Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sea Ice—Ocean Interactions in the Barents Sea Modeled at Different Resolutions

The Barents Sea is one of the most rapidly changing Arctic regions in terms of sea ice. As it is almost ice-free in summer, most recent changes in the Barents Sea have occurred in winter, with a reduction of about 50% of its March sea-ice area between 1979 and 2018. This sea-ice loss is clearly linked to an increase in the Atlantic Ocean heat transport, especially through the Barents Sea Opening, in the western part of the Barents Sea. In this study, we investigate the links between the March Barents sea-ice area and ocean heat transport at the Barents Sea Opening using seven different coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation models, with at least two different horizontal resolutions for each model. These models follow the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project protocol, and we focus on the historical record (1950–2014). We find that all models capture the anticorrelation between March sea-ice area and annual mean ocean heat transport in the Barents Sea. Furthermore, the use of an increased ocean resolution allows to better resolve the different ocean pathways into the Barents Sea and the Atlantic Water heat transport at the Barents Sea Opening (reduced transect). A higher ocean resolution also improves the strong water cooling at the sea-ice edge and further formation of warm intermediate Atlantic Water. However, the impact of a higher ocean resolution on the mean March Barents sea-ice area and ocean heat transport at the Barents Sea Opening (large transect) varies among models. A potential reason for a different effect of model resolution on ocean heat transport when considering a reduced or a large transect is that the Atlantic Water and Norwegian Coastal Current inflows are under-represented at lower ocean resolution. Finally, we do not find a systematic effect of resolution on the strength of the sea-ice area—ocean heat transport relationship.
Environmental Enrichment and Physical Exercise Attenuate the Depressive-Like Effects Induced by Social Isolation Stress in Rats

We assessed the antidepressant-like effects of environmental enrichment (EE) and physical exercise (PE) compared with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine against the depression-related neurobehavioral alterations induced by postweaning social isolation (SI) in rats. After 1 month of SI, rats were submitted to PE (treadmill), EE, or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), which were compared with naïve SI and group-housed rats. After 1 month, behavior was analyzed in the open field (OFT), the sucrose preference (SPT), and the forced swimming (FST) tests. Afterward, the hippocampal serotonin contents, its metabolite, and turnover were measured. SI induced a depression-related phenotype characterized by a marginal bodyweight gain, anxiety, anhedonia, behavioral despair, and alterations of serotonin metabolism. EE produced the widest and largest antidepressive-like effect, followed by PE and fluoxetine, which were almost equivalent. The treatments, however, affected differentially the neurobehavioral domains investigated. EE exerted its largest effect on anhedonia and was the only treatment inducing anxiolytic-like effects. Fluoxetine, in contrast, produced its largest effect on serotonin metabolism, followed by its anti-behavioral despair action. PE was a middle-ground treatment with broader behavioral outcomes than fluoxetine, but ineffective to reverse the serotonergic alterations induced by SI. The most responsive test to the treatments was the FST, followed closely by the SPT. Although OFT locomotion and body weight varied considerably between groups, they were barely responsive to PE and fluoxetine. From a translational standpoint, our data suggest that exercise and recreational activities may have broader health benefits than antidepressants to overcome confinement and the consequences of chronic stress.
Speech Motor Skill and Stuttering

ABSTRACT The authors review converging lines of evidence from behavioral, kinematic, and neuroimaging data that point to limitations in speech motor skills in people who stutter (PWS). From their review, they conclude that PWS differ from those who do not in terms of their ability to improve with practice and retain practiced changes in the long term, and that they are less efficient and less flexible in their adaptation to lower (motor) and higher (cognitive–linguistic) order requirements that impact on speech motor functions. These findings in general provide empirical support for the position that PWS may occupy the low end of the speech motor skill continuum as argued in the Speech Motor Skills approach (Van Lieshout, Hulstijn, & Peters, 2004).
HIV‐1 Nef: Taking Control of Protein Trafficking

The Nef protein of the human immunodeficiency virus is a crucial determinant of viral pathogenesis and disease progression. Nef is abundantly expressed early in infection and is thought to optimize the cellular environment for viral replication. Nef controls expression levels of various cell surface molecules that play important roles in immunity and virus life cycle, by directly interfering with the itinerary of these proteins within the endocytic and late secretory pathways. To exert these functions, Nef physically interacts with host proteins that regulate protein trafficking. In recent years, considerable progress was made in identifying host‐cell‐interacting partners for Nef, and the molecular machinery used by Nef to interfere with protein trafficking has started to be unraveled. Here, we briefly review the knowledge gained and discuss new findings regarding the mechanisms by which Nef modifies the intracellular trafficking pathways to prevent antigen presentation, facilitate viral particle release and enhance the infectivity of HIV‐1 virions.
Cutting Edge: Differential Fine-Tuning of IL-2– and IL-15–Dependent Functions by Targeting Their Common IL-2/15Rβ/γc Receptor

