Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Large Eddy Simulation Study of a Quasi-Steady, Stably Stratified Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Abstract Using the large eddy simulation (LES) technique, the authors study a clear-air, stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) as it approaches a quasi-steady state. The Beaufort Sea Arctic Stratus Experiment (BASE) dataset is used to impose initial and boundary conditions. The authors explore the parameter space of the boundary layer by varying latitude, surface cooling rate, geostrophic wind, inversion strength, and surface roughness. Recognizing the critical dependence of the results of LES on the subgrid-scale (SGS) model, they test and use a nonlinear SGS model, which is capable of reproducing the effects of backscatter of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and of the SGS anisotropies characteristic for shear-driven flows. In order to conduct a long-term LES so that an ABL can reach a quasi-steady state, a parallel computer code is developed and simulations with a spatial domain of up to 963 grid points are performed. The authors analyze the evolution of the mean wind, potential temperature,.
Distribution of a 1 , a 4 , g 2 , and y subunits of GABAA receptors in hippocampal granule cells

GABAA receptors are pentamers composed of subunits derived from the a, h, g, y, u, e, and k gene families. a1, a4, g2, and y subunits are expressed in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, but their subcellular distribution has not been described. Hippocampal sections were double-labeled for the a1, a4, g2, and y subunits and GAD65 or gephyrin, and their subcellular distribution on dentate granule cells was studied by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The synaptic versus extrasynaptic localization of these subunits was inferred by quantitative analysis of the frequency of colocalization of various subunits with synaptic markers in high-resolution images. GAD65 immunoreactive clusters colocalized with 26.24F0. 86% of the a1 subunit immunoreactive clusters and 32.35F1. 49% of the g2 subunit clusters. In contrast, only 1.58F0. 13% of the a4 subunit immunoreactive clusters and 1.92F0. 15% of the y subunit clusters colocalized with the presynaptic marker GAD65. These findings were confirmed by studying colocalization with immunoreactivity of a postsynaptic marker, gephyrin, which colocalized with 27.61F0. 16% of the a1 subunit immunoreactive clusters and 23.45F0. 32% of the g2 subunit immunoreactive clusters. In contrast, only 1.90F0. 13% of the a4 subunit immunoreactive clusters and 1.76F0. 10% of the y subunit clusters colocalized with gephyrin. These studies demonstrate that a subset of a1 and g2 subunit clusters colocalize with synaptic markers in hippocampal dentate granule cells. Furthermore, all four subunits, a1, a4, g2, and y, are present in the extrasynaptic locations. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Theme: Neurotransmitters, modulators, transporters, and receptors Topic: GABA receptors
Clinical efficacy and tolerance of an extract of green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) in dogs presumptively diagnosed with degenerative joint disease

Abstract AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of an extract of green-lipped mussel (GLME) in the management of mild-to-moderate degenerative joint disease (DJD) in dogs. METHODS: Eighty-one dogs presumptively diagnosed with DJD were treated orally daily with either GLME or a placebo for 56 days, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. In an uncontrolled open-label extension to the study, all dogs were treated with GLME for an additional 56 days (from Days 57–112). Clinical signs were subjectively scored by the owners, and findings of detailed musculoskeletal examinations were scored by one veterinarian. Efficacy was assessed from a qualitative comparison of the proportion of dogs with improved clinical signs, and a quantitative comparison of the scores of the musculoskeletal examinations, between groups. Haematological and biochemical analyses and reports by owners of possible adverse drug reactions were used to screen for evidence of toxicity. RESULTS: There was close agreement between assessments by the veterinarian and owners. The clinical signs of DJD in both GLME-treated and placebo groups improved significantly over baseline by Day 28; this improvement continued over the entire course of the study. There were no significant differences between groups on Day 28. On Day 56, a higher proportion of dogs in the GLME-treated group had improved clinical signs (p=0.018), and GLME-treated dogs had marginally better (p=0.053) musculoskeletal scores than dogs in the placebo group. The differences between the groups were no longer apparent by Day 112, by which time the former placebo group had been receiving GLME for 56 days in the open-label phase of the study. The proportion of dogs in the former placebo group that had improved by Day 112 (29/32; 91%) was significantly greater (p=0.012) than the proportion improved at Day 56 (15/37; 41%). No signs of toxicity were apparent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: GLME had a beneficial effect on the clinical signs of dogs presumptively diagnosed with mild-to-moderate DJD. Long-term therapy may be required before improvement is apparent.
DO RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME (RLS) AND PERIODIC LIMB MOVEMENTS OF SLEEP (PLMS) PLAY A ROLE IN NOCTURNAL HYPERTENSION AND INCREASED CARDIOVASCULAR RISK OF RENALLY IMPAIRED PATIENTS?

