Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Long-Term Phenological Trends of Salt Marsh Ecosystem across Coastal LOUISIANA

In this study, we examined the phenology of the salt marsh ecosystem across coastal Louisiana (LA) for a 16-year time period (2000–2015) using NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer’s (MODIS) eight-day average surface reflectance images (500 m). We compared the performances of least squares fitted asymmetric Gaussian (AG) and double logistic (DL) smoothing functions in terms of increasing the signal-to-noise ratio from the raw phenology derived from the time-series composites. We performed derivative analysis to determine the appropriate start of season (SOS) and end of season (EOS) thresholds. After that, we extracted the seasonality parameters in TIMESAT, and studied the effect of environmental disturbances/anomalies on the seasonality parameters. Finally, we performed trend analysis using the derived seasonality parameters such as base green biomass (GBM) value, maximum GBM value, seasonal amplitude, and small seasonal integral. Based on root mean square error (RMSE) values and residual plots, we selected the best thresholds for SOS (5% of amplitude) and EOS (20% of amplitude), along with the best smoothing function. The selected SOS and EOS thresholds were able to capture the environmental disturbances that have affected the salt marsh ecosystem during the 16-year time period. Our trend analysis results indicate positive trends in the base GBM values in the salt marshes of LA. However, we did not notice as much of a positive trend in the maximum GBM levels. Hence, we observed mostly negative changes in the GBM amplitude and small seasonal integral values. These negative changes indicated the overall progressive decline in the rates of photosynthesis and biomass allocation in the LA salt marsh ecosystem, which is most likely due to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and sea level rise. The results illustrate both the relative efficiency of MODIS-based biophysical models for analyzing salt marsh phenology, and performances of the smoothing techniques in terms of improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the MODIS-derived phenology.
Anti-pneumococcal antibody titre measurement: what useful information does it yield?

Measuring and interpretation of the immune response to pneumococcal polysaccharides is a complex field, owing to the diversity of the pneumococcal polysaccharide capsular types, different vaccine formulations including both polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines, diverse pneumococcal serological assays, lack of immunogenicity data for the conjugate in a number of at-risk groups and complex vaccine schedules. Even the reasons for performing pneumococcal serology can be complex, as assays may be performed for one of two reasons: either to assess an individual’s immune status to the pneumococcus or to discriminate between normal and abnormal humoral immunity. This review details a history of the pneumococcal serological assays and provides some insight into when serology can prove useful, including vaccination data for certain at-risk groups.
Role of endogenous endothelin in chronic heart failure: effect of long-term treatment with an endothelin antagonist on survival, hemodynamics, and cardiac remodeling.

BACKGROUND Plasma levels of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin (ET) are increased in chronic heart failure (CHF), and ET levels are a major predictor of mortality in this disease. Thus, ET may play a deleterious role in CHF. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of chronic treatment with the ET receptor antagonist bosentan in a rat model of CHF. METHODS AND RESULTS Rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation and were treated for 2 or 9 months with placebo or bosentan (30 or 100 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). Bosentan 100 mg x kg(-1) markedly increased survival (after 9 months: untreated, 47%; bosentan, 65%; P<.01). Throughout the 9-month treatment period, bosentan significantly reduced arterial pressure and heart rate. After 2 or 9 months of treatment, the ET antagonist reduced central venous pressure and left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure as well as plasma catecholamines, urinary cGMP, and LV ventricular collagen density. Bosentan also reduced LV dilatation (evidenced at 2 months by a shift in the pressure/volume relationship ex vivo). Echocardiographic studies performed after 2 months showed that the ET antagonist reduced hypertrophy and increased contractility of the noninfarcted LV wall. The lower dose of bosentan (30 mg x kg(-1)), which had no major hemodynamic or structural effects, also had no effect on survival. CONCLUSIONS Long-term treatment with an ET antagonist markedly increases survival in this rat model of CHF. This increase in survival is associated with decreases in both preload and afterload and an increase in cardiac output as well as decreased LV hypertrophy, LV dilatation, and cardiac fibrosis. Thus, chronic treatment with ET antagonists such as bosentan might be beneficial in human CHF and might increase long-term survival in this disease.
Molecular imaging genetics of methylphenidate response in ADHD and substance use comorbidity

