Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multitemporal Fluctuations in L-Band Backscatter From a Japanese Forest

The temporal variations (diurnal and annual) in arboreal (ε<sub>Tree</sub>) and bare soil (ε<sub>Soil</sub>) dielectric constants and their correlation with precipitation were examined for several trees in Japan. A significant (1 σ (standard deviation) and 2 σ) ε<sub>Tree</sub> increase is observed after rainfall at 89.8% and 90.5% probability. However, rainfall does not always induce significant ε<sub>Tree</sub> increases. Rainfall of more than 5 mm/day can induce 1 σ ε<sub>Tree</sub> Tree increase at a 59.6% probability. In order to examine whether the increase in εTree affects the L-band σ<sup>0</sup> variation in a forest, the four-year temporal variation of the L-band backscattering coefficient (σ<sup>0</sup>) was estimated from observations by the Advanced Land Observing Satellite Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar. Observed maximum absolute deviations from the mean over the forest area were 1.0 and 1.2 dB for σ<sub>HH</sub><sup>0</sup> and σ<sub>HV</sub><sup>0</sup>, respectively, and 4.0 and 3.0 dB over open land. σ<sup>0</sup> and rainfall correlations show that ε<sub>Tree</sub> and σ<sub>Forest</sub><sup>0</sup> are proportional to precipitation integrated over seven or eight days; ε<sub>Soil</sub> and σ<sub>Open land</sub><sup>0</sup> are proportional to precipitation integrated over three days. This finding indicates that ε<sub>Tree</sub> variations influence σ<sub>Forest areas</sub><sup>0</sup>. A stronger correlation between σ<sub>HV</sub><sup>0</sup> and precipitation is observed in several sites with low σ<sub>HV</sub><sup>0</sup>, where less biomass is expected, and several sites with high σ<sub>HV</sub><sup>0</sup>, where more biomass is expected. A weaker correlation between σ<sub>HV</sub><sup>0</sup> and precipitation is observed for several sites with high σ<sub>HV</sub><sup>0</sup>. These differences may be explained by the different contributions of double bounce scattering and potential transpiration, which is a measure of the ability of the atmosphere to remove water from the surface through the processes of transpiration. The two other results were as follows: 1) The functional relation between aboveground biomass and σ<sup>0</sup> showed dependence on precipitation data, this being an effect connected with seasonal changes of the ε<sub>Tree</sub>. This experiment reinforces the fact that the dry season is preferable for retrieval of woody biomass from inversion of the functional dependence of SAR backscatter and for avoiding the influence of rainfall. 2) The complex dielectric constant for a tree trunk, which is measured between 0.2 and 6 GHz, indicates that free water is dominant in the measured tree.
Effects of methylphenidate on sleep in children with attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder. An activity monitor study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride on sleep patterns in children diagnosed as having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). DESIGN A double-blind, controlled drug-placebo cross-over design. SETTING Home. SUBJECTS Ten children (aged 6 years 9 months to 12 years & months) diagnosed as having ADHD were consecutively recruited and compared with age- and sex-matched normal controls. TREATMENT Methylphenidate hydrochloride (0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg) or placebo was administered at 7:30 AM. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Each child underwent activity monitoring at home during 6 days of no treatment (baseline) followed by placebo and methylphenidate treatment. The results of the three trial stages, as well as those of the 20 age- and sex-matched normal controls, were compared. A shorter total sleep duration was evident during the methylphenidate treatment compared with that of baseline and placebo treatment. The amount of quiet sleep was lower (however, not significantly) among the study group compared with controls, whereas no such difference was noted during methylphenidate treatment. Night-to-night sleep pattern stability was found. No other differences were found either between children with ADHD and controls or between on and off stages of methylphenidate treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results support the notion that ADHD is a centrally generated disorder attributable to hypoarousal, which subsequently stimulates motor overactivity. Methylphenidate does not appear to affect sleep patterns adversely and possibly normalizes them in patients with ADHD.
Epithelial Innate Immunity

The gut epithelium is an essential interface in insects that transmit parasites. We investigated the role that local innate immunity might have on vector competence, taking Stomoxys calcitrans as a model. S. calcitrans is sympatric with tsetse flies, feeds on many of the same vertebrate hosts, and is thus regularly exposed to the trypanosomes that cause African sleeping sickness and nagana. Despite this, S. calcitrans is not a cyclical vector of these trypanosomes. Trypanosomes develop exclusively in the lumen of digestive organs, and so epithelial immune mechanisms, and in particular antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), may be the prime determinants of the fate of an infection. To investigate why S. calcitrans is not a cyclical vector of trypanosomes, we have looked in its midgut for AMPs with trypanolytic activity. We have identified a new AMP of 42 amino acids, which we named stomoxyn, constitutively expressed and secreted exclusively in the anterior midgut of S. calcitrans. It displays an amphipathic helical structure and exhibits a broad activity spectrum affecting the growth of microorganisms. Interestingly, this AMP exhibits trypanolytic activity to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. We argue that stomoxyn may help to explain why S. calcitrans is not a vector of trypanosomes causing African sleeping sickness and nagana.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF A CLEARANCE BOX MONITOR USED FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DECOMMISSIONING

