Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated Approaches to Long-TermStudies of Urban Ecological Systems

This quote captures the spirit of the new urban emphasis in the US Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) network. We know now that Earth abounds with both subtle and pronounced evidence of the influence of people on natural ecosystems (Russell 1993, Turner and Meyer 1993). Arguably, cities are the most human dominated of all ecosystems. Recent calls for studies on “human-dominated ecosystems” (Vitousek et al. 1997) finally have been heeded, over 60 years after Tansley penned his warning, with the addition of two metropolises (Phoenix and Baltimore) to the LTER network. In this article, we describe an emerging approach to understanding the ecology of urban areas by contrasting these two metropolises, and we present a call to action for ecologists to integrate their science with that of social scientists to achieve a more realistic and useful understanding of the natural world in general and its ecology in particular (Pickett and McDonnell 1993, Ehrlich 1997). We begin by framing a conceptual basis for the study of urban ecological systems: the rationale, contrasting approaches, and special considerations for including human interactions at different scales and in a spatial context. We then discuss the application of our conceptual approach by comparing site conditions and initial research results in Baltimore and Phoenix. We conclude with a summary and synthesis of implications for the integration of social and ecological sciences.
White matter lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging after radiotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy in children with medulloblastoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumor.

PURPOSE White matter lesions (WMLs) have been described as a delayed effect of cranial irradiation in children with brain tumors, or a transient subacute effect characterized by an intralesional or perilesional reaction. We report the occurrence of subacute WMLs detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children treated for medulloblastoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and document the associated clinical, radiologic, and neurocognitive findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS Among 134 patients with medulloblastoma or supratentorial PNET treated prospectively with risk-adjusted craniospinal irradiation and conformal boost to the tumor bed, followed by four high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) cycles with stem-cell rescue, 22 developed WMLs on T1-weighted imaging with and without contrast and/or T2-weighted imaging on MRI. Patients had > or = 12 months of follow-up. Neurocognitive assessments included intelligence quotient (IQ) tests and tests of academic achievement. RESULTS Twenty-two patients developed WMLs at a median of 7.8 months after starting therapy (range, 1.9 to 13.0 months). Lesions were predominantly in the pons (n = 8) and cerebellum (n = 6). Sixteen patients (73%) had WML resolution at a median of 6.2 months (range, 1.68 to 23.5 months) after onset; two patients developed necrosis and atrophy. Three developed persistent neurologic deficits. Cumulative incidence of WMLs at 1 year was 15% +/- 3%. Patients with WMLs had a significant decline in estimated IQ (-2.5 per year; P = .03) and math (-4.5 per year; P = .003) scores. CONCLUSION WMLs in medulloblastoma or PNET patients treated with conformal radiotherapy and HDC are typically transient and asymptomatic, and may mimic early tumor recurrence. A minority of patients with WMLs develop permanent neurologic deficits and imaging changes. Overall, the presence of WMLs is associated with greater neurocognitive decline.
Response of a Soil Bacterial Community to Grassland Succession as Monitored by 16S rRNA Levels of the Predominant Ribotypes

ABSTRACT The composition of predominant soil bacteria during grassland succession was investigated in the Dutch Drentse A area. Five meadows, taken out of agricultural production at different time points, and one currently fertilized plot represented different stages of grassland succession. Since fertilization and agricultural production were stopped, the six plots showed a constant decline in the levels of nutrients and vegetation changes. The activity of the predominant bacteria was monitored by direct ribosome isolation from soil and temperature gradient gel electrophoresis of reverse transcription (RT)-PCR products generated from bacterial 16S rRNA. The amounts of 16S rRNA of 20 predominant ribosome types per gram of soil were monitored via multiple competitive RT-PCR in six plots at different succession stages. These ribosome types mainly represented Bacillusand members of the Acidobacterium cluster and the α subclass of the class Proteobacteria. The 20 16S rRNA molecules monitored represented approximately half of all bacterial soil rRNA which was estimated by dot blot hybridizations of soil rRNA with the Bacteria probe EUB338. The grasslands showed highly reproducible and specific shifts of bacterial ribosome type composition. The total bacterial ribosome level increased during the first years after agricultural production and fertilization stopped. This correlated with the collapse of the dominant Lolium perenne population and an increased rate of mineralization of organic matter. The results indicate that there is a true correlation between the total activity of the bacterial community in soil and the amount of bacterial ribosomes.
Computational complexity control for HEVC based on coding tree spatio-temporal correlation

