Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seismic response and construction of seaward dipping wedges of flood basalts: Vøring volcanic margin

Geological and geophysical data from the >900 m of volcanic basement drilled at Ocean Drilling Program Site 642 provide the framework for studying seismic properties of huge extrusive constructions on volcanic margins. The main part of the drilled section, corresponding to a prominent seaward dipping reflector sequence, consists of subaerially emplaced tholeiitic basalt flows and thin interbedded sediments. The basalts exhibit a characteristic velocity and density lava flow distribution reflecting changing porosity, pore aspect ratio distribution and alteration. Stacks of laterally continuous basalt flows appear to have thin-layer transverse isotropic properties for typical wavelengths in multichannel seismic data. Vertical seismic profiling and average sonic log velocities are similar, 3.77 km/s and 3.88 km/s, respectively, while comparable refraction velocities are 10–20% higher. Synthetic seismogram modeling based on downhole logs shows that basement reflectors originate from interference and tuning effects of numerous basalt flow and interbedded sediment interfaces, though the most continuous reflectors are related to thick flows. Seismic models based on the characteristic velocity and density basalt flow distributions and Site 642 stratigraphy show that reflector truncation and onlap may be caused by seismic interference phenomena in a sequence of landward thinning flows. The base of the dipping reflector sequence, reflector K, correlates with flows in the lower part of upper series basalts, while the transition from basaltic to underlying dacitic/andesitic lavas correlates with a locally defined reflector. A model for the breakup related volcanism includes (1) prebreakup dacitic/andesitic volcanism, (2) early breakup basaltic volcanism infilling the prebreakup relief, (3) main breakup stage with intense, focused volcanism, large subsidence and lava pounding, and (4) late breakup volcanism during a period of decreased subsidence and local off-axis activity.
Direct evidence of secondary necrosis of neutrophils during intense lung inflammation

Several pulmonary inflammatory conditions are characterised by infiltration of neutrophils. Normally, neutrophils are silently removed by apoptosis, followed by phagocytosis. However, if phagocytosis fails, apoptotic cells undergo secondary necrosis. Recent findings of increased levels of the pan-necrosis marker lactate dehydrogenase in bronchoalveolar lavage from lipopolysaccharide-exposed mice implies potential involvement of secondary necrosis. Using a similar model, this study aimed to identify the source of lactate dehydrogenase and to search for direct histological evidence of secondary necrosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to the lungs of BALB/c mice, and bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue samples were collected 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after administration. LPS induced a patchy neutrophil-rich lung inflammation, where the numbers of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling-positive neutrophils were increased at 12 h and onwards. Lavage levels of neutrophils and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly at 4 and 24 h, respectively. Detailed electron microscopic assessment of neutrophil activation and death modes revealed that up to 14% of the neutrophils were undergoing secondary necrosis, whereas apoptotic or primary necrotic structural cells were rarely found. In summary, this study provides direct evidence that secondary necrosis of neutrophils is a common process during intense lung inflammation. This implies that neutrophil apoptosis may cause rather than resolve airway inflammation.
Sustained Effects of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Interleukin (IL)-1 impairs insulin secretion and induces β-cell apoptosis. Pancreatic β-cell IL-1 expression is increased and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) expression reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes. Treatment with recombinant IL-1Ra improves glycemia and β-cell function and reduces inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here we investigated the durability of these responses. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Among 70 ambulatory patients who had type 2 diabetes, A1C >7.5%, and BMI >27 kg/m2 and were randomly assigned to receive 13 weeks of anakinra, a recombinant human IL-1Ra, or placebo, 67 completed treatment and were included in this double-blind 39-week follow-up study. Primary outcome was change in β-cell function after anakinra withdrawal. Analysis was done by intention to treat. RESULTS Thirty-nine weeks after anakinra withdrawal, the proinsulin-to-insulin (PI/I) ratio but not stimulated C-peptide remained improved (by −0.07 [95% CI −0.14 to −0.02], P = 0.011) compared with values in placebo-treated patients. Interestingly, a subgroup characterized by genetically determined low baseline IL-1Ra serum levels maintained the improved stimulated C-peptide obtained by 13 weeks of IL-1Ra treatment. Reductions in C-reactive protein (−3.2 mg/l [−6.2 to −1.1], P = 0.014) and in IL-6 (−1.4 ng/l [−2.6 to −0.3], P = 0.036) were maintained until the end of study. CONCLUSIONS IL-1 blockade with anakinra induces improvement of the PI/I ratio and markers of systemic inflammation lasting 39 weeks after treatment withdrawal.
The Hernquist model revisited: Completely analytical anisotropic dynamical models