When decommissioning a nuclear facility it is important to be able to estimate activity levels of potentially radioactive samples and compare with clearance values defined by regulatory authorities. This paper presents a method of calibrating a clearance box monitor based on practical experimental measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Adjusting the simulation for experimental data obtained using a simple point source permits the computation of absolute calibration factors for more complex geometries with an accuracy of a bit more than 20%. The uncertainty of the calibration factor can be improved to about 10% when the simulation is used relatively, in direct comparison with a measurement performed in the same geometry but with another nuclide. The simulation can also be used to validate the experimental calibration procedure when the sample is supposed to be homogeneous but the calibration factor is derived from a plate phantom. For more realistic geometries, like a small gravel dumpster, Monte Carlo simulation shows that the calibration factor obtained with a larger homogeneous phantom is correct within about 20%, if sample density is taken as the influencing parameter. Finally, simulation can be used to estimate the effect of a contamination hotspot. The research supporting this paper shows that activity could be largely underestimated in the event of a centrally-located hotspot and overestimated for a peripherally-located hotspot if the sample is assumed to be homogeneously contaminated. This demonstrates the usefulness of being able to complement experimental methods with Monte Carlo simulations in order to estimate calibration factors that cannot be directly measured because of a lack of available material or specific geometries.
Cytogenetic damage in lymphocytes for the purpose of dose reconstruction: a review of three recent radiation accidents

The analysis of chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood of radiation accident victims is an established method of biological dosimetry. The dose estimate on the basis of an in vitro calibration curve is straightforward when the radiation exposure is homogeneous and the analysis not delayed. In recent years three radiation accidents occurred, where the irradiation or sampling conditions precluded a simple estimation of the dose. During the Georgian accident soldiers carried in their pockets small sources of 137Cs leading to partial and protracted body exposures. During the Tokai-mura accident, three employees involved in the process of 235U enrichment were exposed to very high doses of gamma rays and neutrons. During the Bialystok accident, five patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy were exposed to a single dose of electrons which reached about 100 Gy. In the present paper the approaches chosen to estimate, by cytogenetic methods, the doses absorbed by the people involved in the accidents are described.
New directions in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders from animal model research

Introduction: Currently, there is not an effective pharmacotherapy for the core symptoms of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which include aberrant social behavior, delayed communication and repetitive behavior and/or restricted interests. There are several drugs that treat the symptoms associated with autism including irritability, aggressiveness and hyperactivity. Current drug research is based on the ongoing genetic, animal model and neuropathologic research. Two areas in particular, the glutamate and oxytocin systems, provide exciting new avenues for drug discovery. Areas covered: This review examines what approaches have been used for the drugs that are currently being used to treat people with ASD. For the most part, drugs that treat other neuropsychiatric disorders have been examined to treat the people with ASD, unfortunately with little effect on the core symptoms. Expert Opinion: Until recently, there was not a plethora of knowledge about the neurobiological substrates of social behavior, pragmatic language usage and repetitive and/or restricted behaviors. Therefore, drug discovery has used the tools available for other neuropsychiatric disorders. Now that more biological information is available, there are many avenues for research for drug targets for ASD.
An Investigation of Impaired Scores on the Frontal Assessment Battery in a VA Population

In a population of inpatients, individuals were observed to continually score in the impaired range on the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) without exhibiting other signs of frontal-lobe damage. Investigations were undertaken to determine if the subtest structure, demographic factors, or general cognitive functioning may be responsible for patients’ poor performance on the FAB overall. Participants were inpatients at the Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital who were administered a standard neuropsychological screening battery. This battery included the FAB, among other tests, as part of regular clinical care. Included in these study analyses were 292 patients with a mean age of 67.27 years (SD = 12.41). Descriptive analyses revealed that 63.7% of patients scored in the impaired range on the FAB based on the criteria set forth by Dubois, Slachevsky, and Litvan (2000). Analyses of individual subtest performance failed to find any single test that would characterize participants’ poor performance overall. Nonetheless, the total FAB score was related to age, general cognitive functioning, and premorbid estimates of intellectual functioning. The internal reliability also was found to be lower than that reported previously. While the FAB may measure frontal-lobe functions, it appears to be influenced by a multitude of other demographic and neuropsychological factors.
Frequency and severity of headache is worsened by Interferon‐β therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis

