Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imaging the attentional blink: perceptual versus attentional limitations

Imaging studies of conscious perception using techniques such as masking often show increased neural responses in object processing regions of the brain, and accompany increased awareness of the stimulus. Imaging studies of the attentional blink, an effect where conscious awareness of the stimulus is suppressed through reduction of attentional resources, has tended to show the opposite neural response. This study examines changes in stimulus parameters such that either attention or perceptual information is limited. Findings show that under conditions of limited attention but reduced perception the BOLD response reveals increased activity when the stimulus cannot be reported; however, under conditions of reduced perception but normal attention, more activity is revealed on trials when the stimulus can be reported.
Inventory Management in Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Companies and Its Main Dilemmas

This paper briefly reviews some recent work aimed at inventory management and its problems and dilemmas in today ́s competitive world. The study is focused especially on small and medium-sized manufacturing companies with very complex production processes. The main goal is to outline the major difficulties influencing the performance of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in connection with the complexity of their production processes. Some examples from the Czech business environment and results from the previous researches of the author are briefly analyzed and discussed in several parts of the essay. The final part includes a short case study describing the implementation of several small improvements that should positively influence the inventory management and gain some saving for the company.
Nearest Neighbor Based Prototype Classification Preserving Class Regions

A prototype selection method chooses a small set of training points from a whole set of class data. As the data size increases, the selected prototypes play a significant role in covering class regions and learning a discriminate rule. This paper discusses the methods for selecting prototypes in a classification framework. We formulate a prototype selection problem into a set covering optimization problem in which the sets are composed with distance metric and predefined classes. The formulation of our problem makes us draw attention only to prototypes per class, not considering the other class points. A training point becomes a prototype by checking the number of neighbors and whether it is preselected. In this setting, we propose a greedy algorithm which chooses the most relevant points for preserving the class dominant regions. The proposed method is simple to implement, does not have parameters to adapt, and achieves better or comparable results on both artificial and real-world problems.
Improvement of quality of life in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients using nasal filters, a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a clinical condition that impairs quality of life. The use of traditional drugs in many cases is not enough to improve quality of life in these patients. METHODS In this pilot study we used the Sanispira Nasal filters in 15 patients (mean age 34,7 years) affected by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis for 18 days. At each follow-up visit, patients were assessed with a specific quality of life questionnaire, a symptoms form and a drugs form that evaluates the use of antiallergic drugs in the last week. Patients sensitive to environmental allergens wore Sanispira nasal filters during the day, while patients sensitive to domestic allergens wore the device during the night. RESULTS Thirteen patients completed the study. We found an improvement significative (p=0,0241) of the total score of RQLQ of 23,10 points between baseline and 18 days ( total score at baseline prior to nasal filter insertion= 60,60, at 1 week = 42, 28, at 18 days= 34, 10). A significative improvement in the nasal symptoms domain between baseline and 18 days (in particular stuffy nose p=0,047; runny nose p=0,012; sneezing p=0,0021; ) and one item of practical problems domain, the need to repeatedly blow the nose(p=0,082). The total score of symptoms evaluated with the symptoms form improved significantly from baseline to 18 days. Total symptoms score at baseline was 9,7; at 1 week it was 8,1 and at 18 days it was 4,7. The improvement was statistically significant (p=0,0092). Three of the thirteen patients that completed the study eliminated completely the use of drugs during of the study. CONCLUSIONS The use of SANISPIRA ®, has shown encouraging results, with an improvement in the quality of life in Rhinoconjunctivitis patients specially an improvement in nasal and ocular symptoms.
Mode-equalized distributed Raman amplification in 137-km few-mode fiber

We experimentally demonstrate 8 dB of mode-equalized distributed Raman gain using a backward pumping scheme. The equivalent noise figure of the amplifier is −1.5 dB, and the amplifier was successfully employed to demonstrate 6-channel mode-multiplexed MIMO transmission over 137-km few-mode fiber.
Rupture of the globe.

Thirty-four patients had direct and/or indirect rupture of the globe. The commonest site of indirect rupture was the nasal-superior quadrant close to the limbus. The typical clinical presentation was of a chemotic, hypotonous, left eye with a total hyphema; ductions were reduced most in the quadrant of the rupture. Global rupture and blowout fracture were seldom found to occur together. Surgical intervention was always undertaken but produced good visual results in only two of the 34 cases. In both of these cases, primary surgical closure was performed and diathermy was used at the wound edges after suturing.
Extra-medullary hematopoiesis causing bilateral optic atrophy in beta thalassemia/Hb E disease.