Simple analytical models, such as the Hernquist model, are very useful tools to investigate the dynamical structure of galaxies. Unfortunately, most of the analytical distribution functions are either isotropic or of the Osipkov-Merritt type, and hence basically one-dimensional. We present three dierent families of anisotropic distribution functions that self-consistently generate the Hernquist potential-density pair. These families have constant, increasing and decreasing anisotropy profiles re- spectively, and can hence represent a wide variety of orbital structures. For all of the models presented, the distribution function and the velocity dispersions can be written in terms of elementary functions. These models are ideal tools for a wide range of applications, in particular to generate the initial conditions for N-body or Monte Carlo simulations.
Does Good Corporate Governance Lead to Stronger Productivity Growth

This study investigates the impact of corporate governance and product market competition on total factor productivity growth in Germany and the UK.For Germany, the prototype of a bank-based governance system, productivity grows faster in firms controlled by financial institutions (in particular, banks and insurance companies) and intense competition reinforces this beneficial impact. Furthermore, the importance of the German creditors (mostly banks) for productivity growth is particularly significant in firms which experience financial difficulties or are in financial distress.For the UK, a market-based governance system, we do not find any evidence that creditors play a disciplinary role.Still, there is strong evidence that shareholder control (by insiders, private outsiders and financial institutions) leads to substantial increases in productivity in poorly performing firms.We also find evidence that product market competition is a substitute for blockholder control in the UK.
Singular fractional linear systems and electrical circuits

Singular fractional linear systems and electrical circuits A new class of singular fractional linear systems and electrical circuits is introduced. Using the Caputo definition of the fractional derivative, the Weierstrass regular pencil decomposition and the Laplace transformation, the solution to the state equation of singular fractional linear systems is derived. It is shown that every electrical circuit is a singular fractional system if it contains at least one mesh consisting of branches only with an ideal supercapacitor and voltage sources or at least one node with branches with supercoils.
Relationship of isopentenyl diphosphate (IDP) isomerase activity to isoprene emission of oak leaves.

Oaks emit large amounts of isoprene, a compound that plays an important role in tropospheric chemistry. Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI, E.C. 5.3.3.2) catalyzes the isomerization of isopentenyl diphosphate (IDP) to dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMADP), and in isoprene-emitting plants, isoprene synthase (IS) converts the DMADP to isoprene. To study the role of IDI in isoprene biosynthesis of oak leaves, we compared IDI and IS activities in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) with the isoprene emission rates of these species. We developed a non-radioactive enzyme assay to detect IDI activity in crude leaf extracts of Q. robur. The substrate dependency of IDI activity showed biphasic kinetics with Michaelis constants (K(m)(IDP)) of 0.7 +/- 0.2 micro M for a high-affinity phase and 39.5 +/- 6.9 micro M for a low-affinity phase, potentially attributable to different IDI isoforms. Under standard assay conditions, the temperature optimum for IDI activity was about 42 degrees C, but IDI activity was detectable up to 60 degrees C. A sharp pH optimum appeared around pH 7, with 20 mM Mg(2+) also required for IDI activity. Neither IDI activity nor IS activity showed diurnal variation in Q. robur leaves. The sum of IDI activities showed a significant linear correlation with IS activity in both Q. robur and Q. pubescens leaves, and both enzyme activities showed a linear relationship to isoprene emission factors in leaves of these oak species, indicating the possible involvement of IDI in isoprene biosynthesis by oak leaves.
Histatin 1 Resists Proteolytic Degradation when Adsorbed to Hydroxyapatite

Histatins are salivary proteins that exhibit a high affinity for hydroxyapatite and contribute to the acquired enamel pellicle. Previous studies have observed that, despite the high proteolytic activity in saliva, significant numbers of histatin molecules in acquired enamel pellicle are intact. Our working hypothesis was that histatins are less susceptible to proteinases present in saliva when adsorbed on the hydroxyapatite. To test this premise, we incubated histatin 1 with hydroxyapatite and human whole saliva. Proteolytic products of this incubation were then characterized by PAGE, HPLC, and mass spectrometry. This study shows for the first time that binding to hydroxyapatite confers intact histatin 1 with resistance to proteolytic degradation.
Analyzing latent state-trait and multiple-indicator latent growth curve models as multilevel structural equation models

Latent state-trait (LST) and latent growth curve (LGC) models are frequently used in the analysis of longitudinal data. Although it is well-known that standard single-indicator LGC models can be analyzed within either the structural equation modeling (SEM) or multilevel (ML; hierarchical linear modeling) frameworks, few researchers realize that LST and multivariate LGC models, which use multiple indicators at each time point, can also be specified as ML models. In the present paper, we demonstrate that using the ML-SEM rather than the SL-SEM framework to estimate the parameters of these models can be practical when the study involves (1) a large number of time points, (2) individually-varying times of observation, (3) unequally spaced time intervals, and/or (4) incomplete data. Despite the practical advantages of the ML-SEM approach under these circumstances, there are also some limitations that researchers should consider. We present an application to an ecological momentary assessment study (N = 158 youths with an average of 23.49 observations of positive mood per person) using the software Mplus (Muthén and Muthén, 1998–2012) and discuss advantages and disadvantages of using the ML-SEM approach to estimate the parameters of LST and multiple-indicator LGC models.
A Study on the Interpolation of Fire Danger Using Radar Precipitation Estimates