Hypertension can cause or promote renal failure and is related to cardiovascular mortality, the major cause of death in patients with renal impairment. Changes in the circadian BP pattern, particularly the blunting or reversal of the nocturnal decline in BP, are common in chronic renal failure. These changes in turn are among the major determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy. Using a chronobiological approach, it is possible to obtain better insight into the reciprocal relationship between hypertension, renal disease, and increased cardiovascular risk of renal patients. Disruption of the normal circadian rhythm of rest/activity may be hypothesized to underlie the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of such patients. Epidemiological studies reveal that hemodialysis patients experience poor subjective sleep quality and insomnia and, in comparison to healthy persons, are more likely to show shorter sleep duration and lower sleep efficiency. Sleep apnea may be present and is usually investigated in these patients; however, the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is high in dialysis patients and which has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease in the general population, could also play a role in the pathogenesis of sleep-time hypertension in renal patients. Careful assessment of sleep quality, in particular, diagnostic screening for RLS and periodic limb movements (PLM) in renal patients, is highly recommended. In renal failure, attention to sleep quality and related perturbations of the sleep/wake cycle may help prevent the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular disease. (Author correspondence: prf@unife.it)
Bioinspired actuation of the eyeballs of an android robotic face: concept and preliminary investigations

This paper describes the concept and preliminary investigations related to the development of simple bioinspired actuation mechanisms for the eyeballs of an android robotic face. Two design solutions for a one-degree-of-freedom mechanism are proposed and analytically studied according to linear models. Both of them are based on new contractile actuators made of electroactive polymers, employed as pseudomuscular devices. The actuators consist of dielectric elastomers and are capable of electrically driven linear contractions. The arrangement and the functionality of the actuators were conceived to mimic those of rectus-type human ocular muscles. Both the presented solutions rely on a couple of agonist–antagonist actuators, in order to enable bidirectional rotations of the eyeball around an axis. The two configurations basically differ in the presence/absence of pulleys, guiding tendon-like wires which connect the actuators to the eyeball. The influence on the system performances of both rest length and elastic modulus of the actuators was studied for both configurations. Geometrical constraints allow the configuration with pulleys to perform more than the other, despite a potential intrinsic superior efficacy of the latter. The paper describes also the assembly of a simple prototype version of the system and presents the results of preliminary tests. These permitted us to assess the feasibility of the proposed concept and suggested possible improvements.
Indifference towards national identity: what young adults think about being English and British

National identity should be sharply distinguished from nationalism. People speak by reference to a general and assumed membership of a country, and routine markers of behaviour and style may exhibit this sense of membership. This matter-of-fact acceptance of 'national' membership does not guarantee enthusiasm for the 'nation' and it cannot be taken as a signal of nationalism, banal or otherwise. While theoretical statements and assumptions often suggest that national identity is funda- mental to individuals in contemporary societies, empirical investigation of people talking about national identity uncovers some broad strands of indifference and hostility towards national identity in general, and towards British and English identities in particular. This may reflect young adults' wish not to appear 'nationalist' just as many would wish not to appear racist. But the level of apathy and antagonism towards national identity among young adults suggests that we ought to reconsider any assumption that national identity is 'normally' a powerful and important marker, embraced with enthusiasm.
A functional goal decomposition of urban firefighting