Purpose: Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly comorbid and may share a genetic vulnerability. Methylphenidate (MPH), a dopamine transporter (DAT) blocker, is an effective drug for most ADHD patients. Although dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) and dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes have a role in both disorders, little is known about how these genes influence brain response to MPH in individuals with ADHD/SUDs. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether ADHD risk alleles at DRD4 and DAT1 genes could predict the change in striatal DAT occupancy after treatment with MPH in adolescents with ADHD/SUDs. Methods: Seventeen adolescents with ADHD/SUDs underwent a SPECT scan with [Tc99m]TRODAT‐1 at baseline and after three weeks on MPH. Caudate and putamen DAT binding potential was calculated. Comparisons on DAT changes were made according to the subjects' genotype. Results: The combination of both DRD4 7‐repeat allele (7R) and homozygosity for the DAT1 10‐repeat allele (10/10) was significantly associated with a reduced DAT change after MPH treatment in right and left caudate and putamen, even adjusting the results for potential confounders (P ≤ 0.02; R2 from 0.50 to 0.56). Conclusions: In patients with ADHD/SUDs, combined DRD4 7R and DAT1 10/10 could index MPH reduced DAT occupancy. This might be important for clinical trials, in terms of better understanding individual variability in treatment response. Synapse 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integration of sonar and stereo range data using a grid-based representation

The authors use occupancy grids to combine range information from sonar and one-dimensional stereo into a two-dimensional map of the vicinity of a robot. Each cell in the map contains a probabilistic estimate of whether it is empty or occupied by an object in the environment. These estimates are obtained from sensor models that describe the uncertainty in the range data. A Bayesian estimation scheme is applied to update the current map using successive range readings from each sensor. The occupancy grid representation is simple to manipulate, treats different sensors uniformly, and models uncertainty in the sensor data and in the robot position. It also provides a basis for motion planning and creation of more abstract object descriptions. <<ETX>>
Histological Examination of the Topography of the Atrioventricular Nodal Artery within the Triangle of Koch

The treatment of choice in patients with drug‐resistant atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia is radiofrequency fast or slow pathway ablation. Ablation of the reentrant circuit in the region of the His bundle, when approached from the anterior‐superior region (fast pathway), can result in complete AV block. This is less likely if the posterior‐inferior (in the region of coronary sinus ostium) approach is used (slow pathway ablation). The possibility that radiofrequency energy may damage the vascular sjdpply to the AV node must be considered. In order to confirm this hypothesis observation was conducted on the autopsy material of 50 human hearts (20F, 30M) from 18 to 81 years of age. Specimens were taken containing the triangle of Koch (the apex‐ right fibrous trigone, the base‐ coronary sinus ostium). These histological blocks were sectioned in the frontal plane and stained using Masson's method. Koch's triangle was divided in the sagittal plane into 3 parts: inferior (between the base and the attachment of the tricuspid valve), central (between the base and the apex of the right fibrous trigone) and superior (between this trigone and the tendon of Todaro). It was observed that the AVN artery at the coronary sinus ostium level (the base of the triangle of Koch) was positioned in 68% in the central and in 32% in the inferior part of Koch's triangle. The AVN artery in the central part was removed from the endocardium 1mm (18%), 2mm (42%), 3mm (22%), 4mm (18%). In the inferior part imm (26%), 2mm (37%), 3mm (37%). No statistically significant relationship was observed between those groups. Conclusions: 1) in 20% of examined hearts the AVN artery lay just beneath the endocardium near the coronary sinus ostium 2) there is a risk of the AVN artery coagulation during radiofrequency ablation m the slow pathway region.
The Field of Tissue Injury in the Lung and Airway