OBJECTIVE To report a rare presentation of bilateral optic nerve compression from extra-medullary hematopoiesis in beta thalassemia/Hb E disease. DESIGN Interventional case report. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 13-year-old Thai girl was reported with slowly progressive bilateral visual loss due to optic neuropathy as a result of compression from extra-medullary hematopoiesis. Computed tomography of orbit and brain revealed a homogeneous enhancing midline soft tissue mass originating from the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses along with extensive involvement of the skull. INTERVENTION Blood transfusion once every month and low-dose radiotherapy to sphenoid and ethmoid bones with some visual improvement. CONCLUSION Extra-medullary hematopoiesis in beta thalassemia can involve paranasal sinuses and cause compressive neuropathy. In patients with beta thalassemia that required multiple blood transfusions with progressive visual loss, ectopic marrow compression of optic nerve should be ruled out.
World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) Guidelines for Biological Treatment of Bipolar Disorders, Part I: Treatment of Bipolar Depression

Summary: These practice guidelines for the biological, mainly pharmacological treatment of bipolar depression were developed by an international task force of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP). Their purpose is to supply a systematic overview of all scientific evidence pertaining to the treatment of bipolar depression. The data used for these guidelines have been extracted from a MEDLINE and EMBASE search, and from recent proceedings of key conferences and various national and international treatment guidelines. Their scientific rigor was categorised into four levels of evidence (A-D). As these guidelines are intended for clinical use, the scientific evidence was not only graded, but also commented on by the experts of the task force to ensure practicability.
Analytical construction of Weil curves over function fields

© Université Bordeaux 1, 1995, tous droits réservés. L’accès aux archives de la revue « Journal de Théorie des Nombres de Bordeaux » (http://jtnb.cedram.org/) implique l’accord avec les conditions générales d’utilisation (http://www.numdam.org/conditions). Toute utilisation commerciale ou impression systématique est constitutive d’une infraction pénale. Toute copie ou impression de ce fichier doit contenir la présente mention de copyright.
Inter-center variation in the efficiency of sperm DNA damage reduction following density gradient centrifugation

This was a prospective multicenter study aiming at comparing the efficiency of sperm selection by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) in reducing sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in different ART centers. The study was designed using 290 semen samples collected from 10 different ART centers performing artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization and blind assessment of SDF at the University facilities. The results showed that while there was a significant reduction in the SDF levels in sperm isolated from the gradient centrifuged pellet (DGC) compared to neat semen samples (NSS), there was also significant inter-center variability in the efficiency to reduce SDF values by DGC (78.5% to 29.2%). Surprisingly, for some patients, the level of SDF actually increased following sperm selection. The main conclusions derived from this study were that 1) isolation of sperm from the gradient pellet by DGC must be performed using validated, optimized protocols; 2) routine comparison of SDF values in NSS semen and in processed sperm after DGC or swim-up must be recommended as part of the internal quality control (QC) of ART laboratories to test the efficacy of sperm processing; and 3) SDF values in processed spermatozoa should be obtained to compare with the pregnancy rate when insemination or fertilization is about to be performed, otherwise, attempts to predict pregnancy outcome from SDF could be biased or are essentially meaningless.
Visual Loss and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Children With Alagille Syndrome

Background: Alagille syndrome (AGS) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder defined by developmental abnormalities of the liver, heart, eye and skeleton. Although visual problems are recognised, the severity of visual loss and its link with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has not been reported. Aim: To review the incidence of visual loss and IIH in children with AGS managed at a National Paediatric Liver Unit between 1989 and 2004. Subjects and Methods: Retrospective case note review of children who fulfilled criteria for diagnosis of AGS and had an ophthalmic examination by a paediatric ophthalmologist. Results: Fifty-five children with AGS were evaluated. Of these, 41 children fulfilled diagnostic criteria and had a documented ophthalmic examination. Six children had undergone liver transplantation. Three children had a definite diagnosis of IIH, 2 of whom developed postliver transplant. All 3 were treated medically, but 1 child with IIH required lumboperitoneal shunting. All 3 children with definite IIH have normal vision after treatment. Another child with probable undiagnosed IIH has bilateral optic atrophy and is registered blind. Two children with AGS are registered partially sighted, one with rod cone dystrophy and the other with pigmentary retinopathy and right disc atrophy. Summary: Although visual abnormalities are well described in children with AGS, a minority of children have significant progressive visual loss. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension has been identified as a potentially treatable precipitating factor. Conclusions: We recommend annual fundoscopy in the follow-up of children with AGS to facilitate early detection and appropriate management of IIH to prevent visual loss.
A LONGITUDINAL EXAMINATION OF CORPORATE DIVERSIFICATION AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES USING MULTIPLE MEASURES