The High Efficiency Video Coding standard shows improved compression efficiency in comparison to previous standards at the cost of higher computational complexity. In this paper, a complexity control method for HEVC encoders based on the dynamic adjustment of the number of constrained coding treeblocks is proposed. The method limits the maximum tree depth used in the coding structures based on spatio-temporal correlation in order to decrease the number of evaluations performed in the Rate-Distortion Optimization process. Experimental results show that the proposed method is capable of maintaining the encoding time per frame under a pre-defined target, reaching computational complexity decreases of up to 50% at the cost of an average BD-PSNR loss of 0.26 dB in the worst case scenario.
A review of control methods for providing frequency response in VSC-HVDC transmission systems

With the ultimate aim to remove/reduce constraints on the amount of non-synchronous generators that may be connected to power systems, this paper identifies potential problems associated with system dynamics under high penetrations of converter-interfaced sources, especially from the perspective of inertia and responses to disturbances. The configuration of VSC-HVDC transmission systems and their controllers is introduced and analysed. Methods that have been proposed to enable VSC-HVDC systems to provide frequency response are reviewed, and a typical VSC-HVDC system with an associated control system is built and validated in Matlab Simulink. These models will form a key part of a modelling toolkit that is being developed to investigate optimal methods for reducing (or removing) future Non-Synchronous Generation (NSG) penetration constraints in the power system in the UK, which represents further work that will be conducted in this project.
Microstimulation of extrastriate area MST influences performance on a direction discrimination task.

1. Evidence from single-unit recordings suggests that neurons in the medial superior temporal visual area (MST) carry directional signals that influence psychophysical judgements of motion direction. We tested this hypothesis by electrically stimulating clusters of directionally selective neurons in MST (the dorsomedial subdivision, primarily) while rhesus monkeys performed a two-alternative, forced-choice direction discrimination task. 2. We performed forty-six microstimulation experiments on two rhesus monkeys. The visual stimuli were dynamic random dot patterns in which the strength of a coherent motion signal could be varied continuously about psychophysical threshold. The monkeys were rewarded for reporting correctly the direction of the coherent motion signal. Microstimulation was applied on half the trials, selected randomly, and the psychophysical data were analyzed to determine whether stimulation of MST neurons influenced the monkeys' choices. 3. Microstimulation influenced the monkeys' performance in a statistically significant manner in 67% of the experiments. In all but one of the significant experiments, microstimulation biased the monkeys' choices toward the direction of motion encoded by MST neurons at the stimulation site. Microstimulation had little effect on the slopes of the psychometric functions, suggesting that the stimulation-induced neural activity resembled a relatively pure motion "signal" rather than "noise. " 4. Microstimulation exerted strong effects on the monkeys' behavior only when the visual stimulus was located within the multiunit receptive field measured at the stimulation site. This kind of spatial specificity has also been observed in the middle temporal visual area (MT), but receptive fields in MST are typically much larger than those in MT. Thus MST microstimulation effects are characterized by a coarser spatial scale: stimulation of a single site in MST can influence judgements over a much larger portion of the visual field than equivalent stimulation in MT. 5. Microstimulation was often most effective when visual stimuli were placed within a particularly responsive subregion of the receptive field (a "hot spot"). 6. The results show that MST neurons, like MT neurons, can strongly influence performance on a direction discrimination task. Whether MT and MST influence the decision process in parallel or in series remains to be determined.
cFLIP expression correlates with tumour progression and patient outcome in non‐Hodgkin lymphomas of low grade of malignancy

The present study investigated whether the expression of cellular Fas‐associated death domain‐like interleukin‐1β‐converting enzyme (FLICE) inhibitory protein (cFLIP) conveys prognostic information in non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs). cFLIP expression was quantified by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence in biopsy specimens from 86 NHL patients for whom clinical information was available. NHL malignancy was graded as high/intermediate or low according to the World Health Organization Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms. cFLIP was positive in 23 of 45 high‐/intermediate‐grade NHLs and in 25 of 41 low‐grade NHLs. Negative expression of cFLIP was associated with the presence of apoptotic cells in the tumour mass, regardless of the histotype and of the malignancy grade. In NHLs positive for cFLIP, 11 of 23 (48%) high‐/intermediate‐grade cases and 18 of 25 (72%) low‐grade cases showed a bad outcome. In NHLs negative for cFLIP, only four of 22 (18%) high‐/intermediate‐grade patients and 12 of 16 (75%) low‐grade patients achieved complete remission. All these correlations were statistically significant. The correlation of cFLIP expression with clinical outcome was independent of therapy, whether or not it included anti‐CD20 antibody (Rituximab). The present findings strongly indicate that cFLIP is a reliable predictor of tumour progression and clinical prognosis in NHLs of low grade of malignancy.
Moving ground target isolation by a UAV using predicted observations

