Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Voluntary Attention Modulates Processing of Eye-Specific Visual Information

Visual attention functions to select relevant information from a vast amount of visual input that is available for further processing. Information from the two eyes is processed separately in early stages before converging and giving rise to a coherent percept. Observers normally cannot access eye-of-origin information. In the research reported here, we demonstrated that voluntary attention can be eye-specific, modulating visual processing within a specific monocular channel. Using a modified binocular-rivalry paradigm, we found that attending to a monocular cue while remaining oblivious to its eye of origin significantly enhanced the competition strength of a stimulus presented to the cued eye, even when the stimulus was suppressed from consciousness. Furthermore, this eye-specific attentional effect was insensitive to low-level properties of the cue (e.g., size and contrast) but sensitive to the attentional load. Together, these findings suggest that top-down attention can have a significant modulation effect at the eye-specific stage of visual information processing.
Nonequilibrium potentials for dynamical systems with fractal attractors or repellers.

The concept of a nonequilibrium potential is applied to dynamical systems with fractal attractors or repellers. In particular, we study the case of the Feigenbaum attractor in one-dimensional maps and the case of hyperbolic strange attractors or repellers in two-dimensional maps. The potential-height distrition of the latter is shown to exhibit multifractal features; that of the Feigenbaum attractor is characterized by a single number, the universal exponent for noisy period-doubling bifurcations
New Fossil Platyrrhine from Argentina

A new fossil primate was found in the Pinturas Formation, south-western Patagonia, at the type locality of the rare Soriacebus ameghinorum. It is a mandibular fragment with two molars that strongly resemble those of S. ameghinorum in their high and closed trigonid, distal expansion of the talonid, small hypoconulid, buccal expansion of the enamel and similar cusp development. But the type of S. ameghinorum differs by having mesiodistally longer trigonids, long premetacristids and more oblique distal trigonid walls, with the metaconid more lingually placed and the postmetacristid distolingually oriented and with the talonid being buccolingually smaller than the trigonid with a more restricted basin. M2 is slightly smaller than in the new specimen, and the buccal enamel is less flared. Although it is difficult to determine if this new specimen represents an individual variation of S. ameghinorum or a new species of Soriacebus, its morphology appears to be less derived than that of the type mandible, and it is, therefore, of systematic significance.
PADMA-28, a traditional Tibetan herbal preparation, blocks cellular responses to bFGF and IGF-I

The growth factors basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and restenosis. The Tibetan herbal preparation PADMA-28 (a mixture of 22 plants which is used as an anti-atherosclerosis agent) was tested for its ability to inhibit the mitogenic activity of bFGF and IGF-I, growth factors involved in restenosis, atherosclerosis and tumour progression. DNA synthesis and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, in response to serum bFGF, thrombin, or combinations thereof, were abrogated in the presence of microgram amounts of both the aqueous and organic, partially purified, extracts of PADMA-28. These fractions also inhibited IGF-I-mediated proliferation, migration and invasion of tumour cells responsive to IGF-I. The inhibition by PADMA 28 was reversible upon removal of the PADMA extracts, indicating that the effects were not related to cell toxicity. These and other properties (i.e., anti-oxidant activity) of PADMA-28 may be responsible for its beneficial effect as an anti-atherosclerotic agent, suggesting that this herbal preparation may have potential applications in the prevention of intimal hyperplasia and arterial stenosis secondary to coronary angioplasty and bypass surgery, as well as in the prevention and treatment of other vascular diseases and tumour growth and metastasis.
DIFFERING SELECTION ON PLANT PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL WATER AVAILABILITY: A TEST OF ADAPTIVE HYPOTHESES