Using popular/common measures of diversification employed by industrial organization scholars (Jacquemin-Berry entropy measure) and strategy scholars (size of the primary business segment), this study examines the corporate diversification and restructuring activities of American firms (sample from the Fortune 250 list) in the 1980s and 1990s. The results illustrate the consistencies and discrepancies between the above measures. Additionally, there is empirical support for the widespread notion that in the 1980’s and 1990’s, firms underwent major restructuring efforts by divesting unrelated (unprofitable) businesses and strengthening their core business units and related segments.
Epizootiology of avian influenza--simultaneous monitoring of sentinel ducks and turkeys in Minnesota.

Isolation-reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were placed on ponds in turkey-rearing areas in Minnesota, and their cloacae were periodically swabbed to attempt isolating virus from embryonated chicken eggs. Nearby turkeys were sampled by taking cloacal and tracheal swabs as well as blood samples. Hemagglutinating viruses were identified at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa. During this two-year study, the weekly influenza virus-isolation rate from ducks varied from 0 to 24.4%. A total of 213 influenza viruses were isolated from the ducks. Twenty-six influenza virus subtypes were detected. Ninety-seven flocks of turkeys were diagnosed as having influenza by virus isolation and/or serology. Eight influenza virus subtypes were involved in the turkey outbreaks, and seven of these were also detected in the ducks and/or other avian species. The weekly infection rate of the sentinel ducks correlated directly with observations of wild ducks at the monitoring sites. Influenza virus was isolated from water samples collected near the sentinel duck sites during the study.
A Germinal Center‐like Reaction in the Nonlymphoid Tissue of the Synovial Membrane a

The analysis of T-dependent immune responses to hapten carrier antigens like 2-phenyl-oxazolone (phOx) has demonstrated that, within two weeks after immunization, a maturation of the immune response takes place. ’ Antigen-activated B cells migrate into the primary follicles of the peripheral lymphatic organs. Rapid proliferation of these cells leads to the formation of large germinal centers (FIGURE 1). By day ten, mature germinal centers have developed in which a dark and a light zone can be distinguished.2 In the dark zone, B cells are clonally expanded. During proliferation, a hypermutation mechanism becomes activated and the V gene repertoire is diversified. Stepwise somatic mutations are introduced into the variable regions of the Hand the L-~hains. ’. ~ In this way, B cell variants develop that differ in their affinity for the antigen. Those cells with a relatively high affinity are selected to differentiate into memory cells and presumably such variants also give rise to the plasma cells. In secondary and tertiary responses, further rounds of maturation through hypermutation and selection of variants with increased affinity for the antigen will take place. ’ The mechanism of affinity selection is still poorly understood. It is believed that follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) that form the dense cellular network of the light zone play a crucial role. FDCs present antigen complexed with antibody to the B cells. Competition for the antigen may determine which B cells are selected to differentiate and which will die through apoptosis.2 On the other hand, the analysis of germinal center-derived sequences has suggested that selection for affinity may have occurred already during proliferation of B cells in the dark zone: The analysis of tonsillar B cells and of human splenic B cells has demonstrated that these maturation processes take place during naturally induced immune response~. ~,’
What do service planners and policy‐makers need from research?

Nine policy preoccupations have been identified in a recent study of dementia care policies in all European countries. These are used to structure a set of issues which researchers might usefully address to assist service planners and policy‐makers. Areas where there is already a research literature are identified. Some description and commentary on the application of current policies in the UK is provided to illustrate the need for research. It is suggested that service planners and policy‐makers march to some distant drum which is only remotely related to research, if at all. However, the importance of a research base is stressed with the suggestion that research in related fields could usefully be transferred. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the Skin Temperature of the Trunk and Their Relationship to Sympathetic Blockade during Spinal Anesthesia

