Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Involvement of dural arteries in intracranial arteriovenous malformations.

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations may receive part or all of their blood supply from meningeal branches of the external carotid, internal carotid, or vertebral arteries, although previous authors(2–5,8, 10, 15–17,20,21,24)have suggested that such a meningeal contribution is infrequent. The malformations may be classified on the basis of their arterial supply as pure pial, mixed pial and dural, and pure dural. Those that are entirely pial in location are supplied solely by cerebral or cerebellar arteries. Mixed pial and dural malformations receive their blood supply not only from cerebral or cerebellar arteries but also from meningeal vessels. Pure dural malformations are limited to the dura and thus receive only meningeal arterial contribution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the location of intracranial arteriovenous malformations based on the presence or absence of a dural blood supply. Method Arteriograms of patients with intra-cranial arteriovenous malformations examined at the Univer.
Effects of Grazing by Flagellates on Competition for Ammonium between Nitrifying and Heterotrophic Bacteria in Chemostats

The enhanced mineralization of organic nitrogen by bacteriophagous protozoa is thought to favor the nitrification process in soils, in which nitrifying bacteria have to compete with heterotrophic bacteria for the available ammonium. To obtain more insight into this process, the influence of grazing by the bacteriovorous flagellate Adriamonas peritocrescens on the competition for limiting amounts of ammonium between the ammonium-oxidizing species Nitrosomonas europaea and the heterotrophic species Arthrobacter globiformis was studied in the presence of Nitrobacter winogradskyi in continuous cultures at dilution rates of 0.004 and 0.01 h-1. The ammonium concentration in the reservoir was maintained at 2 mM, whereas the glucose concentration was increased stepwise from 0 to 7 mM. A. globiformis won the competition for limiting amounts of ammonium when the glucose concentration in the reservoirs increased, in agreement with previously described experiments in which the flagellates were not included. The numbers of nitrifying bacteria decreased as the numbers of heterotrophic bacteria rose with increasing glucose concentrations. Critical C/N ratios, i.e., ratios between glucose and ammonium in the reservoirs at which no nitrate was found in the culture vessels, of 12.5 and 10.5 were determined at dilution rates of 0.004 and 0.01 h-1, respectively. Below these critical values, coexistence of the competing species was found. The numbers of nitrifying bacteria decreased more in the presence of flagellates than in their absence, presumably by selective predation on the nitrifying bacteria, either in the liquid culture or on the glass wall of the culture vessels. Despite this, the rate of nitrate production did not decrease more in the presence of flagellates than in their absence. This demonstrates that no correlation has to be expected between numbers of nitrifying bacteria and their activity and that a constant nitrification rate per cell cannot be assumed for nitrifying bacteria. Above the critical C/N ratios, low numbers of nitrifying bacteria were still found in the culture vessels, probably because of attachment of the nitrifying bacteria to the glass wall of the culture vessels. Like the numbers of heterotrophic bacteria, the numbers of flagellates increased when the glucose concentrations in the reservoirs increased. Numbers of 2 × 105 and 12 × 105 flagellates ml-1 were found at 7 mM glucose at dilution rates of 0.004 and 0.01 h-1, respectively. It was concluded that the critical C/N ratios were practically unaffected by the presence of protozoa. Although nitrate production rates were equal in the presence and absence of flagellates, the numbers of nitrifying bacteria decreased more strongly in their presence. This indicates a higher activity per nitrifying cell in the presence of flagellates.
Dependence of Liquid Supercooling on Liquid Overheating Levels of Al Small Particles

The liquid thermal history effect on liquid supercooling behavior has been found in various metals and alloys; typically the degree of liquid supercooling (ΔT−) increases with the increase of liquid overheating (ΔT+) up to several to tens of degrees above the equilibrium melting point (T0). Here we report quantitative experimental measurements on the ΔT−-ΔT+ relationship of Al small particles encapsulated in Al2O3 shells by using a differential scanning calorimeter. We find a remarkable dependence of ΔT− on ΔT+ of Al small particles, extending to at least 340 °C above T0 of Al (~1.36T0), which indicates the existence of temperature-dependent crystallization centers in liquid Al up to very high liquid overheating levels. Our results demonstrate quantitatively the significant effect of liquid thermal history on the supercooling behavior of Al and its alloys, and raise new considerations about the dependence of ΔT− on ΔT+ at very high ΔT+ levels.
Determinants and Consequences of Social Trust

This article provides an overview of social trust, examining its various aspects and components. Trust is best understood in a sociological sense by focusing on its important relational characteristic. Following this lead, the article discusses briefly how social trust relates to social capital and examines factors that shape the development of social trust, along with outcomes related to variations in trust, classifying them by analytical level (i.e., individual, community, group, organizational, and societal). The article concludes by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of existing research and by identifying some important questions that have not yet been adequately addressed.
The Effect of Adding Items to Scales: An Illustrative Case of LMX