The concept of field cancerization was first introduced over 6 decades ago in the setting of oral cancer. Later, field cancerization involving histologic and molecular changes of neoplasms and adjacent tissue began to be characterized in smokers with or without lung cancer. Investigators also described a diffuse, nonneoplastic field of molecular injury throughout the respiratory tract that is attributable to cigarette smoking and susceptibility to smoking-induced lung disease. The potential molecular origins of field cancerization and the field of injury following cigarette smoke exposure in lung and airway epithelia are critical to understanding their potential impact on clinical diagnostics and therapeutics for smoking-induced lung disease.
Hippocampal volume reduction in major depression.

OBJECTIVE Elevated levels of glucocorticoids in depression have been hypothesized to be associated with damage to the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory. The purpose of this study was to measure hippocampal volume in patients with depression. METHOD Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the volume of the hippocampus in 16 patients with major depression in remission and 16 case-matched nondepressed comparison subjects. RESULTS Patients with depression had a statistically significant 19% smaller left hippocampal volume than comparison subjects, without smaller volumes of comparison regions (amygdala, caudate, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe) or whole brain volume. The findings were significant after brain size, alcohol exposure, age, and education were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with smaller left hippocampal volume in depression.
Self-expanding Metallic Stents for Relieving Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: A Systematic Review

Objective:To assess the safety and efficacy of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) placement for the relief of malignant colorectal obstruction in comparison to surgical procedures through a systematic review of the literature. Summary Background Data:Conventional therapies for relieving colorectal obstructions caused by cancer have high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly when performed under emergency conditions, and palliative procedures resulting in colostomy creation can be a burden for patients and caregivers. Methods:A systematic search strategy was used to retrieve relevant studies. Inclusion of papers was established through application of a predetermined protocol, independent assessment by 2 reviewers, and a final consensus decision. Eighty-eight articles, 15 of which were comparative, formed the evidence base for this review. Results:Little high-level evidence was available. However, the data suggested that SEMS placement was safe and effective in overcoming left-sided malignant colorectal obstructions, regardless of the indication for stent placement or the etiology of the obstruction. Additionally, SEMS placement had positive outcomes when compared with surgery, including overall shorter hospital stays, and a lower rate of serious adverse events. Postoperative mortality appeared comparable between the 2 interventions. Combining SEMS placement with elective surgery also appeared safer and more effective than emergency surgery, with higher rates of primary anastomosis, lower rates of colostomy, shorter hospital stays, and lower overall complication rates. Conclusions:Stenting appears to be a safe and effective addition to the armamentarium of treatment options for colorectal obstructions. However, the small sample sizes of the included studies limited the validity of the findings of this review. The results of additional comparative studies currently being undertaken will add to the certainty of the conclusions that can be drawn.
Report s Shape Subjective Experience of Bistable Motion

Erhan Genç,1,2 Johanna Bergmann,1,2 Wolf Singer,1,2,3,4 and Axel Kohler1,2,5,* 1Department of Neurophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Deutschordenstrasse 46, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 2Brain Imaging Center Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 3Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Goethe University, Ruth-Moufang-Strasse 1, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 4Ernst Strüngmann Institute in Cooperation with the Max Planck Society, Deutschordenstrasse 46, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 5Department of Psychiatric Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, CH-3000 Bern 60, Switzerland
Comparison of clinical results for the use of ethyl acetate and diethyl ether in the formalin-ether sedimentation technique performed on polyvinyl alcohol-preserved specimens

One hundred fecal specimens preserved in polyvinyl alcohol fixative were examined by the Formalin-ether sedimentation technique with ethyl acetate substituted for diethyl ether. Technical performance of the procedures, appearance and amount of sediment obtained, and organism morphology were comparable. Also, ethyl acetate is less flammable and, therefore, less dangerous to use than diethyl ether. Results of parasite recovery when diethyl ether or ethyl acetate was used revealed few clinical relevant differences, most of which could also have been attributed to other variables inherent in this type of diagnostic testing.
Influence of the protein content of boar seminal plasma on spermatozoa viability , motility and acrosome integrity in diluted semen stored for 3 days