In Canada, many fire management agencies interpolate indexes of the Fire Weather Index System to estimate the fire danger between weather stations. Difficulties with interpolation arise because summer precipitation can be highly variable over short distances. This variability hinders the usefulness of interpolating precipitation, which is one of the inputs for the Fire Weather Index System. Precipitation estimates from the Canadian Atmospheric Environment Service radar at Upsala, Ontario, were used to determine if this will enable a more accurate measure of the fire danger over the region. Three methods of interpolation of the fire danger between weather stations were compared: first, the standard practice of interpolating fire weather indexes from weather stations to any specified location; second, interpolating the weather variables, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and precipitation from the weather station to any specified site and then calculating the fire weather indexes; third, interpolating weather variables as in Method 2 above except using the precipitation estimate from the radar and then calculating the fire weather indexes for any specified site. Overall, results indicate that the standard procedure of interpolating the fire weather indexes performs better than the other two methods. However, there are indexes where the other methods perform best (e.g., the fine fuel moisture code is best determined by using the radar precipitation estimation method). Fire management agencies should continue to use the standard practice of interpolating fire weather indexes to estimate fire danger between weather stations. Factors influencing the performance of the radar estimated precipitation method of estimating fire danger are discussed along with potential application of precipitation radar for fire management purposes.
Mapping semantic information in virtual space: dimensions, variance and individual differences

This paper reports two studies investigating the computer-based representation of the semantic information content of databases using object location in two- and three-dimensional virtual space. In the first study, the cognitive demands associated with performing an information search task were examined under conditions where the “goodness of fit” of the spatial-semantic “mapping” was manipulated. The effects of individual differences in spatial ability and associative memory ability also were considered. Results indicated that performance equivalence, between two- and three-dimensional interfaces, could be achieved when the two-dimensional interface accounted for between 50 and 70% of the semantic variance accounted for by the three-dimensional solution. A second study, in which automatic text analysis was used to generate two- and three-dimensional solutions for document sets of varying sizes and types, supported the conclusion that, for the purpose of information search, the amount of additional semantic information that can be conveyed by a three-dimensional solution does not outweigh the associated additional cognitive demands.
Prospective phase II trial to evaluate the complications and kinetics of chimerism induction following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with fludarabine and busulfan

This prospective trial assessed the safety and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a HLA‐matched donor with a reduced‐intensity regimen (RIST) consisting of iv fludarabine 30 mg/m2 for 6 days and oral busulfan 4 mg/kg/day for 2 days in patients older than 50 years with hematological malignancies. Cyclosporine alone or cyclosporine with short‐term methotrexate was randomized for graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis. After 30 patients had been enrolled, an interim analysis was performed, and this report focuses on a precise evaluation of the toxicity profile and chimerism kinetics. Sustained engraftment in all patients, no severe regimen‐related toxicity (RRT) within 20 days, and no transplant‐related mortality through Day 100 were observed. T‐cell (CD3+) full‐donor (over 90%) chimerism was observed in 22 of the 30 patients, while the remaining eight had mixed‐donor chimerism over 77% on Day 90. Thereafter, five subsequently converted to full‐donor chimerism without donor lymphocyte infusion by day 120 (n = 4) or Day 180 (n = 1). Two showed persistent mixed chimerism without relapse through Day 180. Grade III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease and extensive chronic graft‐versus‐host disease occurred in 10% and 73%, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 1.5 years, overall survival and disease‐free survival at 1 year was 83% and 62%, respectively. Seven patients hematologically relapsed overall, and five of them had myelodysplastic syndrome with poor prognostic factors. In older patients, RIST with fludarabine and busulfan was associated with acceptable toxicities and a satisfactory antileukemia effect, regardless of the early chimerism status. Am. J. Hematol. 82:873–880, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The MazF-regulon: a toolbox for the post-transcriptional stress response in Escherichia coli