In this article, the authors examine whether different results occur when items are added to a scale. Because different measures of leader-member exchange (LMX) have included different numbers of items, the authors used the LMX scale. The results, consistent across two studies, support the hypothesis that results based on earlier versions of the LMX measure differ from those of subsequent scales where items were added. The implications of this type of finding for scale development and meta-analysis are discussed. It is suggested that validity as well as reliability be considered when adding new items to scales.
Semiannual Cycle in Zonal Wind over the Equatorial Indian Ocean

AbstractThe semiannual cycle in zonal wind over the equatorial Indian Ocean is investigated by use of ocean–atmospheric reanalyses, and linear ocean–atmospheric models. In observations, the semiannual cycle in zonal wind is dominant on the equator and confined in the planetary boundary layer (PBL). Results from a momentum budget analysis show that momentum advection generated by the cross-equatorial monsoon circulation is important for the semiannual zonal-wind cycle in the equatorial Indian Ocean. In experiments with a linearized primitive model of the atmosphere, semiannual momentum forcing due to the meridional advection over the central equatorial Indian Ocean is important to simulate the observed maxima of the semiannual cycle in equatorial zonal wind. Off Somalia, diabatic heating and surface friction over land weaken the semiannual response to large momentum forcing there. Results from a linear ocean model suggest that the semiannual zonal wind stress over the central equatorial Indian Ocean genera.
Immunological Sex Differences in Socially Promiscuous African Ground Squirrels

Differences in how males and females respond to foreign antigens are common across taxa. Such sexual differences in the immune system are predicted to be greater in species with high promiscuity and sociality as these factors increase the likelihood of disease transmission. Intense sperm competition is thought to further this sexual dichotomy as increased investment in spermatogenesis likely incurs additional immunological costs. Xerus inauris, a ground squirrel found throughout southern Africa, is extremely social and promiscuous with one of the highest male reproductive investments among rodents. These life-history attributes suggest males and females should demonstrate a large dichotomy in immunity. Contrary to our prediction, we found no difference in spleen mass between the sexes. However, we did find significant biases in leukocyte types and red blood cell counts, possibly reflecting responses to parasite types. Among males, we predicted greater investments in spermatogenesis would result in reduced immunological investments. We found a negative association between testes and spleen size and a positive relationship between testes and number of lice suggesting trade-offs in reproductive investment possibly due to the costs associated with spermatogenesis and immunity. We suggest when measuring sexual differences in immunity it is important to consider the effects of reproductive pressures, parasite types, and life history costs.
Improved Survival After Primary Tumor Surgery in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Propensity-adjusted, Population-based SEER Trend Analysis

Background:There is ongoing debate about nonpalliative primary tumor surgery in metastatic breast cancer patients. This issue has become even more relevant with the introduction of increasingly sensitive imaging modalities. Methods:Metastatic breast cancer patients were identified in the SEER registry between 1998 and 2009. The effect of primary tumor surgery on overall and cancer-specific mortality using risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression modeling and stratified propensity score matching was assessed. Results:Overall, 16,247 women with metastatic breast cancer were included. Of those 7600 women underwent primary tumor surgery although 8647 did not have any surgery at all. Primary tumor surgery decreased from 62.0% in 1998 to 39.1% in 2009 (P < 0.001). Primary tumor surgery was associated with decreased overall mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.53, 95% CI 0.50–0.55, P < 0.001) and cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.48–0.54, P < 0.001) in the propensity score-matched model. The benefit of primary tumor surgery increased from 1998 to 2009 for overall mortality (1998: HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.89, 2009: HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.35–0.50) and cancer-specific mortality (1998: HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.58–0.89, 2009: HR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.33–0.48). Conclusions:The present study—the first population-based analysis using propensity score methods—provides evidence of a favorable impact of primary tumor surgery on mortality in metastatic breast cancer patients. Most importantly, the benefit of primary tumor surgery increased over time from 1998 to 2009. Although the final results of ongoing randomized studies are awaited, currently available evidence should be discussed with metastatic breast cancer patients.
Subject Expertise and Teachers' Knowledge

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the influence of subject matter expertise on teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge. Data were collected through multiple, extended interviews with 10 teachers with expertise in at least 1 subject area in physical education. Each teacher was interviewed 4 times for approximately 1 hour, focusing on the teacher’s familiarity with 2 content areas (1 expert and 1 nonexpert) and their experiences teaching the subjects. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative technique. The findings were presented with reference to Grossman’s (1990) definition of pedagogical content knowledge. Subject experts identified their largest pedagogical problem as student motivation, while nonexperts believed finding appropriate activities was their greatest challenge. Subject experts were more comfortable and enthusiastic about pedagogical duties and could accommodate a greater range of abilities. The experts and nonexperts revealed no differences in curricular selection, perceptio.
An Algorithm for Quantization of Discrete Probability Distributions

