Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution-Operator-Based Single-Step Method for Image Processing

This work proposes an evolution-operator-based single-time-step method for image and signal processing. The key component of the proposed method is a local spectral evolution kernel (LSEK) that analytically integrates a class of evolution partial differential equations (PDEs). From the point of view PDEs, the LSEK provides the analytical solution in a single time step, and is of spectral accuracy, free of instability constraint. From the point of image/signal processing, the LSEK gives rise to a family of lowpass filters. These filters contain controllable time delay and amplitude scaling. The new evolution operator-based method is constructed by pointwise adaptation of anisotropy to the coefficients of the LSEK. The Perona-Malik-type of anisotropic diffusion schemes is incorporated in the LSEK for image denoising. A forward-backward diffusion process is adopted to the LSEK for image deblurring or sharpening. A coupled PDE system is modified for image edge detection. The resulting image edge is utilized for image enhancement. Extensive computer experiments are carried out to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. The major advantages of the proposed method are its single-step solution and readiness for multidimensional data analysis.
Culture, Cognition and Conflict: How Neuroscience Can Help to Explain Cultural Differences in Negotiation and Conflict Management

In negotiation and conflict management situations, understanding cultural patterns and tendencies is critical to whether a negotiation will accomplish the goals of the involved parties. While differences in cultural norms have been identified in the current literature, what is needed is a more fine-grained approach that examines differences below the level of behavioral norms. Drawing on recent social neuroscience approaches, we argue that differing negotiating styles may not only be related to differing cultural norms, but to differences in underlying language processing strategies in the brain, suggesting that cultural difference may influence neuropsychological processes. If this is the case, we expect that individuals from different cultures will exhibit different neuropsychological tendencies. Consistent with our hypothesis, using EEG measured responses, native German-speaking German participants took significantly more time to indicate when they understood a sentence than did native English-speaking American participants. This result is consistent with the theory that individuals from different cultures develop unique language processing strategies that affect behavior. A deliberative cognitive style used by Germans could account for this difference in comprehension reaction time. This study demonstrates that social neuroscience may provide a new way of understanding micro-processes in cross-cultural negotiations and conflict resolution.
Frequency Importance Functions in Quiet and Noise for Adults With Cochlear Implants.

PURPOSE Several studies have been devoted to understanding the frequency information available to adult users of cochlear implants when listening in quiet. The objective of this study was to construct frequency importance functions for a group of adults with cochlear implants and a group of adults with normal hearing both in quiet and in a +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. METHOD Two groups of adults, 1 with cochlear implants and 1 with normal hearing, were asked to identify nonsense syllables in quiet and in the presence of 6-talker babble while "holes" were systematically created in the speech spectrum. Frequency importance functions were constructed. RESULTS Results showed that adults with normal hearing placed greater weight on bands 1, 3, and 4 than on bands 2, 5, and 6, whereas adults with cochlear implants placed equal weight on all bands. The frequency importance functions for each group did not differ between listening in quiet and listening in noise. CONCLUSIONS Adults with cochlear implants assign perceptual weight toward different frequency bands, though the weight assignment does not differ between quiet and noisy conditions. Generalizing these results to the broader population of adults with implants is constrained by a small sample size.
Nitric oxide triggers enhanced induction of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in cultured keratinocytes (HaCaT) and during cutaneous wound repair

Recently, we demonstrated a large induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) during cutaneous wound repair. In this study, we investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) for the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which represents the most important angiogenic factor during the proliferative phase of skin repair. Since keratinocytes are the major source of VEGF production during this process, we used cultured keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) as an in vitro model to investigate NO action on growth factor‐ and cytokine‐stimulated VEGF expression. Exogenously added NO enhanced transforming growth factor‐β1‐, keratinocyte growth factor‐, interleukin‐1β‐, tumor necrosis factor‐α‐, and interferon‐γ‐induced VEGF mRNA and protein synthesis in keratinocytes. We could demonstrate that high‐level expression of cytokine‐induced VEGF mRNA in keratinocytes is dependent on endogenously produced NO, as inhibition of the coinduced iNOS by NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA) markedly decreased cytokine‐triggered VEGF mRNA levels in the cells. We also established an in vivo model in mice to investigate the role of NO during wound healing. During excisional wound repair, mice were treated with L‐N6‐(1‐iminoethyl)lysine (L‐NIL), a selective inhibitor of iNOS enzymatic activity. Compared to control mice, L‐NIL‐treated animals were characterized by markedly reduced VEGF mRNA levels during the inflammatory phase of repair. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated reduced VEGF protein expression and a completely disorganized pattern of VEGF‐expressing keratinocytes within the hyperproliferative epithelium at the wound edge in L‐NIL‐treated mice. We demonstrate that triggering of VEGF expression is a crucial molecular mechanism underlying NO function during wound healing. — Frank, S. , Stallmeyer, B. , Kämpfer, H. , Kolb, N. , Pfeilschifter, J. Nitric oxide triggers enhanced induction of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in cultured keratinocytes (HaCaT) and during cutaneous wound repair. FASEB J. 13, 2002–2014 (1999)
LMM : linear mixed modeling PST : Internet-based problem solving therapy RC : reliable change index SET : self-examination therapy