I used phenotypic selection analysis to test the prediction from functional and comparative studies of plants that smaller leaves and more efficient water use are adaptive in drier environments. I measured selection gradients on leaf size and instantaneous water‐use efficiency (a measure of carbon gain per unit water loss) in experimental populations of Cakile edentula var. lacustris placed into wet and dry environments in the field. Linear and nonlinear selection differed significantly between the two environments as predicted. Water‐use efficiency was selected to be higher, and leaf area was selected toward a small intermediate optimum, in the dry environment. There was also significant positive correlational selection on water‐use efficiency and leaf size, suggesting that the optimum leaf size in the dry environment is greater for plants with higher water‐use efficiency. In contrast, neither leaf size nor water‐use efficiency were selected in the wet environment, though larger leaves resulted in greater vegetative biomass. Path analysis of the linear selection gradients found that water‐use efficiency affected plant fitness primarily because it increased vegetative biomass, as suggested by the hypotheses about the function of physiological traits. These results were not only consistent with the functional hypotheses but also with the observed genetic differentiation in water‐use efficiency and leaf size between wet and dry site populations.
Updated Methods for Seed Shape Analysis

Morphological variation in seed characters includes differences in seed size and shape. Seed shape is an important trait in plant identification and classification. In addition it has agronomic importance because it reflects genetic, physiological, and ecological components and affects yield, quality, and market price. The use of digital technologies, together with development of quantification and modeling methods, allows a better description of seed shape. Image processing systems are used in the automatic determination of seed size and shape, becoming a basic tool in the study of diversity. Seed shape is determined by a variety of indexes (circularity, roundness, and J index). The comparison of the seed images to a geometrical figure (circle, cardioid, ellipse, ellipsoid, etc.) provides a precise quantification of shape. The methods of shape quantification based on these models are useful for an accurate description allowing to compare between genotypes or along developmental phases as well as to establish the level of variation in different sets of seeds.
Optimisation of acid fast smears for the direct detection of mycobacteria in clinical samples

Aims: Despite its long history, the acid fast smear remains unstandardised. Technical variations in both the preparation of clinical material and subsequent staining mean that smear sensitivity relative to culture may vary from 50% to over 80%. This study assessed the sensitivity of acid fast microscopy at each of five stages of sample preparation and by both commonly used staining methods. Methods: Sputum samples thought for varying reasons to be highly likely to be culture positive were used to prepare a series of smears in which the effects of digestion (liquefaction), concentration (centrifugation), and decontamination (sodium hydroxide) could be assessed, together with a comparison of staining by the auramine/phenol and Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Results: The most effective method for the demonstration of acid fast organisms in sputum was found to be an auramine phenol stain applied to a liquefied, concentrated sample and examined before the decontamination process. Conclusions: The auramine phenol stain applied to a liquefied, concentrated sample and examined before the decontamination process is the most effective method for the demonstration of acid fast organisms in sputum.
Autologous Fat Transfer National Consensus Survey: Trends in Techniques for Harvest, Preparation, and Application, and Perception of Short- and Long-Term Results

Background: Despite a perceived interest in autologous fat transfer, there is no consensus as to the best technique or the level of success. The purpose of the present study was to determine the national trends in techniques for harvest, preparation, and application of autologous fat, as well as the success perceived by practitioners. Methods: Comprehensive surveys were sent to 650 randomly selected members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The survey was aimed at determining whether autologous fat transfer is a commonly performed procedure and, if so, the specific methods involved and the subjective perception of short- and long-term results. Results: The results of the national consensus survey from 508 surgeons (78 percent return rate) showed the following: (1) autologous fat transfer is a relatively common procedure (57 percent perform >10 annually), but few perform it in high volume (only 23 percent perform >30 annually); (2) techniques for harvest, preparation, and injection rarely deviate from methods discussed in the literature (microcannula, 54 percent; centrifugation, 75 percent; injection in nasolabial fold > lips > nasojugal folds); (3) most physicians believe that at least some graft survival is clinically evident (93 percent); and (4) patients are pleased with the short-term results (good to excellent, 84 percent), despite a lower rate of long-term patient satisfaction (fair to good, 80 percent). Conclusion: Currently, plastic surgeons across the country report a uniformity of autologous fat grafting techniques with acceptable patient satisfaction.
Epstein–Barr virus T‐cell immunity despite rituximab

