. Furthermore, a phencyclidine (PCP)-treated rat model was used to examine the prevention of PCP-induced hyperlocomotor activity relevant for schizophrenia therapy. Male Sprague Dawley rats were pre-treated with a single dose (3 mg/kg/day) of Olz, OlzEt, OlzHomo, or vehicle (n = 12), for 2 weeks. Locomotor activity was recorded following a subcutaneous injection with either saline or PCP (10 mg/kg). Olz was found to induce weight gain, hyperphagia, visceral fat accumulation, and metabolic changes associated with reduced histamatergic H1 receptor density in the hypothalamus of treated rats. In contrast, OlzEt and OlzHomo presented promising antipsychotic effects, which did not induce weight gain or fat deposition in the treated animals. Behavioural analysis showed OlzEt to attenuate PCP-induced hyperactivity to a level similar to that of Olz; however, OlzHomo showed a lower propensity to inhibit these stereotyped behaviours. Our data suggest that the therapeutic effectiveness of OlzHomo may be delivered at a higher dose than that of Olz and OlzEt. Overall, OlzEt and OlzHomo may offer a better pharmacological profile than Olz for treating patients with schizophrenia. Clinical trials are needed to test this hypothesis.
Cooling Sequences and Color-Magnitude Diagrams for Cool White Dwarfs with Hydrogen Atmospheres

We present new cooling sequences, color-magnitude diagrams, and color-color diagrams for cool white dwarfs with pure hydrogen atmospheres down to an effective temperature Teff = 1500 K. We include a more detailed treatment of the physics of the fully ionized interior, particularly an improved discussion of the thermodynamics of the temperature-dependent ion-ion and ion-electron contributions of the quantum, relativistic electron-ion plasma. The present calculations also incorporate accurate boundary conditions between the degenerate core and the outermost layers as well as updated atmosphere models including the H2-H2 induced-dipole absorption. We examine the differences on the cooling time of the star arising from uncertainties in the initial carbon-oxygen profile and the core-envelope L-Tc relation. The maximum time delay due to crystallization-induced chemical fractionation remains substantial, from ~1.0 Gyr for 0.5 and 1.2 M☉ white dwarfs to ~1.5 Gyr for 0.6-0.8 M☉ white dwarfs, even with initial stratified composition profiles, and cannot be ignored in detailed white dwarf cooling calculations. These cooling sequences provide theoretical support to search for or identify old disk or halo hydrogen-rich white dwarfs by characterizing their mass and age from their observational signatures.
Successful Treatment of Systemic-Sclerosis-Related Digital Ulcers with a Selective Endothelin Type A Receptor Antagonist (Sitaxentan)

Digital ulcers represent a major vascular complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and can be difficult to treat with the common vasodilators. Herein, we report on a 39-year-old patient with recalcitrant SSc-related digital ulcers treated successfully with sitaxentan (100 mg q.d.), a selective endothelin type A receptor antagonist. During the 6 months of treatment, we noticed a remarkable decrease in pain, a nearly complete healing of the preexistent ulcers and no development of new ulcers. No side effects were noted.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The interplay with exercise and noninvasive ventilation

Introduction: We evaluated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with reference to the effects of respiratory failure, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and exercise. Methods: We studied plasma VEGF levels in 83 ALS patients, 20 healthy controls, and 10 patients with other disorders. There were 4 groups of ALS patients: G1, 27 patients without respiratory problems; G2, 14 patients stabilized on nocturnal NIV; G3, 30 patients presenting with respiratory failure; G4, 12 patients on an aerobic exercise protocol. Results: VEGF plasma levels did not differ significantly between ALS patients and controls, or between ALS groups. In G3, the mean VEGF levels increased 75% during NIV. In G4, the mean VEGF level increased by 300% during the exercise program. VEGF levels did not change during the course of the disease. Conclusions: VEGF levels in ALS depend on changes in ventilation and exercise but are probably not affected by the disease process itself. Muscle Nerve 49:545–550, 2014
Unilateral electroconvulsive therapy and cerebral dominance: effect of right- and left-sided electrode placement on verbal memory