We study the problem of quantization of discrete probability distributions, arising in universal coding, as well as other applications. We show, that in many situations this problem can be reduced to the covering problem for the unit simplex, yielding precise characterization in the high-rate regime. Our main contribution is a simple and asymptotically optimal algorithm for solving this problem. Performance of this algorithm is studied and compared with several known solutions.
Identification and characterization of transmitted and early founder virus envelopes in primary HIV-1 infection

The precise identification of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) responsible for productive clinical infection could be instrumental in elucidating the molecular basis of HIV-1 transmission and in designing effective vaccines. Here, we developed a mathematical model of random viral evolution and, together with phylogenetic tree construction, used it to analyze 3,449 complete env sequences derived by single genome amplification from 102 subjects with acute HIV-1 (clade B) infection. Viral env genes evolving from individual transmitted or founder viruses generally exhibited a Poisson distribution of mutations and star-like phylogeny, which coalesced to an inferred consensus sequence at or near the estimated time of virus transmission. Overall, 78 of 102 subjects had evidence of productive clinical infection by a single virus, and 24 others had evidence of productive clinical infection by a minimum of two to five viruses. Phenotypic analysis of transmitted or early founder Envs revealed a consistent pattern of CCR5 dependence, masking of coreceptor binding regions, and equivalent or modestly enhanced resistance to the fusion inhibitor T1249 and broadly neutralizing antibodies compared with Envs from chronically infected subjects. Low multiplicity infection and limited viral evolution preceding peak viremia suggest a finite window of potential vulnerability of HIV-1 to vaccine-elicited immune responses, although phenotypic properties of transmitted Envs pose a formidable defense.
New Insights on Glucosylceramide Synthase in Cancer Drug Resistance and Myelosuppression

Diverging from eliminating tumors, many anticancer agents can result in drug resistance and myelosuppression or bone marrow suppression in patients during the course of chemotherapy. Drug resistance and myelosuppression are two major impediments to the success of chemotherapy. Recent study of Bhinge et al. demonstrates that glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) can determine the opposite effects of doxorubicin on breast cancer stem cells versus bone marrow stem cells in vivo [1,2]. These observations disclose new insights on GCS in stem cells that are basis of drug resistance and myelosuppression.
The neuromuscular compartments of the flexor carpi ulnaris.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Report on the vascular supply and innervation pattern of the flexor carpi ulnaris. 2. Describe the muscle architecture of the flexor carpi ulnaris, including the physiological cross-sectional area and fiber length. 3. State the uses of the flexor carpi ulnaris both for resurfacing defects in the vicinity of the elbow and in local functional tendon transfers. 4. Understand the principles of splitting skeletal muscles based on neurovascular supply to enhance its utilization in reconstructive procedures. The aim of this study was to describe the intramuscular innervation and vascular supply of the human flexor carpi ulnaris, with confirmation of findings by a similar study in the primate. Two distinct intramuscular nerve branches running parallel to each other, on either side of a central tendon, from the proximal quarter of the muscle belly to its insertion were found. The muscle could then be split into a humeral and an ulnar compartment, each with its own primary nerve branch. Perfusion studies confirmed the adequacy of circulation to the two compartments. In the primate flexor carpi ulnaris, electrical stimulation of the respective branches revealed independent contraction of each compartment. This study provides useful information for enabling the local transfer of the muscle as a whole, both for resurfacing in the vicinity of the elbow and for functional tendon transfers. It will also enable the transfer of the muscle as one or two separate compartments (for resurfacing, in tendon transfers for muscle paralysis, congenital defects, and muscle defects resulting from trauma, and after resections for neoplasm and infection).
Random Sign Repetition Time-Hopping UWB with Multiuser Detection

A modified time-hopping (TH) ultra-wideband (UWB), called the random sign repetition TH-UWB, is considered to improve the performance of the minimum mean square error (MMSE) multiuser detector. We show that the increase of dimension or the number of repetitions is important to improve the performance of the MMSE detector in the random sign repetition TH-UWB for either coded or uncoded signals.
Several applications of divergence criteria in continuous families