In this paper we describe a functional goal decomposition of urban firefighting as part of a larger cognitive task analysis. Previous research indicates that firefighter decision strategies employ a pattern-matching technique that allows them to choose the first workable option based on similar previous experiences. This study builds upon this research by employing multiple cognitive task analysis methods to further examine firefighter decisions through a functional goal decomposition. The functional goal decomposition outlines the functions, decisions and information requirements of firefighting in terms of two overarching goals – save lives and protect property. Information requirements provide useful insight into the difficulties of firefighter decision-making. Though still in the preliminary stages, this project has generated a number of design recommendations to support urban firefighting. Future analyses are also discussed.
Complications in vertebral angiography as compared to non-vertebral cerebral angiography in 447 studies.

A series of 435 patients underwent 447 catheter cerebral angiographic procedures, 231 having vertebral artery catheterizations, and 216 having non-vertebral cerebral studies using the same technique. There was no significant difference in the over-all complication rates for the 2 groups (about 11 per cent), but vertebral artery studies were associated with a higher incidence of CNS-related complications (6.5 per cent compared with 4.2 per cent in nonvertebral studies). Only 1 permanent disabling complication of CNS-related type occurred, and there was no death.The CNS-related complications of catheter vertebral angiography could not be correlated with the duration of the procedure, the total dose of contrast material, or the presence of hypertension; inverse correlation was apparent in respect to number of injections, the presence of arteriosclerosis, and, perhaps, age.
Sterility of Miscanthus × giganteus results from hybrid incompatibility.

Miscanthus ×giganteus Greef et Deu. (Poaceae), a hybrid of Miscanthus sinensis and M. sacchariflorus native to Japan, is an ornamental and a highly lignocellulosic bioenergy crop, cultivated in the European Union as an alternative source of energy. This grass reproduces exclusively vegetatively, by rhizomes or via expensive in vitro micropropagation. The present study was aimed at finding the barriers that prevent sexual seed production, based on detailed embryological analyses of the whole generative cycle, including microsporogenesis, pollen viability, megasporogenesis, female gametophyte development, and embryo and endosperm formation. Sterility of M. ×giganteus results from abnormal development of both male and female gametophytes. Disturbed microsporogenesis (laggard chromosomes, univalents, micronuclei) was further highlighted by low pollen staining. The frequency of stainable pollen ranged from 13.9% to 55.3% depending on the pollen staining test, and no pollen germination was observed either in vitro or in planta. The wide range of pollen sizes (25.5–47.6 μm) clearly indicated unbalanced pollen grain cytology, which evidently affected pollen germination. Only 9.7% of the ovules developed normally. No zygotes nor embryos were found in any analyzed ovules. Sexual reproduction of M. ×giganteus is severely hampered by its allotriploid (2n=3x=57) nature. Hybrid sterility, a strong postzygotic barrier, prevents sexual reproduction and, therefore, seed formation in this taxon.
Regulators of G Protein Signaling (RGS) Proteins Constitutively Activate Gβγ-gated Potassium Channels*