Immunosuppression following solid organ transplantation results in impaired T‐cell immunity and risk of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). The B‐cell targeting antibody rituximab has efficacy in PTLD. As B cells are the principle reservoir for EBV, we investigated the effect of rituximab on the persistence of EBV‐specific CD8+ T‐cell immunity. To avoid the confounding factor of concurrent immunosuppression to prevent transplant rejection, immunity was analysed in non‐transplanted lymphoma patients (i.e. a non‐PTLD setting). Cytomegalovirus‐specific T‐cell immunity was assessed as an internal control. Our data demonstrated that circulating B cells were not critical for maintaining EBV‐specific T‐cell immunity.
Serum uric acid: Marker for atherosclerosis as it is positively associated with “atherogenic index of plasma”

Context: Serum uric acid (SUA) has been known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. “Atherogenic index of plasma” (AIP) is considered a very sensitive predictor of future cardiovascular events. Objectives: This study was conducted to analyse the association of AIP with SUA and various other lipid parameters. Methods: Parameters were measured on a fully automated analyser using standard reagent kits in a retrospective study involving 248 male Indian subjects between 40 to 59 years of age. Results: AIP correlates: moderately with TC/HDL-C (r = 0.47, p < 0.0001); to a lesser extent but comparably (r = 0.2, p < 0.01) with SUA, LDL-C/HDL-C and TC; negligibly with LDL-C and age. Discussion and conclusion: As SUA is positively associated with AIP it can be used as a supplementary marker for atherosclerosis/CVD in upper-middle-aged men.
Is cytology necessary in diagnosis of mediastinal mass?

BACKGROUND Mediastinal mass is an uncommon abnormality found in clinical practices of respiratory physicians. The diagnosis of a mediastinal mass arises from a clinical suspicion, and more commonly, by a check-up chest x-ray. Definite diagnosis is necessary because the managements are different in various etiologies of the masses. OBJECTIVE Adequacy of cellular sample recovered from small needle aspiration is the point of question among pathologist and physician in the diagnosis of mediastinal mass. Many centers recommend fine needle aspiration biopsy for cytology (FNAB) as an adequate procedure in this situation. This study is aimed to find the value of cytology and histological examination in the diagnosis of a mediastinal mass. MATERIALS AND METHOD The study was done by prospective collected data of patients who were consulted for needle aspiration biopsies of their mediastinal mass since 1999 to 2006 at the Respiratory Diagnostic Unit, Division of Respiratory disease and Tuberculosis, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. The protocol in evaluating mediastinal mass was to obtain both cytologic slides and tissue for histology from lesions in the mediastinum by ultrasonic guidance when they were possible. RESULTS During 1999 to 2006, there were 35 patients who had mediastinal masses referred for needle aspiration procedures. Their mean age and standard deviation were 42.37 +/- 16.97 year-old. Among these patients, 22 were men and 13 were women. The mean age (+/- standard deviation) of male patients was 40.47 +/- 17.17 years and 45.5 +/- 16.79 year-old for the female. The histology could make diagnosis in a significantly higher number of patients as compared to cytology (88.57% compared to 40%). There was statistically different higher diagnostic rate of UG-CNB than UG-FNA in non-carcinomatous group. The complications were mild. CONCLUSION Since most lung mass are carcinomatous in origin, depending on various factors (age, sex, smoking habit and size), the recommendation of FNA as the first line investigation are warranted because of high yield to risk for complication ratio, but in mediastinal mass in which many etiologic cells of origin cannot be diagnosed accurately by retrieved cytological cell, the CNB for small histology section is recommended as an initial investigation method without the loss of time required for cytological aspiration.
Increased Autophagic Degradation of Mitochondria in Alzheimer Disease