Background: Many depressed people do not receive help for their symptoms, and there are various barriers that impede help-seeking. The Internet may offer interesting alternatives for reaching and helping people with depression. Depression can be treated effectively with Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but a short intervention based on problem solving therapy (PST) could constitute a worthwhile alternative to CBT. Objective: In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of Internet-based CBT and Internet-based PST in comparison to a waiting list control group (WL), and we determined the differences between the two treatments. Methods: We conducted a 3-arm randomized controlled trial to compare CBT, PST, and WL. The main inclusion criterion was presence of depressive symptoms (≥ 16 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale). CBT and PST consisted of eight and five weekly lessons respectively. Participants were supported by email. Self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and quality of life were completed at pretest and after 5, 8, and 12 weeks. Results: A total of 263 participants were randomized to the three conditions (CBT: n=88; PST: n=88; WL: n=87). Of the 263 participants, 184 (70%) completed questionnaires after 5 weeks, 173 (66%) after 8 weeks, and 151 (57%) after 12 weeks. Between-group effect sizes for depressive symptoms were 0.54 for CBT after 8 weeks (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25 0.84) and 0.47 for PST after 5 weeks (95% CI: 0.17 0.77). These effects were further improved at 12 weeks (CBT: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.41 0.98; PST: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.36 0.95). For anxiety, effect sizes were also at a medium level. Effect sizes for quality of life were low. The number of participants showing clinically significant change at 12 weeks was significantly higher for CBT (n = 34, 38.6%) and PST (n = 30, 34.1%), compared to WL (n = 0). Conclusions: Both Internet-based treatments are effective in reducing depressive symptoms, although the effect of PST is realized more quickly. Trial Registration: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 16823487; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN16823487/16823487 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5cQsOj7xf). (J Med Internet Res 2008;10(4):e44) doi:10.2196/jmir.1094
Distinct and Histone-Specific Modifications Mediate Positive versus Negative Transcriptional Regulation of TSHα Promoter

Background Hormonally-regulated histone modifications that govern positive versus negative transcription of target genes are poorly characterized despite their importance for normal and pathological endocrine function. There have been only a few studies examining chromatin modifications on target gene promoters by nuclear hormone receptors. Moreover, these studies have focused on positively-regulated target genes. TSHα, a heterodimer partner for thyrotropin (TSH), is secreted by the pituitary gland. T3 negatively regulates TSHα gene expression via thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) which belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, whereas thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) positively regulates via the TRH receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied regulation of the TSHα gene by cAMP and T3 using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays in stably-transfected rat pituitary cells containing the human TSHα promoter. Interestingly, cAMP selectively increased histone H4 acetylation whereas, as previously reported, T3 induced histone H3 acetylation. In particular, cAMP increased H4K5 and H4K8 acetylation and decreased H4K20 trimethylation, modifications associated with transcriptional activation. T3 increased H3K9 and H3K18 acetylation and H3K4 trimethylation; however, it also decreased H3K27 acetylation and increased H3K27 trimethylation which are associated with transcriptional repression. Of note, cAMP recruited pCREB, CBP/p300, and PCAF to the promoter whereas T3 caused dissociation of NCoR/SMRT and HDAC3. Overexpression of a dominant negative mutant thyroid hormone receptor (TR) from a patient with resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) led to less T3-dependent negative regulation and partially blocked histone H3 modifications of the TSHα promoter. Conclusions/Significance Our findings show that non-overlapping and specific histone modifications determine positive versus negative transcriptional regulation, and integrate opposing hormonal and intracellular signals at the TSHα promoter. A mutant TR from a patient with RTH exerted dominant negative activity by blocking the histone modifications induced by T3 on the TSHα promoter and likely contributes to the inappropriate TSH production observed in RTH.
LazyFTL: a page-level flash translation layer optimized for NAND flash memory