Interleukin 2 and IL-15 are two closely related cytokines, displaying important functions in the immune system. They share the heterodimeric CD122/CD132 receptor to deliver their signals within target cells. Their specificity of action is conferred by their α receptor chains, IL-2Rα and IL-15Rα. By combining an increased affinity for CD122 and an impaired recruitment of CD132, we have generated an original molecule named IL-2Rβ/γ (CD122/CD132) inhibitor (BiG), targeting the CD122/CD132 receptor. BiG efficiently inhibited IL-15– and IL-2–dependent functions of primary cells, including CD8 T and NK cells, in vitro and in vivo. We also report a differential dynamic of action of these cytokines by highlighting a major role played by the IL-2Rα receptor. Interestingly, due to the presence of IL-2Rα, BiG had no impact on IL-2–dependent regulatory T cell proliferation. Thus, by acting as a fine switch in the immune system, BiG emphasizes the differential roles of these two cytokines.
Effectiveness of Nonpharmacological Approaches in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients are at increased risk of developing dementia. There is a conflict if cognitive interventions can improve cognitive and functional performances in order to delay the development of dementia. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a holistic cognitive rehabilitation program on patients with MCI. Methods: The participants, 176 MCI patients with Mini-Mental State Examination = 27.89 (1.73), were classified into 2 groups matched for age, gender, education and cognitive abilities: (1) patients (104) on nonpharmacological therapy and (2) patients (72) on no therapy at all. The effectiveness of the interventions was assessed by neuropsychological evaluation performed at baseline and at the end of the interventions. Results: Between-group difference in benefit of the experimental group was demonstrated in abilities of executive function (p = 0.004), verbal memory (p = 0.003), praxis (p ≤ 0.012), daily function (p = 0.001) and general cognitive ability (p ≤ 0.005). The experimental patients improved cognitive and functional performances, while the control patients demonstrated deterioration in daily function (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that nonpharmacological therapy of the holistic approach can improve MCI patients’ cognitive and functional performances.
The word problem for cancellation semigroups with zero

By the word problem for some class of algebraic structures we mean the problem of determining, given a finite set E of equations between words (i.e. terms) and an additional equation x = y, whether x = y must hold in all structures satisfying each member of E. In 1947 Post [P] showed the word problem for semigroups to be undecidable. This result was strengthened in 1950 by Turing, who showed the word problem to be undecidable for cancellation semigroups,i.e. semigroups satisfying the cancellation property Novikov [N] eventually showed the word problem for groups to be undecidable. (Many flaws in Turing's proof were corrected by Boone [B]. Even after his corrections, at least one problem remains; the sentence on line 16 of p. 502 of [T] does not follow if one relation is principal and the other is a commutation relation. A corrected and somewhat simplified version of Turing's proof can be built on the construction given here.) In 1966 Gurevich [G] showed the word problem to be undecidable for finite semigroups. However, this result on finite structures has not been extended to cancellation semigroups or groups; indeed it is easy to see that a finite cancellation semigroup is a group, so both questions are the same. We do not here settle the word problem for finite groups, but we do show that the word problem is undecidable for finite semigroups with zero (that is, having an element 0 such that x0 = 0x = 0 for all x) satisfying an approximation to the cancellation property (1).
[Prognostic factors in surgery of macular holes].

UNLABELLED Idiopathic macular holes are today treated surgically with good results. The prognostic value of factors predictive for the anatomical and functional outcome has not been completely evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred and thirty-five eyes with penetrating macular holes (stage II-IV) were investigated prospectively. The mean follow-up was 19.5 months (6-50 months). RESULTS In 86% of cases the hole was closed postoperatively. The age of the macular hole proved to be a significantly predictive factor for the outcome; the age of the patient did not. The diameter of the hole showed no influence on the results. Application of autologous serum in front of the hole did not significantly improve the anatomical, but the functional results. The strongest improvement of visual acuity was seen in eyes with poor preoperative function. In 118 eyes a prefoveal membrane could be peeled off. Seventeen eyes without detectable membrane showed identical results. CONCLUSION Some predictive factors in macular hole surgery are proven, others remain uncertain. Identical results in eyes with and without prefoveal membranes support the assumption of different pathomechanisms in macular hole formation.
Development of an eyewear to measure eye and body movements