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the protein content of seminal plasma on the motility, viability and acrosome integrity of spermatozoa in extended semen stored for 3 days. A total of 32 semen samples (from four boars) with high (4 mg/ml) and 32 semen samples (from four boars) with low (2 mg/ml) protein content were investigated. The semen samples were diluted by BTS at a ratio of 1:4, and stored for 72 h at 17C. The percentages of live sperm (LS), live sperm with damaged acrosome (LDA) and total sperm with damaged acrosome (TDA) were detected by flow cytometry. Sperm progressive motility (PM) was detected using CASA. After 72 h of storage, the percentage of LS and PM was significantly (P < 0.01) higher, and the LDA and TDA were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in samples with high protein content than in the samples with low protein content (LS = 66 vs. 44%, PM = 64 vs. 48%, LDA = 15 vs. 21% and TDA = 29 vs. 45%, respectively). When comparing the difference between 0 and 72 h of storage, the percentage decrease in LS and PM, while increase in LDA and TDA were significantly higher in the samples with low (LS: 75 to 44%; PM: 68 to 48%; LDA: 11 to 21% and TDA: 23 to 45%) than in the samples with high protein content (LS: 78 to 66%; PM: 70 to 64%; LDA: 9 to 15% and TDA: 17 to 29%). We concluded that protein content in seminal plasma has a significant influence on progressive motility, viability and acrosome integrity in diluted semen stored for 3 days.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF CINNAMON ZELANICUM SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM ESSENTIAL OIL

Objective: Evalution the in vitro antibacterial activity of the essential oil isolated from Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark , Syzygium aromaticum flowers , against Gram-positive ( Staphyllococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes ) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumonia ). Methods: Extracts from the Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark , Syzygium aromaticum flowers were hydro distilled for 3 hours in Clevenger's glass apparatus. 50 ml of diethyl ether was added into 20 gm of chopped spices and the mixture was left for 6 hours, the ethereal layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate, and ether distilled off on a gently heated water bath, after which the essential oils extracted were collected in amber closed vials and is used, antibacterial screening was carried out by disc diffusion method. Results: The MIC of the extracts and isolated compounds was determined by broth dilution method, the Cinnamomum zeylanicum was antibacterial activity on( Staphyllococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and ( Escherichia coli,, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumonia )with inhibition zone (30 mm), while both ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Proteus mirabilis )were with inhibition zone (28mm). Clove oil showed significant inhibitory effect against Staphyllococcus aureus (20 mm) , Streptococcus pyogenes (23 mm) and ( Escherichia coli (25 mm) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16 mm), Proteus mirabilis (23 mm), Serratia marcescens (20 mm) , Enterobacter cloacae (25 mm) , Klebsiella pneumonia (20 mm). the MIC results of the Cinnamomum zeylanicumSyzygium aromaticum, essential oil were indicated that antibacterial activities in lower concentrations 1/128 on Staphyllococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus mirabilis Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 1/256 on serratia marcescens, enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, klebsiella pneumonia . Conclusion; This study was proved that both essential oil were important as herbal drug to used in pharmaceutical industries to treatment infectious diseases.
Biochemical and reproductive effects of gestational/lactational exposure to lead and cadmium with respect to testicular steroidogenesis, antioxidant system, endogenous sex steroid and cauda‐epididymal functions