This paper deals with four types of point estimators based on minimization of information-theoretic divergences between hypothetical and empirical distributions. These were introduced (i) by Liese & Vajda (2006) and independently Broniatowski & Keziou (2006), called here power superdivergence estimators, (ii) by Broniatowski & Keziou (2009), called here power subdivergence estimators, (iii) by Basu et al. (1998), called here power pseudodistance estimators, and (iv) by Vajda (2008) called here Renyi pseudodistance estimators. The paper studies and compares general properties of these estimators such as consistency and influence curves, and illustrates these properties by detailed analysis of the applications to the estimation of normal location and scale.
Landsat-TM-Based Discrimination of Lithological Units Associated with the Purtuniq Ophiolite, Quebec, Canada

In order to better constrain the utility of multispectral datasets in the characterization of surface materials, Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data were evaluated in the discrimination of geological classes in the Cape Smith Belt of Quebec, a greenstone belt that hosts Early Proterozoic units including those of the Purtuniq ophiolite. Ground-based measurements collected for the study area highlight the importance of chemical alteration in controlling the reflectance properties of key geological classes. The spatial distribution of exposed lithologies in the study area was determined through (1) image classification using a feedforward backpropagation neural network classifier; and (2) generation of fraction images for spectral end members using a linear unmixing algorithm and ground reflectance data. Despite some shortcomings, the database of surface cover generated by the neural network classifier is a useful representation of the spatial distribution of exposed geological materials in the study area, with an overall agreement with ground truth of 87.7%. In contrast, the fraction images generated through unmixing are poor representations of ground truth for several key lithological classes. These results underscore both the considerable utility and marked limitations of Landsat TM data in the mapping of igneous and metamorphic lithologies.
Chapter 6: Culture and Learning in the Context of Globalization: Research Directions

T he United States has found itself again roiled in an immigration debate over the past year as the massive migration of labor, fueled by global economic restructuring, seemed to suddenly hit a red button in the public consciousness. A more substantive policy discussion of the economic basis of the influx of labor across the southern border was elided by get-tough policy initiatives that proposed criminalization of undocumented immigrants, heightened policing of the U.S.-Mexico border, and fermented a symbolic legislative amendment to make English the "national language" of the United States with the aim to reaffirm "the preeminence of English" (Hulse, 2006). Debates in the public arena across the political spectrum abounded as to the relative cost and benefit of immigration, debates that reflected deeper anxiety and uncertainty about the changing demographics of the labor pool and the cultural transformation it is bringing to the country. While the anti-immigration discourse on undocumented immigrants is "alien"ating Hispanics, by far the largest immigrant and minority group in the country, U.S. corporations and media companies have embraced the Hispanic population as "ideal customers" and are targeting this group with customized advertising campaigns across the country (Nightly Business Report, 2006; Richtel & Belson, 2006). In these corporate advertising maneuvers, multilingualism becomes less of a threat than a resource and leverage to garner the trust and buying power of this fastestgrowing demographic group. Cell-phone companies, such as Verizon and Sprint, are sponsoring concert tours of Latin American pop singers and promoting multimedia functions on their phones that include viewing television and downloading songs in Spanish. The fact that Hispanics often have families that span international borders becomes the rallying point of transnational companies such as Sprint-Nextel, which is mining this market with its push-to-talk walkie-talkie service that allows subscribers in the United States to communicate instantly with other Sprint-Nextel customers in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru. On the other side of the Atlantic, a similar commercial and media embrace of migrant and minority populations can be found in, among other places, Germany,
Do Male and Female Cowbirds See Their World Differently? Implications for Sex Differences in the Sensory System of an Avian Brood Parasite

Background Male and female avian brood parasites are subject to different selection pressures: males compete for mates but do not provide parental care or territories and only females locate hosts to lay eggs. This sex difference may affect brain architecture in some avian brood parasites, but relatively little is known about their sensory systems and behaviors used to obtain sensory information. Our goal was to study the visual resolution and visual information gathering behavior (i.e., scanning) of brown-headed cowbirds. Methodology/Principal Findings We measured the density of single cone photoreceptors, associated with chromatic vision, and double cone photoreceptors, associated with motion detection and achromatic vision. We also measured head movement rates, as indicators of visual information gathering behavior, when exposed to an object. We found that females had significantly lower density of single and double cones than males around the fovea and in the periphery of the retina. Additionally, females had significantly higher head-movement rates than males. Conclusions Overall, we suggest that female cowbirds have lower chromatic and achromatic visual resolution than males (without sex differences in visual contrast perception). Females might compensate for the lower visual resolution by gazing alternatively with both foveae in quicker succession than males, increasing their head movement rates. However, other physiological factors may have influenced the behavioral differences observed. Our results bring up relevant questions about the sensory basis of sex differences in behavior. One possibility is that female and male cowbirds differentially allocate costly sensory resources, as a recent study found that females actually have greater auditory resolution than males.