Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pansharpening With Matting Model

Pansharpening aims at creating a fused image of high spatial and spectral resolutions through merging a panchromatic (PAN) image with a multispectral (MS) image. Component substitution is the most widely used pansharpening method. However, most research in this field focuses on improving the existing component substitution-based pansharpening methods, e.g., principal component substitution and intensity hue saturation transform. The major contribution of this paper is a novel component substitution framework based on an image matting model. The matting model refers to an MS image that can be decomposed into three components, i.e., alpha channel, spectral foreground, and background. Through substituting the alpha channel of the MS image with the PAN image, the high-resolution MS image is able to be reconstructed perfectly. Experiments performed on different data sets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms several state-of-the-art pansharpening methods in terms of subjective and objective evaluation.
Y‐27632, an Inhibitor of Rho‐associated Protein Kinase, Suppresses Tumor Cell Invasion via Regulation of Focal Adhesion and Focal Adhesion Kinase

Migration of rat ascites hepatoma (MM1) cells, invasion and phagokinetic movement were induced by the combination of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and fibronectin (FN). Induction of migratory activity was tightly correlated with morphological change of MM1 cells from spherical or polygonal‐shaped cells to fusiform‐shaped ones with pseudopodia. MM1 cells were mobile in a fusiform shape, whereas those of a spherical or polygonal shape were not. A small GTPase Rho and one of its downstream effectors ROCK (Rho‐associated coiled‐coil forming protein kinase), play essential roles in these processes, as evidenced by suppression of migration and morphological change of MM1 cells by Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme, an inhibitor of Rho, or by Y‐27632, an inhibitor of ROCK. Y‐27632 also suppressed the formation of fusiform‐shaped pseudopodia‐carrying MM1 cells that was induced by stimulation with the combination of LPA and FN. LPA and FN also evoked the formation of focal adhesions and actin bundles, and tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin. The inhibitory effect of Y‐27632 on LPA‐induced migration and morphological change of MM1 cells was considered to be mediated, at least in part, by impaired formation of focal adhesions and actin bundles. Y‐27632 suppressed LPA‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, suggesting that ROCK regulates these molecules and Y‐27632 inhibits cellular migration and morphological change, at least in part, through this regulation.
Staining of the Internal Limiting Membrane with the Use of Heavy Brilliant Blue G

Background: Brilliant blue G (BBG) is frequently used in chromovitrectomy to facilitate internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. A study was initiated to evaluate if heavy BBG is safe and effective in staining the ILM. Methods: We studied 30 eyes, 23 with idiopathic macular holes and 7 of patients with diabetic macular edema. Removal of the ILMs was assisted by heavy BBG staining. In cases with histopathological correlation the ILMs were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff and glial fibrillary acidic protein staining. In addition, immunohistochemistry was also performed using specific antibodies for vimentin, neuron-specific enolase, factor VIII and CD68. Using the Image-Pro Plus software of Media Cybernetics Co. we found an average thickness in ILMs. Results: Of the ILM specimens sent, 19/30 (63.33%) could not be processed properly because of the limited sample material, recognizing only fragments of dispersed fibrillar material. In macular hole ILMs we found an average thickness of 1.3 ± 0.65 µm, and in diabetic macular edema ILMs an average thickness of 6.2 ± 1.4 µm. Conclusions: In heavy BBG-assisted ILM peeling we observed no intraoperative or postoperative complications after a mean follow-up of 12 months. Heavy BBG could be an effective and safe vehicle for staining the ILM.
Human Capital Mobility and Convergence - A Spatial Dynamic Panel Model of the German Regions

"Since the fall of the iron curtain in 1989, the migration deficit of the Eastern part of Germany has accumulated to 1.8 million people, which is over 10 percent of its initial population. Depending on their human capital endowment, these migrants might either - in the case of low-skilled migration - accelerate or - in high-skilled case - impede convergence. Due to the availability of detailed data on regional human capital, migration and productivity growth, we are able to test how geographic mobility affects convergence via the human capital selectivity of migration. With regard to the endogeneity of the migration flows and human capital, we apply a dynamic panel data model within the framework of s-convergence and account for spatial dependence. The regressions indicate a positive, robust, but modest effect of a migration surplus on regional productivity growth. After controlling for human capital, the effect of migration decreases; this decrease indicates that skill selectivity is one way that migration impacts growth. " (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))
Toxicity of Four Systemic Neonicotinoids to Adults of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Abstract As part of the ongoing evaluation of different systemic insecticides for prophylactic treatment of trees, responses of the beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to different doses of four systemic neonicotinyl insecticides were studied. Adult beetles were provided with twigs or leaves of trees treated with different concentrations of imidacloprid to evaluate the toxicity of the insecticide through ingestion or contact or through both. Adult beetles also were provided with twigs of host plant treated with clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiamethoxam to establish dose response of the beetle to these insecticides. Levels of individual insecticides in twigs and leaves were determined by using the “parent” method with high-performance liquid chromatography, and these levels were compared with the applied concentrations to determine their relationship. The LC50 values for detected level of each insecticide in twigs was 5.1 ppm at 24 h, 2.9 at 48 h, and 1.9 ppm at 72 h for imidacloprid; 1.1 ppm at 72 h for clothianidin; 2.2 ppm at 72 h for dinotefuran; and 1.0 ppm at 72 h for thiamethoxam. Our results indicate that mortality of adult beetles resulted not only from the ingestion and contact toxicity but also possibly from the antifeedant effect of imidacloprid.
Effects of Yoga Training on Body Composition and Oxidant-Antioxidant Status among Healthy Male