To enable precise detection of mental and physical states of users in a daily life, we have been developing an eyewear to measure eye and body movement in a unrestricted way. The horizontal and vertical EOG (electrooculogram) signals are measured and amplified with three metal dry electrodes placed near nasion and both sides of rhinion, of which positions correspond to the bridge and nose pads of eyewear, respectively. The user's mental states like drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue, or interest to objects can be identified by the movements and blinking of the eyes extracted from the measured EOG. And the six-axis motion sensor (three-axis accelerometer and three-axis gyroscope) mounted in the eyewear measures the body motion. As the sensor located near the head is on the body axis, this eyewear is suitable to measure user's movement or shift of center of gravity during physical exercise with a high precision. The measured signals are used to extract various events of eye and body movement by the mounted microcontroller chip, or can be transmitted to the external devices via Bluetooth communication. This device can enable you to look into “yourself”, as well as outer scenes. In this presentation, the outline of the eyewear is introduced and some possible applications are shown.
Bispectral Index During Isoflurane Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients

Bispectral index (BIS) was developed to monitor anesthetic depth in adults, but has been investigated for use in children, using sevoflurane. We examined the concentration-response relationship between BIS and isoflurane. Thirty children undergoing cardiac catheterization received continuous intraoperative BIS monitoring and had BIS values recorded at 6 steady-state end-tidal isoflurane (EtIso) concentrations between 1.5% and 0.5% and at first arousal. The mean (SD) values for BIS were as follows: 1.5%, 32.3 ± 11.7; 1.3%, 34.7 ± 12.5; 1.1%, 40.5 ± 13.3; 0.9%, 48.0 ± 13.7; 0.7%, 55.9 ± 14.4; and 0.5%, 61.8 ± 13.1. There was an inverse correlation between EtIso and BIS (r − 0.634; P <0.01). There were significant differences (P <0.0001) in mean BIS values between adjacent EtIso in all cases except 1.5% versus 1.3%. An inhibitory sigmoid Emax model best described the BIS-isoflurane concentration relationship, with an 50% effective dose of 0.85% (95% confidence interval, 0.72%–0.98%). The mean value of BIS at first arousal was 78.5 ± 12.3. The relationship between EtIso and BIS is qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that described for isoflurane in adults and sevoflurane in children. These results add to the body of evidence that BIS is adequately calibrated for use in children older than 1 yr.
Technical efficiency analysis and decomposition of productivity growth of Spanish olive farms

Spain occupies the first position in worldwide rankings of olive oil production and trade. This analysis assesses the relative technical efficiency with which this sector is operating. The concept of technical efficiency is critical to measuring the performance of a firm, determining the degree of innovative technology adoption and the overall production efficiency. Specifically, the main objective of this study is to assess the relative technical efficiency and to decompose the productivity growth of Spanish olive farms. Technical efficiency effects are assumed to be a function of firm-specific characteristics. Maximum-likelihood methods are applied to the estimation of the model. A primal approach is used to decompose total factor productivity (TFP) growth into its various components. Results indicate that farm location, age of manager, as well as the composition of the workforce affect efficiency levels. Technical efficiency changes and scale effects are found to be the main sources affecting TFP growth.
Evaluation of bacterial interference and beta-lactamase production in management of experimental infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci

The in vivo effects of penicillin and cefprozil therapy on the interaction between organisms commonly recovered from inflamed tonsils were studied by using a subcutaneous abscess model in mice. These organisms were group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS), Streptococcus salivarius (which is capable of interfering with GABHS), and Staphylococcus aureus. In mice infected with GABHS and S. salivarius alone or in combination, penicillin eliminated both organisms and cefprozil eliminated GABHS and S. aureus but not S. salivarius. Penicillin did not, however, reduce the number of GABHS or S. salivarius in the presence of S. aureus. The present study demonstrated the ability of beta-lactamase-producing S. aureus to protect GABHS from penicillin. However, no such protection was present following the administration of cefprozil. Furthermore, the preservation of S. salivarius that interferes with GABHS growth may provide protection from reinfection with GABHS. This study supports and provides an explanation for the increased efficacies of cephalosporins administered orally over that of penicillin when treating patients with acute GABHS pharyngitis or tonsillitis.
Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: Innovative practice

This article describes a pilot of a weekly web based videoconference support group for five caregivers of persons with dementia. All participants reported positive views of the group and videoconference medium. Improvements in caregiver anxiety, depression, and physical health scores were observed. Depression scores remained the same with difficulties experienced by the caregiver increasing slightly. Self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts and responding to disruptive behavior improved but worsened slightly for obtaining respite. We concluded that web based support was a positive experience for caregivers, providing them with an acceptable, feasible, low-cost technological alternative to in person support that reduced barriers to attendance by being available in homes.
The Effects of Clinical Decision Making on Nurse Practitioners’ Clinical Productivity