Flash is a type of electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), which has many advantages over traditional magnetic disks, such as lower access latency, lower power consumption, lack of noise, and shock resistance. However, due to its special characteristics, flash memory cannot be deployed directly in the place of traditional magnetic disks. The Flash Translation Layer (FTL) is a software layer built on raw flash memory that carries out garbage collection and wear leveling strategies and hides the special characteristics of flash memory from upper file systems by emulating a normal block device like magnetic disks. Most existing FTL schemes are optimized for some specific access patterns or bring about significant overhead of merge operations under certain circumstances. In this paper, we propose a novel FTL scheme named LazyFTL that exhibits low response latency and high scalability, and at the same time, eliminates the overhead of merge operations completely. Experimental results show that LazyFTL outperforms all the typical existing FTL schemes and is very close to the theoretically optimal solution. We also provide a basic design that assists LazyFTL to recover from system failures.
Ecology of Leptospira interrogans in Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in an Inner-City Neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada

Background Leptospira interrogans is a bacterial zoonosis with a worldwide distribution for which rats (Rattus spp.) are the primary reservoir in urban settings. In order to assess, monitor, and mitigate the risk to humans, it is important to understand the ecology of this pathogen in rats. The objective of this study was to characterize the ecology of L. interrogans in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in an impoverished inner-city neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada. Methodology/Principal Findings Trapping was performed in 43 city blocks, and one location within the adjacent port, over a 12 month period. Kidney samples were tested for the presence of L. interrogans using PCR and sequencing. A multivariable model was built to predict L. interrogans infection status in individual rats using season and morphometric data (e.g., weight, sex, maturity, condition, etc.) as independent variables. Spatial analysis was undertaken to identify clusters of high and low L. interrogans prevalence. The prevalence of L. interrogans varied remarkably among blocks (0–66.7%), and spatial clusters of both high and low L. interrogans prevalence were identified. In the final cluster-controlled model, characteristics associated with L. interrogans-infection in rats included weight (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.07–1.20), increased internal fat (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.06–4.25), and number of bite wounds (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.96–1.49). Conclusions/Significance Because L. interrogans prevalence varied with weight, body fat, and bite wounds, this study suggests that social structure and interactions among rats may influence transmission. The prevalence and distribution of L. interrogans in rats was also highly variable even over a short geographic distance. These factors should be considered in future risk management efforts.
Familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease with a V180I Mutation: Comparative Analysis with Pathological Findings and Diffusion-Weighted Images

Background: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been reported to be a useful technique for diagnosing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The present study reported DWI results in cases of familial CJD with a V180I mutation (CJD180) in the prion protein gene as well as neurological findings. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 3 patients with V180I was performed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, brain MRI, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were included. CSF was analyzed for biochemical markers, and each patient underwent brain MRI, SPECT, and MRS analysis. A brain biopsy from the frontal cortex, which corresponded to the area of increased DWI signals, was utilized for neuropathological analysis. Results: CSF analysis results revealed elevated total tau protein and the absence of 14-3-3 protein, as well as decreased concentrations of neuron-specific enolase, S100 protein, and prostaglandin E2. All patients presented with unique MRI features. Brain biopsy showed severe spongiform morphology, but comparatively preserved neurons and mild astrocytic gliosis. Accumulations of PrPSc were not detected using the 3F4 antibody, and microglial activation was subtle. SPECT revealed hypoperfusion throughout both hemispheres. MRS revealed a reduced N-acetyl aspartate/creatine ratio. Conclusion: Results from this study suggested that increased DWI signals could reflect severe spongiform changes in CJD180 patients.
Emotion-Based Cognition in Mice Is Differentially Influenced by Dose and Chemical Form of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major constituent, and primary omega-3 fatty acid, in the brain. Evidence suggests that DHA consumption may promote cognitive functioning and prevent cognitive decline, and these effects may be particularly relevant in the context of fear or stress. However, the potency and efficacy of dietary DHA may depend on the form of DHA (e.g., phospholipid; PL vs. triglyceride; TG). In this study, we compared in mice the effects of consuming PL and TG forms of DHA on associative, avoidance (fear) based learning and memory. Diets consisted of either no DHA or 1%, 2%, and 4% PL- or TG-DHA. After 4 weeks on the test diets (n = 12/group), we used the 3-day passive avoidance (PA) and elevated plus maze (EPM) to examine fear and fear-associated learning and memory. We found a significant (p < 0.05) diet by time interaction in the PA and EPM. Compared to the control and the 1% TG-DHA group, mice consuming the diet supplemented with 1% PL-DHA displayed a significantly greater latency by test day 2 in the 3-day PA. No differences in latency between any of the groups were observed during trials 1 and 3. Mice consuming the 2% PL-DHA diet spent significantly more time frequenting the open arms during the first minute, but not the last 4 min, of the test. Compared to all other groups, mice fed the 4% TG-DHA diet had increased spleen, liver, and visceral fat weight. Consumption of the lower dose PL-DHA may confer enhanced efficacy, particularly on fear-based learning behavior.
Liar, Liar, Coins on Fire!: Penalizing Equivocation By Loss of Bitcoins