Background: The stressful condition may cause oxidative stress, which is responsible for various diseases. Aims: The present study was designed to find out whether yoga has impact on the reduction of oxidative stress. Methods: For the present study, 95 (n = 95) healthy male volunteers within the age group of 18–24 years were included, 35 (n = 35) volunteers were excluded. The remaining 60 (n = 60) volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: (a) Yoga Group (n = 30) and (b) Control Group (n = 30). Yoga training was given for 60 min per day, 6 days per week for 12 weeks in the yoga group, with no yoga training in control group. Assessment of body composition and oxidant-antioxidant status were performed in both the groups at baseline, before yoga training (0 week) and after (12 weeks) of the training. Results: Significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the percentage of body fat and malondialdehyde; significant elevation (P < 0.001) in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid levels were noted in the yoga group after 12 weeks when compared to baseline data (0 week). However, there was no significant difference in height, weight, body mass index, body surface area and lean body mass among the yoga group after 12 weeks when compared to baseline data. These changes might be due to yoga training. Conclusions: Regular yoga practice reduces body fat and oxidative stress. Yoga training may be helpful to reduce the chance of occurrence of various diseases and helps to maintain normal healthy lifestyle.
Comparison of Calbindin D‐28k and S‐100 Protein B in Neuroblastoma as Determined by Enzyme Immunoassay

Levels of two calcium‐binding proteins, calbindin D‐28k (calbindin‐D) and S‐100 protein B (S‐100b), were measured by immunoassay in solid tumors obtained surgically from pediatric patients. Mean concentrations of calbindin‐D and S‐100b in 73 neuroblastomas (23 ganglioneuroblastomas and 50 neuroblastomas) were 10‐ or 25‐fold higher, respectively, than those in other types of solid tumors in pediatric patients (n=15). The mean tumor concentration of calbindin‐D in patients with neuroblastoma (n=73) was 25.1 ng/mg (range 0.20 to 317.0 ng/mg soluble protein, SE=6.26); that of S‐100b was 278.3 ng/mg (range 0.93 to 2521 ng/mg soluble protein, SE=71.7). The mean concentration of calbindin‐D (4.4 ng/mg soluble protein) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in stage IV, the most advanced stage. The mean concentration of S‐100b (74.0 ng/mg soluble protein) was lower in patients with undifferentiated neuroblastomas (P < 0.01). Tumor levels of the two calcium‐binding proteins were not correlated in patients with neuroblastoma, but each was strongly correlated with outcome in patients with neuroblastoma. The evidence suggests that measurements of the calcium‐binding proteins calbindin‐D and S‐100b would be useful for evaluating the prognosis of patients with neuroblastoma.
The Use of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis in Couple and Family Therapy Research

This article proposes a research methodology that is newer to the field of couple and family therapy (CFT) research called interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Researchers exploring CFT research continue to establish the efficacy of couple and family interventions in a context that favors a positivist view of phenomena. This research continues to be critical for establishing the role of CFT in the field of mental health as well as further clarifying which interventions are best for specific clinical issues and when. IPA offers researchers the opportunity to explore how couples and families make meaning of their experiences from an intersubjective perspective. Meaning making is central to understanding couples and families as well as part of the many clinical approaches to working with couples and families. Despite the importance of meaning, few research methodologies allow for this central concept in CFT to be the focus of exploration. The following article outlines one such methodology and the possible use of IPA in CFT research.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York Staff Reports Optimal Target Criteria for Stabilization Policy 1 a General Nonlinear Framework 1.1 the Model 1.2 Nonlinear First-order Conditions for Optimal Policy