Patti F, Nicoletti A, Pappalardo A, Castiglione A, Lo Fermo S, Messina S, D’Amico E, Cimino V, Zappia M. Frequency and severity of headache is worsened by Interferon‐β therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand: 2012: 125: 91–95. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude a high‐grade intraepithelial lesion and its clinical significance in postmenopausal, pregnant, postpartum, and contraceptive‐use patients

Previous studies have confirmed the low predictive value of a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude a high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H) in a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear for subsequent high‐grade dysplasia in the postmenopausal age group. It appears plausible that the decrease in estrogen inherent in the postmenopausal state likely produces reactive cytologic atypia, which is misinterpreted as ASC‐H. The change in hormone levels observed in pregnant patients, postpartum patients, and contraceptive users, as a corollary, potentially could create a similar diagnostic dilemma. In the current study, the impact of age and altered hormone status on the frequency of ASC‐H was assessed to answer the following questions: Is the low predictive value of ASC‐H in postmenopausal women an age‐related phenomenon, and do other states that result in decreased levels of estrogen relative to progesterone have a similar association?
Do traditional risk factors predict whether men who have sex with men engage in unprotected anal intercourse? The need for locally based research to guide interventions

A great deal of research effort has been expended in an effort to identify the variables which most influence men who have sex with men’s (MSM) unsafe sexual behaviors.While a set of predictor variables has emerged, these predict the unsafe behaviors of MSM in some locations but not in others, suggesting the need to investigate the predictive ability of these variables among MSM in previously understudied populations. Therefore, this study examined the ability of previously identified factors to predict unsafe sexual behaviors among MSM in Houston, Texas. Data were collected through a short self-report survey completed by MSM attending the Houston pride festival. The multiethnic participants (N = 109) represented a range of age, educational, and income backgrounds. Fifty-seven percent of the survey respondents had been drunk and/or high in sexual contexts, 19 percent evidenced alcohol dependency, 26 percent reported finding sex partners online and sex with serodiscordant or unknown serostatus partners was common. Compared to men who did not report unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the preceding two months, MSM who engaged in UAI were younger and more likely to use alcohol in sexual contexts, meet men online for offline sex, and perceive lower safer sex norms in their community. Although these results were statistically significant, the strength of the relationships was too small to have any practical value. The lack of useful explanatory power underscores the importance of accelerated HIV research that identifies the unique, local factors associated with unsafe sex in other previously understudied populations.
Anti–Melanoma Differentiation–Associated Protein 5–Associated Dermatomyositis: Expanding the Clinical Spectrum

Autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation–associated protein 5 (MDA‐5) have been described in several Asian dermatomyositis (DM) cohorts, often associated with amyopathic DM and rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). A recent study of a DM cohort seen at a US dermatology clinic reports that MDA‐5 autoantibodies are associated with a unique cutaneous phenotype. Given the widening spectrum of clinical findings, we evaluated the clinical features of anti–MDA‐5–positive patients seen at a US myositis referral center.
Survival Benefit of Primary Deceased Donor Transplantation With High‐KDPI Kidneys

The Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) has been introduced as an aid to evaluating deceased donor kidney offers, but the relative benefit of high‐KDPI kidney transplantation (KT) versus the clinical alternative (remaining on the waitlist until receipt of a lower KDPI kidney) remains unknown. Using time‐dependent Cox regression, we evaluated the mortality risk associated with high‐KDPI KT (KDPI 71–80, 81–90 or 91–100) versus a conservative, lower KDPI approach (remain on waitlist until receipt of KT with KDPI 0–70, 0–80 or 0–90) in first‐time adult registrants, adjusting for candidate characteristics. High‐KDPI KT was associated with increased short‐term but decreased long‐term mortality risk. Recipients of KDPI 71–80 KT, KDPI 81–90 KT and KDPI 91–100 KT reached a “break‐even point” of cumulative survival at 7.7, 18.0 and 19.8 months post‐KT, respectively, and had a survival benefit thereafter. Cumulative survival at 5 years was better in all three high‐KDPI groups than the conservative approach (p < 0.01 for each comparison). Benefit of high‐KDPI KT was greatest in patients age >50 years and patients at centers with median wait time ≥33 months. Recipients of high‐KDPI KT can enjoy better long‐term survival; a high‐KDPI score does not automatically constitute a reason to reject a deceased donor kidney.
Functional properties of a slowly inactivating potassium current in guinea pig dorsal lateral geniculate relay neurons.