Here we report novel effects of regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) on G protein-regulated ion channels. RGS3 and RGS4 induced a substantial increase in currents through the Gβγ-regulated inwardly rectifying K+ channels,I K(ACh), in the absence of receptor activation. Concomitantly, the amount of current that could be activated by agonist was reduced. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin or a muscarinic receptor antagonist abolished agonist-induced currents but did not modify RGS effects. Cotransfection of cells with a Gβγ-binding protein significantly reduced the RGS4-induced basalI K(ACh) currents. The RGS proteins also modified the properties of another Gβγ effector, the N-type Ca2+ channels. These observations strongly suggest that RGS proteins increase the availability of Gβγ in addition to their previously described GTPase-activating function.
A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, and radiography of the hand in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE As therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) becomes more effective, more sensitive imaging methods are required to assess disease activity and joint damage. We compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sonography, and radiography for assessment of disease activity for the detection of bony erosions. METHODS Forty-six patients with newly diagnosed RA (onset within 2 years) received clinical and laboratory assessment followed by radiographs, sonography, and MRI of the right hand at baseline and at 6 months according to a standardized protocol. We determined the presence of edema, synovitis, effusions, tendon fluid, tendon thickening, and size in the same way by MRI and sonography. The intra- and interreader reliability of MRI and radiographs and predictors of MRI erosions at 6 month followup were also examined. RESULTS At baseline, 39 (85%), 14 (30%), and 17 (37%) patients had erosions identified on MRI, sonography, and radiography, respectively. Over time, the percentage of patients with erosions increased to 91% for MRI, 41% for sonography, and 48% for radiography. The absolute number of erosions increased from 177 to 239 erosions for MRI, from 30 to 43 for sonography, and from 38 to 73 for radiographs. The intra- and interreader reliability for the assessment of erosions and synovitis on MRI was acceptable (intrareader ICC of 0.60 and 0.90; interreader ICC of 0.77 and 0.89, respectively). CONCLUSION MRI appears to be the most sensitive modality for erosive disease compared with sonography and radiography. Sonography detected more joint and tendon sheath effusions than MRI in this study and therefore may have a role in the assessment of disease activity.
Effects of bleomycin on growth kinetics and survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a model of repair pathways

In order to analyze the roles of some repair genes in the processing of bleomycin-induced DNA damage and, especially, the interrelationships among the involved repair pathways, we investigated the potentially lethal effect of bleomycin on radiosensitive mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae defective in recombination, excision, and RAD6-dependent DNA repair. Using single, double, and triple rad mutants, we analyzed growth kinetics and survival curves as a function of bleomycin concentration. Our results indicate that genes belonging to the three epistasis groups interact in the repair of bleomycin-induced DNA damage to different degrees depending on the concentration of bleomycin. The most important mechanisms involved are recombination and postreplication repair. The initial action of a potentially inducible excision repair gene could provide intermediate substrates for the RAD6- and RAD52-dependent repair processes. Interaction between RAD6 and RAD52 genes was epistatic for low bleomycin concentrations. RAD3 and RAD52 genes act independently in processing DNA damage induced by high concentrations of bleomycin. The synergistic interaction observed at high concentrations in the triple mutant rad2-6 rad6-1 rad52-1 indicates partial independence of the involved repair pathways, with possible common substrates. On the basis of the present results, we propose a heuristic model of bleomycin-induced DNA damage repair.
Quality of Internet information related to the Mediterranean diet