Extensive literature exists supporting a role for mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Mitochondria are a major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species and are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. It has been recently shown that the immunoreactivity of lipoic acid and cytochrome oxidase-1, two mitochondrial markers, is increased in the cytoplasm of pyramidal neurons in Alzheimer disease cases compared with controls. Furthermore, lipoic acid was found to be strongly associated with granular structures and, by ultrastructure analysis, it was shown to be localized in mitochondria, cytosol and, importantly, in organelles identified as autophagic vacuoles. Lipoic acid was also found associated with the electron dense core of lipofuscin in the brains of Alzheimer disease cases but not in controls, whereas cytochrome oxidase-1 immunoreactivity was limited to mitochondria and cytosol in both Alzheimer and control cases. These data suggest that mitochondria are key targets of increased autophagic degradation in Alzheimer disease. The study of autophagy in Alzheimer disease could clarify the mechanisms underlying this neurodegenerative disorder and, eventually, help in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Addendum to: Autophagocytosis of Mitochondria is Prominent in Alzheimer Disease Moreira PI, Siedlak SL, Wang X, Santos MS, Oliveira CR, Tabaton M, Nunomura A, Szweda LI, Aliev G, Smith MA, Zhu X and Perry G J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2007; 66:525-32
What are vocational training conversations about? Analysis of vocational training conversations in Dutch vocational education from a career learning perspective

Research evidence shows that a career dialogue is a central part of any powerful learning environment for career learning. In vocational education and training, there are three important parties in this dialogue: the student, the teacher and the mentor from practice. In this paper the communication between these parties is investigated in secondary vocational training in the Netherlands. Results suggest that the potential of the dialogue (or trialogue, as it concerns three parties) is hardly utilised: the communication between student, teacher and mentor from practice is not dialogical and only discusses the most successful way to a degree, but not to a career.
Evaluation of electric convulsion therapy as compared with conservative methods of treatment in depressive states.

In this survey 923 patients suffering from a depressive state were studied throughout their various hospitalizations, which amounted to 1,611: 608 were female patients with 1,054 hospitalizations, and 315 were male patients with 557 hospitalizations. For purposes of comparison three groups were selected as follows: 1. First control group—hospitalizations of the period 1930–39, when E.C. T. was not available as a method of therapy. 2. Second control group—hospitalizations of the period 1940–48, when E.C. T. , although available, was not utilized for treatment. 3. Treated group—hospitalizations of the period 1940–48, when E.C. T. was the treatment of choice. The two “Control” groups and the single “Treated” group were compared in relation to ( a ) percentage rate of recovery, ( b ) duration of hospitalization, and ( c ) frequency of readmission. 1. The percentage rates of recovery in the various groups were (see Table at top of p. 1091). Thus, the percentage rate of recovery does not vary greatly whether patients are treated conservatively or with electric convulsion therapy. Such slight differences as may exist are statistically insignificant. 2. Duration of Hospitalization. It was found that the use of E.C. T. did not shorten the duration of hospitalization to any significant degree. 3. Frequency of Readmission. 1. In the period within 6–12 months of discharge— 1. The majority of cases discharged “Improved” in both control and treated groups had a higher percentage of relapse than those discharged “Recovered. ” 2. Cases discharged “Recovered” in the treated group had a higher incidence of relapse than similar cases in the control groups. 2. When more than 12 months had elapsed since discharge from hospital the incidence of recurrence increased with the length of the chronological period through which the patient was followed up. 3. The greater the number of previous hospitalizations, the higher the percentage of relapse. Conclusion . —Although the statistical evidence in this survey does not prove that E.C. T. increases recovery rate, decreases duration and prevents recurrence in depressive states, clinical observation testifying to its value cannot be disregarded. Convulsion therapy frequently ameliorates symptoms and renders the illness more bearable, and it would therefore appear to act by stimulating the mechanisms which bring about spontaneous recovery. Increased knowledge regarding its mode of action may therefore lead to increased understanding of depression as a clinical entity. The absence of such information stresses the continued necessity of detailed study of the individual patient and his symptoms in their total setting.
Rapid and visual detection of human enterovirus coxsackievirus A16 by reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification combined with lateral flow device