1. The time- and voltage-dependent properties of a slowly inactivating and depolarization-activated potassium current and the functional consequences of its activation was investigated with current and single-electrode voltage-clamp techniques applied to guinea pig dorsal lateral geniculate neurons maintained as a slice in vitro. 2. In current clamp, application of a step depolarization to near firing threshold resulted in a slowly rising membrane potential that took up to 10 s to reach steady state and firing threshold. In voltage clamp, step depolarization of the membrane potential to values positive to approximately -65 mV resulted in the rapid activation followed by slow inactivation of an outward current. In both cases the sudden depolarization was associated with a large increase in membrane conductance, which gradually lessened in parallel with the slow depolarization in current clamp or with the decrease in outward current in voltage clamp. 3. The time course of inactivation of the outward current, which we refer to as IAs, was well fitted by a two-exponential function with time constants of 96 and 2,255 ms, suggesting the presence of a fast and slow phase of inactivation. The activation threshold for IAs was about -65 to -60 mV, whereas inactivation was incomplete even at -50 mV, suggesting the presence of a substantial "window" current. The time course of removal of inactivation of IAs at -85 to -100 mV was well fitted by a single exponential function with time constant of 91 ms. 4. IAs appears to be mediated by K+. Increasing [K+]o from 2.5 to 10 mM resulted in a reduction in amplitude of IAs, whereas changing from 10 to 2.5 mM [K+]o enhanced this current. Intracellular injection of Cs+ resulted in an abolition of IAs, whereas extracellular application of Ba2+ resulted in a large decrease in the apparent input conductance but relatively little reduction of IAs. 5. Both phases of inactivation of the transient outward current were completely blocked by low doses (100 microM) of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), but not by extracellular application of Cs+, tetraethylammonium (TEA), tetrodotoxin (TTX), or after block of transmembrane Ca2+ currents. Local application of 4-AP to neurons depolarized to near firing threshold resulted in depolarization associated with a decrease in apparent input conductance, thereby confirming the presence of a window current.4+ this bias against depolarizing inputs. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Multiple Pain Complaints in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Objective: To characterize the co-existence of multiple pain-related complaints in patients enrolled in a series of pharmaceutical company drug trials for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Method: Pooled ‘blinded' data from 2191 patients enrolled in randomized, multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled studies for the treatment of MDD were analyzed. Painful symptoms were assessed using the seven pain symptoms subset of the Somatic Symptoms Inventory: ‘Headache,' ‘Pain in lower back,' ‘Neck pain,' ‘Pain in joints,' ‘Soreness in muscles,' ‘Pain in heart or chest,' and ‘Pain or cramps in abdomen. ' The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to assess severity of depression. Results: Of those meeting the study entry criteria (total HAMD score ≥15), 25% reported no pain complaints and 18% reported 1 pain compliant; the majority (57%) of patients reported the co-existence of multiple pain-related complaints, with 14%, 12%, 11%, 11%, 7%, and 3% of patients reporting 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 different pain symptoms, respectively. The number of pain-related symptoms experienced was moderately related to severity of depression (r = 0.35), with the most common pain symptom combinations being among headaches, lower back pain, neck pain, pain in joints, and soreness in muscles. Conclusions: This study supports pain as a component feature of MDD. The number of comorbid pain-related complaints, which generally increased as a function of depressive severity, should be considered in the diagnosis of depression, planning of treatment strategies, and measurement of treatment outcome. MDD = Major Depressive Disorder; SSI = Somatic Symptoms Inventory; HAMD = Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; DSM-IV-TR = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision; ICD-10 = International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision.
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction among young adults: results of a large-scale survey.

INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early and first sign of an underlying systemic disease. A screening program is offered by the Medical services of the Israel Defense Force for career servicemen at the Staff Periodic Examination Center (SPEC) aimed at early detection of morbidity. The Sexual Human Inventory for Males (SHIM) questionnaire was introduced to these men in order to identify ED, to offer men with ED suitable treatment options, and to investigate underlying systemic diseases. AIM To provide epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of ED among a large-scale young adult population. METHODS Subjects aged 25-50 years are undergoing a routine check-up at SPEC. Blood samples, physiological measures, demographic variables, information on health status and smoking habits are recorded and documented. The SHIM self-administrated questionnaire was used to characterize ED. RESULTS During 2001-2003, 11,914 males reported to SPEC (average age 34.8 +/- 7.1 years). Five thousand eight hundred thirty-six of them chose to answer the SHIM questionnaire (compliance of 48.9%). According to the SHIM scores, at least one out of three men (26.9%) suffered from ED (19%, 7%, and 1% had mild, moderate, and severe ED, respectively). ED was prevalent also among young adults: 22.1% of males under-40 had low SHIM scores (<21). Severity of ED correlated with age and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION In light of these results, we conclude that ED is a major health concern among young men as well. Incorporating questions regarding sexual health in a routine check-up may encourage more men to seek treatment, not only for ED, but also for underlying diseases.