Unilateral electroconvulsive therapy was given to 32 right-handed patients for relief of depression. Sixteen patients received electrode placement on the right side for the first treatment and on the left side for the second treatment. For the other 16 patients the order of sides was reversed. The word Associate Learning subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale was administered about 20 minutes after each treatment (Wechsler, 1945). Results supported the hypothesis that performance on this test would be better when the electrodes were applied over the right than when they were applied over the right than when they were applied over the left cerebral hemisphere. It is suggested that investigation along these lines could assist in establishing the cerebral dominance of individual patients.
Countermeasures against dangerous use of communication devices while driving – a toolbox

This report outlines possible means to reduce the dangerous usage of mobile phones and other communication devices while driving. An important aspect of this commission was to demonstrate alternatives to legislation. The suggested countermeasures cover several areas. One is technical solutions, including countermeasures directed towards the infrastructure, the vehicle and the communication device. Another area includes education and information and describes different ways to increase knowledge and understanding. Furthermore, there are different possibilities for how society can influence the behaviour of individuals, both via bans, recommendations and incentives. The usage of communication devices while driving has both advantages and disadvantages. How to deal with device usage is a complex problem, and it is unlikely that one single countermeasure can provide a complete solution. One countermeasure may even depend on the implementation of others. The exact effect of most countermeasures is hard to predict, and possible side effects may occur. It is therefore necessary to be pragmatic, meaning that countermeasures whose advantages outweigh their disadvantages should be implemented. Also, different countermeasures can reinforce each other which may attenuate negative side effects. It is our opinion that a combination of different countermeasures – which educate and inform the driver while at the same time support him or her in a safe usage of communication devices – is preferable to a law against communication device usage while driving. Continuous follow-ups are necessary to ensure the outcome of implemented countermeasures.
Serum antibody levels and avidities to Escherichia coli O antigens and poliovirus type 1 antigen are increased in children treated for malignant disease.

BACKGROUND Treatment of malignant disease in children is often associated with low serum immunoglobulin and reduced specific antibody levels. The aim of this study was to investigate if the functional affinity of specific antibodies in serum and saliva is reduced as well and to evaluate if antigenic exposure or treatment duration affects this antibody avidity. PROCEDURE Serum samples were obtained from 45 children and salivary specimens from 30 children with malignant disease. The children were tested either prior to, during, or after chemotherapy. Levels of antibody to E. coli O and to poliovirus type 1 antigens were determined using an ELISA and isotype-specific relative antibody avidity was measured using thiocyanate to elute antibodies from solid-phase immobilized antigens. RESULTS Children with malignant disease had higher levels and relative avidity indexes of serum antibodies to both antigens as compared to controls. The duration of treatment and type of malignant disease were unrelated to these parameters. In saliva, the level of antibodies to E. coli O antigens, but not to poliovirus type 1 antigen, increased during treatment. CONCLUSIONS Both the amount and avidity of serum antibodies to these antigens are increased in children with malignant disease. This may be due to a dysregulation of the immune system caused by the malignancy and seems not to be dependent on exposure. In contrast, the avidity and levels of these antibodies in saliva seem to correlate with the presence of antigenic exposure.
N‐ras gene activation in the rd human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line

A transforming N‐ras allele was molecularly cloned from the RD human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, and the nature of its activation studied. Construction of chimeric recombinants between the RD‐transforming allele and a normal human allele enabled us to localize the alteration responsible for the activation to the second exon of the N‐ras gene. The nucleotide sequence of this exon, when compared to that of the normal allele, revealed a single difference at the 61st amino acid position of the encoded protein; the CAA codon for glutamine in the normal allele was mutated to a CAT codon for histidine in the RD‐transforming allele. This result is the first description of a histidine replacing glutamine in the 61st position and provides further evidence that the 61st amino acid is one of the preferential sites for N‐ras activation.
A case study of a multiply talented savant with an autism spectrum disorder: neuropsychological functioning and brain morphometry