We show that equivocation, i.e., making conflicting statements to others in a distributed protocol, can be monetarily disincentivized by the use of crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin. To this end, we design completely decentralized non-equivocation contracts, which make it possible to penalize an equivocating party by the loss of its money. At the core of these contracts, there is a novel cryptographic primitive called accountable assertions, which reveals the party's Bitcoin credentials if it equivocates. Non-equivocation contracts are particularly useful for distributed systems that employ public append-only logs to protect data integrity, e.g., in cloud storage and social networks. Moreover, as double-spending in Bitcoin is a special case of equivocation, the contracts enable us to design a payment protocol that allows a payee to receive funds at several unsynchronized points of sale, while being able to penalize a double-spending payer after the fact.
Grain-scale stable carbon and oxygen isotopic variations of the international reference calcite, IAEA-603.

RATIONALE The new international reference material IAEA-603 (calcite) for stable carbon and oxygen isotopes (δ13 C and δ18 O values) was released in 2016 to replace the previous reference material, NBS19 (exhausted). We examined the grain-scale isotopic variations in IAEA-603 for application to microscale isotopic analysis of carbonate samples. METHODS Individual grains of IAEA-603 were analyzed with an IsoPrime100 isotope ratio mass spectrometer with a customized continuous-flow gas preparation system (MICAL3c). The individual grains of IAEA-603 were observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and their observational characteristics (grain color and size) were compared with their stable isotope compositions. RESULTS Translucent grains (main component of IAEA-603; grain weight, 4-132 μg) had homogeneous isotopic ratios, comparable with the grain-scale isotopic homogeneity of NBS 19. Their average δ13 C and δ18 O values were the same as the recommended values determined by the IAEA. Opaque (whitish) grains (1-2 per 100 grains; grain weight, 8-63 μg) were significantly more depleted in 13 C and 18 O than the translucent grains. CONCLUSIONS Low-abundance opaque grains (1-2 grains out of 100 grains) have lower δ13 C and δ18 O values, suggesting that these grains should be eliminated when using IAEA-603 for single-grain (microscale) isotope analysis.
The significance of plasma adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide concentration in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who are treated for cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the significance of plasma adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentration in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who are treated for hypertension and dyslipidemia. METHOD Plasma adrenomedullin and CGRP concentration, transthoracal echocardiography and ABPM were evaluated in 82 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and 41 control subjects with no previous cardiovascular disease. All the subjects had casual blood pressure ≤140/90 mmHg or received antihypertensive medication, were treated by statin if LDL cholesterol was≥3mmol/L, by fibrates if triacylglyceroles≥2 mmol/L. RESULTS The mean age was 61±6 in patients with diabetes mellitus and 61±5 years in control subjects (p=0.9). Plasma CGRP was 3.0±1.8 in patients with diabetes mellitus and 2.3±1.0 ng/ml in control subjects (p=0.09). Plasma adrenomedullin was 2.2±0.9 in patients with diabetes mellitus and 2.8±1.1 ng/ml in control subjects (p=0.01). In patients with diabetes mellitus mass index of the left ventricle was significantly higher and the parameters of diastolic function were more deteriorated. Plasma adrenomedullin and CGRP correlated significantly negatively with serum creatinine and positively with mean 24 hours arterial blood pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus but not in control subjects. Plasma adrenomedullin concentration in patients with diabetes mellitus treated for hypertension was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION Despite concentration plasma adrenomedullin and CGRP modulation by cardioprotective treatment both neuropeptides remained involved in regulation of hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The low plasma of adrenomedullin in patients with Type 2 diabetic may be marker of the efficient intervention on cardiovascular risk factors.
Managing Catastrophic Climate Risks Under Model Uncertainty Aversion

We propose a robust risk management approach to deal with the problem of catastrophic climate change that incorporates both risk and model uncertainty. Using an analytical model of abatement, we show how aversion to model uncertainty influences the optimal level of mitigation. We disentangle the role of preferences from the structure of model uncertainty, which we define by means of a simple measure of disagreement across models. With data from an expert elicitation about climate change catastrophes, we quantify the relative importance of these two effects and calibrate a numerical integrated assessment model of climate change. The results indicate that the structure of model uncertainty, and specifically how model disagreement varies in abatement, is the key driver of optimal abatement and that model uncertainty warrants a higher level of climate change mitigation. This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.