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of Internet information on the Mediterranean diet and to determine the relationship between the quality of information and the website source. Design Website sources were categorized as institutional, pharmaceutical, non-pharmaceutical commercial, charitable, support and alternative medicine. Content quality was evaluated using the DISCERN rating instrument, the Health On the Net Foundation's (HON) code principles, and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks. Readability was graded by the Flesch Reading Ease score and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level score. Setting The phrase ‘Mediterranean diet’ was entered as a search term into the six most commonly used English-language search engines. Subjects The first thirty websites forthcoming by each engine were examined. Results Of the 180 websites identified, thirty-two met our inclusion criteria. Distribution of the website sources was: institutional, n 8 (25 %); non-pharmaceutical commercial, n 12 (38 %); and support, n 12 (38 %). As evaluated by the DISCERN, thirty-one of the thirty-two websites were rated as fair to very poor. Non-pharmaceutical commercial sites scored significantly lower than institutional and support sites (P = 0·002). The mean Flesch Reading Ease score and mean Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level were 55·9 (fairly difficult) and 7·2, respectively. The Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level score determines the difficulty of material by measuring the length of words and sentences and converting the results into a grade level ranging from 0 to 12 (US grade level). Conclusions Due to the poor quality of website information on the Mediterranean diet, patients or consumers who are interested in the Mediterranean diet should get advice from physicians or dietitians.
Lung Inflation by Glossopharyngeal Breathing and “Air Stacking” in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Bach JR, Bianchi C, Vidigal-Lopes M, Turi S, Felisari G: Lung inflation by glossopharyngeal breathing and “air stacking” in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2007;86:295–300. Objective:To compare the use of glossopharyngeal breathing (GPB) and air stacking to increase lung volumes and cough peak flows (CPF), and GPB to increase ventilator-free breathing ability (VFBA), for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Design:A case series of all referred patients with declining vital capacity (VC). Seventy-eight patients underwent training in and monitoring of the efficacy of air stacking (retaining consecutively delivered volumes of air delivered via manual resuscitator and held by glottic closure) to maximum insufflation capacity (MIC). GPB also was demonstrated to all 78 patients, and 32 were formally trained and prescribed GPB as their VCs decreased below 400 ml. To be successful, the MIC or GPB maximum single-breath capacity (GPmaxSBC) had to exceed VC. Improvements in VFBA were determined by requiring fewer ventilator-assisted breaths per minute. CPFs were measured by peak flow meter. Results:Seventy-four (94.9%) of the patients could air stack (MIC > VC), and, thus far, 21 (27%) are able to GPB. Fifteen could GPB sufficiently to delay onset of daytime ventilator use and, later, to require 1.9 fewer ventilator assisted breaths per minute. For the 47 patients with multiple data points, as VC deteriorated from 1080 ± 870 to 1001 ± 785 ml, MIC increased from 1592 ± 887 to 1838 ± 774 ml. For 21 patients, GPmaxSBC significantly exceeded VC (824 ± 584 vs. 244 ± 151 ml, respectively, P < 0.001). The ability to increase lung volume by air stacking (MIC) was better retained than was the ability to increase lung volume by GPB (GPmaxSBC). Air stacking also permitted assisted CPF to exceed unassisted CPF: 289 ± 91 and 164 ± 76 liters/m, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions:GPB and air stacking can increase lung volumes and, thereby, cough flows. GPB also can be used in many cases to delay and decrease daytime ventilator use.
Ultrasonic evaluation of intact, healing and osteoporotic long bones

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) has been introduced in recent years for the comprehensive noninvasive and non-ionizing evaluation of bones. This paper presents a review of our research work of the last decade including experimental and computational studies for the ultrasonic assessment of fracture healing and osteoporosis. The axial transmission and the backscattering methods have been applied to investigate the variation of ultrasound velocity, the propagation of guided waves and the interaction of the complex scattering phenomena with bones. In the macrostructure level, computational models have been established mimicking healthy and pathologic bones, while the use of imaging modalities has opened new perspectives for the evaluation of the bone microstructure using QUS. In the nanostructure level, a deterministic hybrid model for bone healing and angiogenesis predictions under the presence of QUS has been established incorporating the spatiotemporal development of soft tissues, bone and the evolution of blood vessel network. The results reveal the promising monitoring potential of QUS and its positive impact on the acceleration of the bone healing process.
Therapeutic immunization with Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara (MVA) vaccines in SIV‐infected rhesus monkeys undergoing antiretroviral therapy

Background The long‐term benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected patients are limited by emergence of drug‐resistant variants and side effects. Therefore, we studied the concept of therapeutic immunization in 18 rhesus monkeys infected with a highly pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) swarm.
Wholesale Late Merger: Beyond the A/ Distinction

In this article, we develop a substantially expanded theory of late merger. Adopting related insights by Fox (2002), we argue that late merger is permitted whenever an output representation can be interpreted in the semantic component. A consequence of our approach is that late merger is available not only for the well-known case of adjuncts, but also for restrictors of determiners (wholesale late merger). We demonstrate that this theory can explain the different reconstruction possibilities of A-movement and -movement, as well as various otherwise puzzling facts about movement and ellipsis, while still maintaining the copy theory of movement.