Neuropsychological functioning and brain morphometry in a savant (case GW) with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and both calendar calculation and artistic skills are quantified and compared with small groups of neurotypical controls. Good memory, mental calculation and visuospatial processing, as well as (implicit) knowledge of calendar structure and ‘weak’ central coherence characterized the cognitive profile of case GW. Possibly reflecting his savant skills, the superior parietal region of GW's cortex was the only area thicker (while areas such as the superior and medial prefrontal, middle temporal and motor cortices were thinner) than that of a neurotypical control group. Taken from the perspective of learning/practice-based models, skills in domains (e.g. calendars, art, music) that capitalize upon strengths often associated with ASD, such as detail-focused processing, are probably further enhanced through over-learning and massive exposure, and reflected in atypical brain structure.
Environmental interaction of two wheeled mobile manipulator by using reaction torque observer

There are so many industrial manipulators which involve in lot of task in the industry. Developing the mobile manipulator will expand the operational region of the manipulator. Moreover, two wheeled mobile manipulator will further expand the task of the mobile manipulator by being able to work in limited space and so on. However good mobile manipulator should be robust against environmental disturbance. Therefore, environmental recognition of two wheeled mobile manipulator is proposed in this paper. Reaction torque observer is implemented to recognize the environmental disturbance. Compliance control is used to compensate the environmental feedback. Experiment was carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Temperature-Dependent Dielectric Model for Thawed and Frozen Organic Soil at 1.4 GHz

A single-frequency dielectric model for thawed and frozen Arctic organic-rich (80%-90% organic matter) soil was developed. The model is based on soil dielectric data that were measured over the ranges of volumetric moisture from 0.007 to 0.573 cm3/cm3, dry soil density from 0.564 to 0.666 g/cm3, and temperature from 25°C to -30°C (cooling run), at the frequency of 1.4 GHz. The refractive mixing model was applied to fit the measurements of the soil's complex refractive index (CRI) as a function of soil moisture, with the values of temperature being fixed. Using the results of this fitting, the parameters of the refractive mixing model were derived as a function of temperature. These parameters involve the CRIs of soil solids as well as bound, transient, and free soil water components. The error of the dielectric model was evaluated by correlating the predicted complex relative permittivity (CRP) values of the soil samples with the measured ones. The coefficient of determination (R2) and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) were estimated to be R2 = 0.999, RMSE = 0.27 and R2 = 0.993, RMSE = 0.18 for the real and imaginary parts of the CRP, respectively. These values are in the order of the dielectric measurement error itself. The proposed dielectric model can be applied in active and passive remote-sensing techniques used in the areas with organicrich soil covers, mainly for the SMOS, SMAP, and Aquarius missions.
Effect of a Caregiver's Education Program on Stroke Rehabilitation

Objective To evaluate effects of caregiver's education program on their satisfaction, as well as patient functional recovery, performed in addition to daily conventional rehabilitation treatment. Methods Three hundred eleven subjects diagnosed with first-onset stroke and transferred to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Inha University Hospital were surveyed. In 2015, caregivers attended an education program for acute and subacute stroke patients. Patients who received an additional rehabilitation therapy were assigned to the experimental group (n=81), whereas the control group (n=100) consisted of transfer cases in 2014 with only conventional treatment. The experimental group was classified by severity using the Korean version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (K-NIHSS), which was administered to all 181 subjects, in addition to, the Korean version of the Mini Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), a Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), and the Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS). Caregiver satisfaction and burden before and after education programs were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), as well as family burden and caregiver burnout scales. Results No significant intergroup difference was observed between initial K-NIHSS, K-MMSE, K-BBS, K-MBI scores, and times from admission to transfer. Those with moderate or severe strokes under the experimental condition showed a more significant improvement than the control group as determined by the K-NIHSS and K-BBS, as well as tendential K-MMSE and K-MBI score increases. Satisfaction was significantly greater for family members and formal caregivers of patients with strokes of moderate severity in the experimental group. Conclusion The caregiver's education program for stroke subjects had a positive outcome on patients' functional improvement and caregiver satisfaction. The authors believe that the additional rehabilitation therapy with the education program aids patients to achieve functional improvements for an optimal return to social life.
Species formation by host shifting in avian malaria parasites