Alterations in the skin temperature of the trunk during spinal anesthesia, using either tetracaine, 6 mg, or lidocaine, 50 mg, were monitored at intervals by means of a General Electric Spectrotherm 2000® Thermographic Imager and recorded on Polaroid® 107C photographic film. The upper level of sensory blockade was determined with each thermograph by recording the most cephalad dermatome at which analgesia to pinprick occurred. The upper limit of diminished sympathetic activity was assumed to be the most cephalad dermatome at which skin temperature elevation occurred. In all cases, the uppermost level of temperature elevation was cephalad to the upper limit of sensory blockade. Assuming that temperature elevation reflects diminished sympathetic activity, the mean sympathetic-sensory differential for lidocaine, 50 mg, was 6.00 (±SE 0.70) segments, and for tetracaine, 6 mg, was 6.70 (±SE 0.50) segments. Arrival of the temperature elevation “front” at the fourth thoracic dermatome and above was associated with decreases in mean arterial pressure.
Paradise burnt: How colonizing humans transform landscapes with fire

A striking feature of Southern Hemisphere landscapes is the occurrence of grasslands in regions that are climatically suitable for forests (Fig. 1). Ecologists and biogeographers working in these southern lands have developed a range of theories to account for the biogeographic anomaly of grassland–forest mosaics (1–7). Broadly speaking, these theories divide into those that privilege the importance of an ensemble of environmental factors, including fire, or those that stress the legacy of human landscape burning. The report by McWethy et al. in PNAS (8) provides incontrovertible evidence that anthropogenic burning transformed temperate forested landscapes on the South Island of New Zealand. They show that Polynesian (Māori) firing commenced shortly after colonization around A.D. 1280 and transformed 40% of the original forest cover of the island to grassland and fern-shrubland. There is little room for doubting their findings given the elegant integration of a range of paleoecological methodologies, very precise dating, and a high level of replication across the island. This report will spark renewed interest in the relative importance of fire, humans, and climate in shaping forest–grassland landscape mosaics worldwide (9).
Invasin-dependent and invasin-independent pathways for translocation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis across the Peyer's patch intestinal epithelium

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis initiates systemic disease after translocation across the intestinal epithelium. Three Y. pseudotuberculosis factors, previously identified by their ability to promote association with cultured cells, were evaluated for their relative roles in translocation. To this end, mutants defective for invasin, YadA, or pH 6 antigen were tested for movement from the intestinal lumen into the subepithelium. Within 45 min after introduction of bacteria into the lumen, wild-type bacteria were found in the Peyer's patch. Mutants expressing defective invasin derivatives were unable to promote efficient translocation into the Peyer's patch and instead colonized on the luminal surface of the intestinal epithelium. In particular, a translocation defect was observed in a Y. pseudotuberculosis strain that expressed an uptake-defective invasin protein retaining considerable receptor binding activity. To attempt to reduce binding to luminal mucus, Y. pseudotuberculosis yadA and inv yadA strains were analyzed. Both strains had reduced mucus binding, with the inv yadA mutant revealing an alternate uptake pathway that was invasin independent. A mutant defective in the production of the pH 6 antigen adhesin also showed reduced binding to luminal mucus, with specific localization of bacteria in M cells. These results indicate that Y. pseudotuberculosis adhesive factors control the site of bacterial interaction within the intestinal environment and that loss of one factor causes drastic changes in the preferred site of localization of the bacterium in this locale.
Electron Microscopy of the Cell Envelope of Ferrobacillus ferrooxidans Prepared by Freeze-Etching and Chemical Fixation Techniques

Remsen, C. C. (Swiss Federation Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland), and D. G. Lundgren. Electron microscopy of the cell envelope of Ferrobacillus ferrooxidans prepared by freeze-etching and chemical fixation techniques. J. Bacteriol. 92:1765–1771. 1966. —A comparison was made of the fine structure of the cell envelope of the gram-negative bacterium Ferrobacillus ferrooxidans when cells were prepared for microscopy by freeze-etching and chemical fixation techniques. Cell envelopes of chemically fixed cells appeared as five separate layers distinguishable by their location and electron density. Frozen-etched cells showed a three-layered complex with each layer measuring approximately 100 A in thickness. The latter technique is considered to be “artifact-free” and, as a technique, yields purely morphological information on the natural state. The three layers revealed by freeze-etching are: the outer layer, a lipoprotein-lipopolysaccharide layer; the middle layer, a layer composed of globular protein attached to fibrillar mucopeptide; and the innermost layer, the cytoplasmic membrane. The latter was covered with 100 to 120 A particles. The relationship of the aforementioned layers to those seen in chemically fixed cells is discussed.