An interesting variant of the cops and robbers pursuit-evasion problem is presented. The motivation for the problem comes from the need to monitor a network of roads leading to a protected area. In this paper, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is searching for a slower moving ground vehicle on a road network that has been out-fitted with unattended ground sensors (UGSs). The UGSs are communication constrained and can only relay observations of the ground vehicle when the UAV visits them. Furthermore, the UAV does not have on-board capability to detect and identify the evader and therefore must investigate the UGSs to learn the evader's location. This scenario leads the UAV's control actions to depend on partial information. A sufficient condition for guaranteed isolation of the intruder is provided along with the corresponding pursuit policy. Since the policy is non-unique, we select a policy that provides the least time to capture among all policies with the guarantee.
Percutaneous "Y" biliary stent placement in palliative treatment of type 4 malignant hilar stricture.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the technical and clinical efficacy of percutaneous bilateral biliary stent-in-stent (SIS) deployment technique with a "Y" configuration using open-cell-design stents in type 4 Klatskin tumor patients. METHODS Retrospective evaluation ten patients with type IV Bismuth malignant hilar stricture (MHS) treated with percutaneous bilateral "Y" SIS deployment technique placement followed in our institution between March of 2012 and November of 2014. RESULTS Bilateral SIS deployment was technically successful in all patients. One patient (10%) had major complications (episode of cholangitis); one patient (10%) had minor complications, including self-limiting hemobilia. Successful internal drainage was achieved in nine (90%) patients. Stent occlusion by tumor overgrowth and sludge formation occurred in two patient (20%). The median survival and stent patency time were 298 and 315 days respectively. CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous bilateral metal stenting using a Y-stent is a valid option for the palliative treatment of type 4 Bismuth MHS, improving quality patient' life.
Expression and localization of LEF-11 in Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus-infected Sf9 cells.

The Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) lef-11 gene was found previously to be necessary to support optimal levels of transient expression from an AcMNPV late promoter. The lef-11 gene is unusual in that it overlaps both upstream (orf38) and downstream (pp31) genes. In this study, the expression and cellular localization of LEF-11 were examined. The lef-11 transcripts were detected from 4 to 36 h post-infection (p.i.). The 1.5 kb lef-11 mRNA initiates 196 nt upstream of the lef-11 translation initiation codon, within the upstream orf38 gene. This relatively long 5' upstream region encodes a potential small upstream open reading frame (ORF) of 58 amino acids that overlaps the lef-11 ORF. The 3' end of the lef-11 mRNA was mapped as co-terminal with mRNAs from the downstream pp31 gene. Using affinity purified anti-LEF-11 antibodies, levels of LEF-11 expression were found to be maximal between approximately 8 and 24 h p.i. , although LEF-11 could be detected as late as 72 h p.i. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, it was determined that LEF-11 localized to dense regions of infected cell nuclei, consistent with its role as a possible late transcription factor.
CD34+ selected autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis: report of toxicity and treatment results at one year of follow-up in 15 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is currently being evaluated as a therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We report the results of a phase II trial to evaluate feasibility and toxicity of CD34+ selected ASCT (CD34+/ASCT) and treatment results at one year of follow-up. DESIGN AND METHODS Patients with advanced secondary progressive (SP) or relapsing-remitting (RR) MS and confirmed worsening of the extended disability status scale (EDSS) in the previous year despite interferon or other immunotherapies were included. Peripheral blood stem cells were obtained by leukaphereses after mobilization with cyclophosphamide (Cy) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). CD34+ selection was performed by means of an Isolex 300 or CliniMACS device. BCNU, Cy and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) were administered as conditioning regimen. RESULTS Fifteen patients (9 SPMS and 6 RRMS) with a median EDSS of 6.0 (4.5-6.5) and a median of 3 (1-7) relapses in the previous year were included. Mobilization was unsuccessful in one patient. During mobilization, one patient had a transient neurologic deterioration. The main complication during ASCT were engraftment syndrome, which developed in three patients, CMV reactivation in one, and neurologic deterioration in two patients coinciding with high-fever related to ATG. Hematologic recovery was fast and complete in all cases. At 12 months, the EDSS had improved in three patients, worsened in two and remained stable in nine. Despite withdrawal of all immunosuppressive therapy only two patients had relapses. Magnetic resonance imaging showed disappearance of enhanced T1 lesions but oligoclonal bands persisted in the cerebrospinal fluid of all evaluated cases. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS CD34+/ASCT using BCNU, Cy and ATG as conditioning regimen has an acceptable toxicity and clearly reduces the progression of MS. Further follow-up is necessary to establish the real impact of this procedure on the long-term evolution of the disease.
A Comparison of Lignocaine 2% with Adrenaline 1:200,000 and Lignocaine 2% with Adrenaline 1:200,000 plus Fentanyl as Agents for Caudal Anaesthesia in Children Undergoing Circumcision