Flexible adaptation to environmental stress is vital for bacteria. An energy-efficient post-transcriptional stress response mechanism in Escherichia coli is governed by the toxin MazF. After stress-induced activation the endoribonuclease MazF processes a distinct subset of transcripts as well as the 16S ribosomal RNA in the context of mature ribosomes. As these ‘stress-ribosomes’ are specific for the MazF-processed mRNAs, the translational program is changed. To identify this ‘MazF-regulon’ we employed Poly-seq (polysome fractionation coupled with RNA-seq analysis) and analyzed alterations introduced into the transcriptome and translatome after mazF overexpression. Unexpectedly, our results reveal that the corresponding protein products are involved in all cellular processes and do not particularly contribute to the general stress response. Moreover, our findings suggest that translational reprogramming serves as a fast-track reaction to harsh stress and highlight the so far underestimated significance of selective translation as a global regulatory mechanism in gene expression. Considering the reported implication of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems in persistence, our results indicate that MazF acts as a prime effector during harsh stress that potentially introduces translational heterogeneity within a bacterial population thereby stimulating persister cell formation.
Advanced Applications of Robotics in Digestive Surgery

Laparoscopy is widely recognized as feasible and safe approach to many oncologic and benign digestive conditions and is associated with an improved early outcome. Robotic surgery promises to overcome intrinsic limitations of laparoscopic surgery by a three-dimensional view and wristed instruments widening indications for a minimally invasive approach. To date, the more interesting applications of robotic surgery are those operations restricted to one abdominal quadrant and requiring a fine dissection and digestive reconstruction. While robot-assisted rectal and gastric surgery are becoming well-accepted options among the surgical community, applications of robotics in hepato-biliary and pancreatic surgery are still debated.
The Effect of Imposed Drying on Parameterized Deep Convection

Abstract This paper examines the influence of imposed drying, intended to represent horizontal advection of dry air, on parameterized deep convection interacting with large-scale dynamics in a single-column model framework. Two single-column models, one based on the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System general circulation model version 5 (GEOS5) and the other developed by Bony and Emanuel, are run in weak temperature gradient mode. Drying is imposed by relaxation of the specific humidity field toward zero within a specified vertical layer. The strength of the drying is controlled by specifying either the relaxation time scale or the vertically integrated drying tendency; results are insensitive to which specification is used. The two models reach very different solutions for the same boundary conditions and model configuration. Even when adjustments to the boundary conditions and model parameters are made to render the precipitation rates similar, large differences in the profiles of relative humidity and .
A four-step camera calibration procedure with implicit image correction

In geometrical camera calibration the objective is to determine a set of camera parameters that describe the mapping between 3-D reference coordinates and 2-D image coordinates. Various methods for camera calibration can be found from the literature. However surprisingly little attention has been paid to the whole calibration procedure, i.e., control point extraction from images, model fitting, image correction, and errors originating in these stages. The main interest has been in model fitting, although the other stages are also important. In this paper we present a four-step calibration procedure that is an extension to the two-step method. There is an additional step to compensate for distortion caused by circular features, and a step for correcting the distorted image coordinates. The image correction is performed with an empirical inverse model that accurately compensates for radial and tangential distortions. Finally, a linear method for solving the parameters of the inverse model is presented.
Android Implicit Information Flow Demystified

In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of implicit information flow (IIF) on the Android bytecode is presented to identify all potential IIF forms, determine their exploitability, and mitigate the potential threat. By applying control-transfer-oriented semantic analysis of the bytecode language, we identify five IIF forms, some of which are not studied by existing IIF literature. We develop proof-of-concepts (PoCs) for each IIF form to demonstrate their exploitability. The experimental results show that all these PoCs can effectively and efficiently transmit sensitive data, as well as successfully evade the detection of a state-of-the-art privacy monitor TaintDroid. To mitigate the threat of IIF, we propose a solution to defending against IIF leveraging a special control dependence tracking technique and implement a prototype system. The evaluation shows that the prototype can effectively detect information leak by all the identified IIF forms and also real-world malware with an acceptable overhead. In summary, our study gives in-depth insight into Android IIF from both offensive and defensive perspectives, and provides a foundation for further research on Android IIF.
Role of cytokines in atypical depression

Background: Atypical depression (AD) is considered a biologically and psychologically distinct subtype of depression. AD, contrary to melancholic depression (MD), may have different alteration in cytokine activity. Aims: We aimed to investigate the differences of cytokine activity between AD patients and MD patients. Among psychiatric patients visited to the Psychiatry Department, Korea University Medical Center, 105 patients with major depression who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) criteria based on clinical interviews using a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV were recruited. Among 105 patients, 35 patients had atypical feature. We measured in vitro cytokines (interleukins) IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results: Decreased IL-4 and increased IL-2 was observed in AD patients. IL-6 and TNF-α level of AD patients showed no difference from the controls. Conclusions: Contrary to MD, AD has reversed vegetative symptoms, i.e. hypersomnia and hyperphagia. It is assumed that the phenotype difference between AD and MD might be related to Th1 cytokines (IL-2) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4) and not related to monocytic cytokines (IL-6, and TNF-α).