This paper presents preliminary fi ndings and is being distributed to economists and other interested readers solely to stimulate discussion and elicit comments. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and are not necessarily refl ective of views at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the authors. ). The authors thank Pierpaolo Benigno and Lars Svensson for helpful discussions and the National Science Foundation for support of this research under grants SES-0518770 and SES-0820438. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily refl ect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Abstract This paper considers a general class of nonlinear rational-expectations models in which policymakers seek to maximize an objective function that may be household expected utility. We show how to derive a target criterion that is 1) consistent with the model's structural equations, 2) strong enough to imply a unique equilibrium, and 3) optimal, in the sense that a commitment to adjust the policy instrument at all dates so as to satisfy the target criterion maximizes the objective function. The proposed optimal target criterion is a linear equation that must be satisfi ed by the projected paths of certain economically relevant " target variables. " It takes the same form at all times and generally involves only a small number of target variables, regardless of the size and complexity of the model. While the projected path of the economy requires information about its current state, the target criterion itself can be stated without reference to a complete description of the state of the world. We illustrate the application of the method to a nonlinear DSGE model with staggered price setting, in which the objective of policy is to maximize household expected utility. Forecast targeting has become an increasingly popular approach, both to the organization of monetary policy deliberations and to communication with the public about monetary policy decisions , at central banks around the world. In this approach, a contemplated forward path for policy is judged correct to the extent that quantitative projections for one or more economic variables, conditional on the contemplated policy, conform to a target criterion. 1 The present paper considers whether the conditions required for the conduct of policy to maximize welfare can …
Atlantic meridional ocean heat transport at 26° N: impact on subtropical ocean heat content variability

Local climate is significantly affected by changes in the oceanic heat content on a range of timescales. This variability is driven by heat fluxes from both the atmosphere and the ocean. In the Atlantic the meridional overturning circulation is the main contributor to the oceanic meridional heat transport for latitudes south of about 50° N. The RAPID project has been successfully monitoring the Atlantic meridional overturning at 26° N since 2004. This study demonstrates how these data can be used to estimate the variability of the basin-wide ocean heat content in the upper 800 m between 26° and 36° N. Traditionally the atmosphere is seen to dominate the ocean heat content variability. However, previous studies have looked at smaller areas in the Gulf Stream region, finding that the ocean dominates deseasoned fluctuations of ocean heat content, while studies of the whole North Atlantic region suggest that the atmosphere may be dominant. In our study we use a box model to investigate fluctuations of the ocean heat content in the subtropical North Atlantic between 26° and 36° N. The box model approach is validated using 19 yr of high-resolution general circulation model (GCM) data. We find that in both the GCM- and RAPID-based data the ocean heat transport dominates the deseasoned heat content variability, while the atmosphere's impact on the ocean heat content evolution stabilizes after 6 months. We demonstrate that the utility of the RAPID data goes beyond monitoring the overturning circulation at 26° N, and that it can be used to better understand the causes of ocean heat content variability in the North Atlantic. We illustrate this for a recent decrease in ocean heat content which was observed in the North Atlantic in 2009 and 2010. Our results suggest that most of this ocean heat content reduction can be explained by a reduction of the meridional ocean heat transport during this period.
Forests, shrubs, and terrain: top‐down and bottom‐up controls on forest structure

Overstory forest structure responds to terrain-related abiotic factors and to biotic interactions among overstory and understory plants. Unlike species abundance, tree height, biomass, and leaf area in many regions have been poorly quantified in relation to terrain-driven environmental gradients. In addition, the magnitude of understory influences on overstory structure has been poorly characterized for many forest systems. Our primary goal was to identify relationships between terrain (elevation, convexity, exposure), evergreen understory, and overstory structure (height, aboveground biomass, leaf area) in mature deciduous forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. We used a combination of field point and plot measurements, LiDAR, and satellite image data to sample little-disturbed deciduous forest stands. Height, biomass, and gap frequency were significantly related to changes in elevation, exposure (aspect), and convexity (cove to ridge). Higher evergreen understory density was strongly correlated with decreases in forest height and biomass, with an impact observed across moisture, elevation, and exposure gradients. Canopies on ridges averaged half as tall at the highest evergreen understory densities when compared to those without evergreen shrubs (10 vs. 19 m), and overstory canopy height averaged 6 m shorter on sideslopes with high evergreen understory density compared to those with low evergreen understory density. Canopy height declined from low to high elevations, with larger relative decreases on ridges, but biomass increased from low to high elevations, due primarily to high biomass in coves at midto upper elevations. Biomass and canopy height declined from cove to ridge and northto south-facing slopes. Responses in canopy height and aboveground biomass associated with changes in understory evergreen density were similar to impacts due to terrain. Gaps were more frequent on south-facing slopes. Previous studies at this site and others identify soil moisture and soil N competition as the most plausible mechanisms by which understory shrubs might influence overstory canopy structure, with low light limiting seedling recruitment as an additional mechanism. Our work suggests evergreen understory density, particularly on sideslope and ridge locations, substantially affects overstory canopy height and biomass.
Strategies for sustainability and equity of prepayment health schemes in Uganda.