Significance Emerging infectious diseases pose threats to humans and livestock, but little is known about the general propensity of parasitic organisms to shift between hosts or the role of host shifting in the diversification of parasite lineages. The malaria parasites of contemporary vertebrate species descended from a common ancestor, likely after the diversification of their major host taxa, requiring rapid speciation and shifting between hosts across large host–taxonomic distances. Examination of sister lineages of avian malaria parasites in the New World suggests that such host shifting is common and often leads to the origin of new evolutionary lineages of parasites. The malaria parasites (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) of birds are believed to have diversified across the avian host phylogeny well after the origin of most major host lineages. Although many symbionts with direct transmission codiversify with their hosts, mechanisms of species formation in vector-borne parasites, including the role of host shifting, are poorly understood. Here, we examine the hosts of sister lineages in a phylogeny of 181 putative species of malaria parasites of New World terrestrial birds to determine the role of shifts between host taxa in the formation of new parasite species. We find that host shifting, often across host genera and families, is the rule. Sympatric speciation by host shifting would require local reproductive isolation as a prerequisite to divergent selection, but this mechanism is not supported by the generalized host-biting behavior of most vectors of avian malaria parasites. Instead, the geographic distribution of individual parasite lineages in diverse hosts suggests that species formation is predominantly allopatric and involves host expansion followed by local host–pathogen coevolution and secondary sympatry, resulting in local shifting of parasite lineages across hosts.
Understanding Competing Web Application Platforms: An Extended Theory of Planned Behavior and its Relative Model

Despite many competing software systems being offered by different vendors, studies in information technology (IT) adoption rarely look at the adoption of competing products. We develop an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB), drawn from social psychology and marketing theories, to predict choice intention and subsequently the choice of two products. The extended TPB is used to compare the two products in a single analysis using relative values. The study is set in the context of two web application platforms: Microsoft and Java. A survey shows that the relative model can explain a high percentage of the variance in choice intention and actual choice. The results suggest that each product may have its own forte, with a different set of important factors. Applying the relative model to examine competing products can capture different dimensions and strengths to differentiate impacts on choice of alternative products. Factors that appear to be important for single-product analyses may not be important in a relative analysis. This highlights the importance of having a relative model study over separate single-product studies.
Coalition Battle Management Language

Abstract : Battle Management Language (BML) is being developed as an unambiguous language to command and control forces and equipment conducting military operations and to provide for situational awareness and a shared common operational picture. BML is being designed as a standard representation of a "digitized commander's intent" to be used for real troops, for simulated troops, and for future robotic forces. A US Army BML prototype was used in the UK to analyze the applicability of these concepts to UK doctrine. A French Army BML has also been prototypically implemented in France, independently from - but well aware of - the US prototype. A study group on coalition applicability of such concepts has been initiated. Three views are necessary to describe BML: (1) A Doctrine View -- BML must be aligned to doctrine; (2) A Representation View -- BML must model these aspects in a way that can be interpreted and processed by the underlying heterogeneous information technology systems of the coalition; (3) A Protocol View - BML must specify the underlying protocols for transferring BML information between the participating systems. This paper will give an introduction to BML for the study group members, will show the areas already being worked on, and will present the initial scope of the work to be done.
Free-Space Optical Communications: Capacity Bounds, Approximations, and a New Sphere-Packing Perspective

The capacity of the free-space optical channel is studied. A new recursive approach for bounding the capacity of the channel based on sphere-packing is proposed. This approach leads to new capacity upper bounds for a channel with a peak intensity constraint or an average intensity constraint. Under an average constraint only, the derived bound is tighter than an existing sphere-packing bound derived earlier by Farid and Hranilovic. The achievable rate of a truncated-Gaussian input distribution is also derived. It is shown that under both average and peak constraints, this achievable rate and the sphere-packing bounds are within a small gap at high SNR, leading to a simple high-SNR capacity approximation. Simple fitting functions that capture the best known achievable rate for the channel are provided. These functions can be of practical importance especially for the study of systems operating under atmospheric turbulence and misalignment conditions.