This study investigated the effects of gestational and lactational exposure to lead and cadmium on testicular steroidogenesis, antioxidant system and male accessory gland functions in F1 generation rats to understand the biochemical mechanisms involved in endocrine disruptions. Pregnant rats were subcutaneously administered with 0.05 mg kg−1 body wt day−1 of sodium acetate (control), lead acetate, cadmium acetate and (lead acetate + cadmium acetate) throughout the gestational–lactational period, and all animals from each of the experimental groups were sacrificed by decapitation on post‐natal day 56 for performing various biochemical assays. We observed significant reduction in the activities of testicular key steroidogenic enzymes and serum testosterone concentration along with significant depletion in cholesterol, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione contents in all the metal‐treated groups. Reductions in the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase with concomitant increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were observed in experimental groups. Both sperm contents and sperm motility patterns were significantly altered in all the metal‐treated groups, suggesting the direct/indirect spermotoxic effects of lead and cadmium. The inhibitory effects of lead, cadmium and combined exposure on testicular steroidogenesis machinery, along with the male accessory gland functions, are indicative of multiple targets of lead and cadmium to disrupt male reproductive functions.
Backscattering From a Two Dimensional Rectangular Crack Using FIE

The (numerical) solution of a rectangular crack in a perfectly conducting surface is appropriate for non-destructive testing (NDT) applications to model faults. The paper presents a direct modeling technique for determining the H and E-polarized backscattering signatures of a two-dimensional crack in a metallic surface that is suitable for inverse scattering problem. The governing field integral equations (FIE) with logarithmic and hyper singular kernels is first discretized and solved by a collocation method based on Chebyshev polynomials. By using ad hoc quadrature rules, the integral equation is then reduced to a linear system of algebraic equations. This approach does not have the size or frequency limitations of the regular techniques such as modal expansion and quasi-static manners. The results are in good agreement with the entirely numerical and non-reversible solution of a finite element method.
Identification of Major Saponins from Jiaogulan Extract (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum; GP) contained a saponin glycoside which was related to ginseng saponin. The purpose of this study was to identify the main saponin in water extract GP compared to methanol and ethanol extract. The sample was prepared by alkaline cleavage, trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis comparison with standard ginsenoside Rb1. The results showed that there were two main dammarant type aglycones in water, methanol and ethanol extracts GP, 20(S)-dammar-24-ene-3β, 12β, 20 triol and 20(S)-dammar24-ene-3β, 6α, 12β, 20 tetrol, which were the same compound as ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1 from ginseng (Panax spp.), representatively. The other peak, 20(S)-dammar-24-ene-3β, 12β, 19, 20 tetrol, was not obvious in water extract as in methanol and ethanol extracts. In conclusion, the water extract GP contained two main saponin compounds, which were the same compounds as in ginseng.
A Standardized Wedelia chinensis Extract Overcomes the Feedback Activation of HER2/3 Signaling upon Androgen-Ablation in Prostate Cancer

Crosstalk between the androgen receptor (AR) and other signaling pathways in prostate cancer (PCa) severely affects the therapeutic outcome of hormonal therapy. Although anti-androgen therapy prolongs overall survival in PCa patients, resistance rapidly develops and is often associated with increased AR expression and upregulation of the HER2/3-AKT signaling pathway. However, single agent therapy targeting AR, HER2/3 or AKT usually fails due to the reciprocal feedback loop. Previously, we reported that wedelolactone, apigenin, and luteolin are the active compounds in Wedelia chinensis herbal extract, and act synergistically to inhibit the AR activity in PCa. Here, we further demonstrated that an herbal extract of W. chinensis (WCE) effectively disrupted the AR, HER2/3, and AKT signaling networks and therefore enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of androgen ablation in PCa. Furthermore, WCE remained effective in suppressing AR and HER2/3 signaling in an in vivo adapted castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) LNCaP cell model that was insensitive to androgen withdrawal and second-line antiandrogen, enzalutamide. This study provides preclinical evidence that the use of a defined, single plant-derived extract can augment the therapeutic efficacy of castration with significantly prolonged progression-free survival. These data also establish a solid basis for using WCE as a candidate agent in clinical studies.