The degree of clinical decision making and clinical productivity among nurse practitioners (NPs) is of great interest to policy makers and planners involved in providing appropriate outpatient primary care services. The authors performed a statewide mailed survey of all NPs practicing either full-time or part-time in Wisconsin (response rate of 72.1%) to address the following research questions: Do the demographic characteristics, practice attributes, and primary practice settings of NPs impact their level of clinical decision making (e.g., the autonomy to order laboratory and radiological tests or to refer a patient to a physician specialist other than their collaborating physician)? Do NPs’ levels of clinical decision making correlate with their outpatient clinical productivity, adjusting for demographic characteristics, practice attributes, and primary practice settings? The multiple linear regression results indicated that having more years in practice as an NP, practicing in the family specialty area (vs. a combined other category, which included pediatrics, acute care, geriatrics, neonatal, and school), treating patients according to clinical guidelines, practicing in settings with a fewer number of physicians, and practicing in a multispecialty group practice versus a single-specialty group practice were associated with greater levels of clinical decision making. However, NPs who primarily practiced in a hospital/facility-based practice, as compared with a single-specialty group practice, had lower levels of clinical decision making. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, practice attributes, and primary practice settings, NPs with greater clinical decision-making authority had greater outpatient clinical productivity. The conclusions discuss the policy implications of the findings.
"Thin" malignant melanoma: risk factors and clinical management.

Thin melanomas can metastasize and can be lethal. Six hundred eighty-one patients with melanomas less than 0.76 mm thick have been evaluated, and are reviewed in this study and discussed in the context of a literature review. Among those referred without metastatic disease (583 patients), 4.8% metastasized after a mean follow-up of 3.6 years. Among those referred with metastatic disease (98 patients), mortality was 35% after a mean follow-up of 5.9 years. Male patients (p less than 0.04) and patients with axial primary lesions (p less than 0.05) had increased risk of metastasis. Severe histological regression was present in 40% of primary lesions that metastasized and only 17% of similar lesions that did not (p less than 0.001). Increased age was associated with increased local skin metastases, but not with increased nodal or distant metastases. A prognostic model was designed that identifies a low-risk population with an actuarial risk of metastasis at 10 years that is less than 3%. High-risk patients have an actuarial risk of metastasis of 11% at 5 years and 22% at 10 years (p = 0.0084). Identifying high-risk and low-risk patients with thin melanomas may improve guidelines for the application of adjuvant therapies to this population. New approaches to this problem include use of molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry, and varied methods of histological sectioning.
Differentiation of Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in sera of patients with HSV central nervous system infections by type-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

OBJECTIVE To differentiate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using type-specific glycoprotein G herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 in serum collected from patients with HSV central nervous system (CNS)infections. METHODS HSV 1 and 2 typing in convalescent sera of 17 patients with HSV acute encephalitis, myelitis, or meningitis was determined by the type-specific IgG ELISA kit (Gull Laboratory, Inc.). HSV CNS infections were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or conventional serologic tests from acute to convalescent stages. RESULTS In 13 of 17 patients, HSV type 1 and HSV type 2 antibodies were positive; 11 patients with HSV type 1 and 2 patients with HSV type 2 were found. All 10 patients with encephalitis showed equivocal or positive results for HSVtype 1. In two of three cases of myelitis, HSV type 1 was demonstrated. Each case of myelitis and meningitis reacted to both types 1 and 2. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the kit is useful for type differentiation of HSV CNS infections from convalescent sera, and can play a supplementary role in HSV typing by PCR or previous serologic tests.
A matched-filter FDTD-based time reversal approach for microwave breast cancer detection

Based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, a numerical time-reversal (TR) algorithm for microwave breast cancer detection, already presented in previous work , , is further examined. In , we assumed that the exact field scattered from the tumor-like anomaly is available for backpropagation, and it was shown that the time reversal process is robust to breast inhomogeneities and uncertainties of the skin thickness or electric properties. In this paper, we use the same time reversal mirror (TRM) and two-dimensional (2-D) breast model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, but examine the realistic situation where the target response is not known and can only be estimated from the total signal, which is dominated by clutter. A matched-filter approach to solve this signal processing problem is proposed and applied to the TRM data. Detection and localization is achieved for different target locations, and the ability of the time reversal algorithm to avoid false alarms is demonstrated.