This randomised double-blind study compares the onset, quality and duration of analgesia in two groups of children (n = 30), aged between two and twelve years undergoing circumcision. Under concurrent general anaesthesia, the children received caudal anaesthesia employing either lignocaine 2% with adrenaline 1:200,000 plus normal saline 0.01 ml/kg, or lignocaine 2% with adrenaline 1:200,000 plus fentanyl 1.0 microgram/kg. The results show no statistical or clinical difference in the onset, duration, quality of pain relief, or side-effects between the two solutions.
Regional and seasonal radiative forcing by perturbations to aerosol and ozone precursor emissions

Abstract. Predictions of temperature and precipitation responses to changes in the anthropogenic emissions of climate forcers require the quantification of the radiative forcing exerted by those changes. This task is particularly difficult for near-term climate forcers like aerosols, methane, and ozone precursors because their short atmospheric lifetimes cause regionally and temporally inhomogeneous radiative forcings. This study quantifies specific radiative forcing, defined as the radiative forcing per unit change in mass emitted, for eight near-term climate forcers as a function of their source regions and the season of emission by using dedicated simulations by four general circulation and chemistry-transport models. Although differences in the representation of atmospheric chemistry and radiative processes in different models impede the creation of a uniform dataset, four distinct findings can be highlighted. Firstly, specific radiative forcing for sulfur dioxide and organic carbon are stronger when aerosol–cloud interactions are taken into account. Secondly, there is a lack of agreement on the sign of the specific radiative forcing of volatile organic compound perturbations, suggesting they are better avoided in climate mitigation strategies. Thirdly, the strong seasonalities of the specific radiative forcing of most forcers allow strategies to minimise positive radiative forcing based on the timing of emissions. Finally, European and shipping emissions exert stronger aerosol specific radiative forcings compared to East Asia where the baseline is more polluted. This study can therefore form the basis for further refining climate mitigation options based on regional and seasonal controls on emissions. For example, reducing summertime emissions of black carbon and wintertime emissions of sulfur dioxide in the more polluted regions is a possible way to improve air quality without weakening the negative radiative forcing of aerosols.
Elevated expression of a regulator of the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, neuronal CIP‐1‐associated regulator of cyclin B, in Alzheimer's disease

Adult neurons are generally accepted to be in a quiescent, nonproliferative state. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that, in Alzheimer's disease (AD), alterations in cell cycle machinery, suggesting an attempt to reenter cell cycle, relate temporally and topographically to degenerating neurons. These findings, together with the fact that neurons lack the necessary components for completion of mitosis, have led to the notion that an ill‐regulated attempt to reenter the cell cycle is associated with disease pathogenesis and, ultimately, neuronal degeneration. To understand better the role of such cell cycle abnormalities in AD, we undertook a study of CIP‐1‐associated regulator of cyclin B (CARB), a protein that associates with two key proteins, p21 and cyclin B, involved in cellular checkpoints in the cell cycle. Our results show that there are increases in CARB localized to intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles and granulovacuolar degeneration in susceptible hippocampal and cortical neurons in AD. By marked contrast, CARB is found only at background levels in these neuronal populations in nondiseased age‐matched controls. Our data not only provide another line of evidence indicative of cell cycle abnormalities in neurons in AD but also lend further credence to the hypothesis that susceptible neurons may be arrested at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle before they die. Therefore, therapeutics targeted toward initiators of the cell cycle are likely to prove of great efficacy for the treatment of AD. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of specific overt behavior pattern with blood and cardiovascular findings; blood cholesterol level, blood clotting time, incidence of arcus senilis, and clinical coronary artery disease.

Three groups of men, selected solely according to the behavior pattern which they habitually manifested in their work, were compared with respect to their serum cholesterol levels, clotting times, presence of clinical coronary disease, and presence of arcus senilis. A group (A) of 83 men were chosen as manifesting an intense, sustained drive for achievement and as being continually involved in competition and deadlines, both at work and in their avocations. In this group the serum cholesterol level, the frequency of arcus senilis, and the incidence of coronary artery disease were much higher than in a group (B) of 83 men who manifested the opposite sort of behavior pattern and a group (C) of 46 unemployed blind men selected as manifesting a chronic state of insecurity and anxiety. Clinical coronary artery disease was seven times more frequent in group A than in group B or group C. Analysis of factors other than the overt behavior pattern described indicated that this pattern per se was largely responsible for the striking differences found.