BACKGROUND Despite the long existence of community health insurance schemes (CHI) in Uganda, their numbers and coverage levels have remained small with limited accessibility by the poor. OBJECTIVES To examine issues of equity and sustainability in CHI schemes, which are prerequisites to health sector financing. METHODS We carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study employing qualitative techniques. Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with CHI scheme members and seven FGDs with non-members were held. Twelve Key informant interviews (KIs) were held with scheme managers, officials from Ministry of Health and one health financing organisation. We reviewed relevant documents and records of schemes. RESULTS Respondents' perceptions of unfairness in schemes were: non-members were treated better in hospital than members; some members pay premiums continuously without falling sick and schemes refused to cover illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. Fairness was related with the very little payment for the services received, members paying less than non-members but both getting the same treatment and no patient discrimination based on gender, age or social status. Schemes are not sustainable because they operate on small budgets, have low enrolment and lack government support. Effect of abolition of user fees on scheme enrolment was minimal. CONCLUSION Government should ensure that quality of health care does not deteriorate in the context of increased utilisation after user fees removal, schemes need substantial support to build their sustainability and there is need for technical and policy considerations about whether or not CHI has a role to play in Ugandan health system.
Activation of DREAM , a calcium-binding protein , reduces L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in mice

Irene Ruiz De Diego, Britt Mellstrom, Mario Vallejo , Jose R. Naranjo and Rosario Moratalla* Cajal Institute, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC/UAM) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
Quantifying the Effects of Idle-Stop Systems on Fuel Economy in Light-Duty Passenger Vehicles

Vehicles equipped with idle-stop (IS) systems are capable of engine shut down when the vehicle is stopped and rapid engine re-start for the vehicle launch. This capability reduces fuel consumption and emissions during periods when the engine is not being utilized to provide propulsion or to power accessories. IS systems are a low-cost and fast-growing technology in the industry-wide pursuit of increased vehicle efficiency, possibly becoming standard features in European vehicles in the near future. In contrast, currently there are only three non-hybrid vehicle models for sale in North America with IS systems and these models are distinctly low-volume models. As part of the United States Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, ECOtality North America has tested the real-world effect of IS systems on fuel consumption in three vehicle models imported from Europe. These vehicles were chosen to represent three types of systems: (1) spark ignition with 12-V belt alternator starter; (2) compression ignition with 12-V belt alternator starter; and (3) direct-injection spark ignition, with 12-V belt alternator starter/combustion restart. The vehicles have undergone both dynamometer and on-road testing; the test results show somewhat conflicting data. The laboratory data and the portion of the on-road data in which driving is conducted on a prescribed route with trained drivers produced significant fuel economy improvement. However, the fleet data do not corroborate improvement, even though the data show significant engine-off time. It is possible that the effects of the varying driving styles and routes in the fleet testing overshadowed the fuel economy improvements. More testing with the same driver over routes that are similar with the IS system-enabled and disabled is recommended. There is anecdotal evidence that current Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy test procedures do not capture the fuel economy gains that IS systems produce in real-world driving. The program test results provide information on the veracity of these claims.
Association between Helicobacter bilis in Bile and Biliary Tract Malignancies: H. bilis in Bile from Japanese and Thai Patients with Benign and Malignant Diseases in the Biliary Tract

Japan and Thailand have high incidences of bile duct carcinoma and gallstones. The presence of Helicobacter bilis (H. bilis) detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S rRNA analysis in bile samples from Chileans with chronic cholecystitis was reported. The association between H. bilis in bile and biliary tract malignancies has not been investigated, and therefore the aim of this study is to determine whether malignant diseases of the biliary tract are associated with the presence of H. bilis in bile samples obtained from two high‐risk populations. Bile samples from 45 Japanese and 40 Thai patients were subjected to PCR analysis using H. bilis‐specific primers, and six of the H. bilis amplicons were sequenced. Thirteen out of 15 (87%) Japanese and 11 out of 14 (79%) Thai patients with bile duct or gallbladder cancer tested positive for the presence of H. bilis in their bile. Eight out of 16 (50%) Japanese and 10 out of 26 (38%) Thai patients with gallstone and/or cholecystitis tested positive for H. bilis. Only 4 out of 14 (29%) subjects without biliary disease tested positive for H. bilis among the Japanese. Bile duct and gallbladder cancer showed significantly higher positive rates for H. bilis than did the non‐biliary diseases among the Japanese (P<0.01) and the odds ratios for bile duct or gallbladder cancer with H. bilis in comparison with gallstone and/or cholecystitis were 6.50 (95%CI 1.09–38.63) in the Japanese and 5.86 (1.31–26.33) in the Thai patients. In conclusion, H. bilis infection in bile was associated with biliary tract and gallbladder cancers in two high risk populations, Japanese and Thai.