In this study, a reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) combined with lateral flow device (LFD) technology to rapidly detect CVA16 was developed and evaluated. RT‐LAMP assay was optimized to amplify VP1 gene of CVA16. Amplified products were analysed by LFD and capillary electrophoresis. The RT‐LAMP‐LFD assay showed 100% specificity in detecting CVA16, and showed analytical sensitivity of 0·55 TCID50 per reaction mixture. Comparison of the RT‐LAMP‐LFD assay with real‐time RT‐PCR developed previously in clinical specimens showed 93·3% agreement. The RT‐LAMP‐LFD assay is more sensitive in detecting CVA16 RNA. The RT‐LAMP‐LFD assay presented here might offer a rapid and simple alternative in clinical diagnosis of CVA16.
Towards a Unified Decentralized Swarm Management and Maintenance Coordination Based on MAVLink

Small and flexible micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs) are capable of flying autonomously following the instructions of an autopilot received from a controlling ground entity. Their utilization includes commercial applications and reconnaissance missions. Moreover, MAVs can be combined into swarms to be effectively used in missions that would be impossible or too time-consuming for single entities. This paper proposes a comprehensive set of coordination commands necessary for the communication between swarm MAVs and ground entities. Moreover, an implementation as an extension of the MAVLink micro air vehicle message library is presented.
Human umbilical cord blood plasma can replace fetal bovine serum for in vitro expansion of functional human endothelial colony-forming cells.

BACKGROUND AIMS A hierarchy of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC) with different levels of proliferative potential has been identified in human circulating blood and blood vessels. ECFC has recently become an attractive target for new vascular regenerative therapies; however, in vitro expansion of ECFC typically depends on the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) or fetal calf serum (FCS) in the culture medium, which is not appropriate for its therapeutic application. METHODS To identify optimal conditions for in vitro expansion of ECFC, the effects of human endothelial serum-free medium (SFM) supplemented with six pro-angiogenic cytokines and human umbilical cord blood plasma (HCP) were investigated. The in vitro morphology, proliferation, surface antigen expression and in vivo vessel-forming ability were utilized for examining the effects of medium on ECFC. RESULTS This novel formulation of endothelial cell culture medium allows us, for the first time, to isolate and expand human ECFC efficiently in vitro with a low concentration of HCP (1.5%) and without bovine serum additives. In this serum-reduced medium (SRM), human ECFC colony yields remained quantitatively similar to those cultured in a high concentration (10%) of bovine serum-supplemented medium. SRM-cultured ECFC displayed a robust clonal proliferative ability in vitro and human vessel-forming capacity in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides a novel method for the expansion of human ECFC in vitro and will help to advance approaches for using the cells in human therapeutic trials.
Repeatability of bronchial responsiveness to mannitol dry powder in children with asthma

Our objective was to determine the repeatability of bronchial responsiveness to mannitol dry powder (MDP) as an objective marker of asthma in children. MDP challenge was performed in children with stable asthma at the same time of the day on two separate occasions within a week. The test was terminated after a 15% fall of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and the provocative dose to produce a 15% fall in FEV1 (PD15) were calculated. Seventeen children (aged 9–16 years) on inhaled corticosteroids (200–1,500 mcg) were studied. Mean baseline FEV1 before the challenges were 95% (81–119) and 96% (74–121), respectively, with a standard deviation of differences of 5.2%. PD15 values ranged from 7–387 mg, with a geometric mean of 38 mg for the first and 49 mg for the second test. Of the 17, all but two pairs of tests achieved a PD15 within one dose of capsules. Four children had a negative challenge on two occasions. A high relative reliability was reflected by a concordance coefficient of 0.86. In conclusion, MDP is a convenient challenge which is easy to administer and is well‐tolerated by children. It is a highly reproducible test of airway responsiveness in children with moderate to severe persistent asthma on inhaled corticosteroids within 7 days under laboratory conditions. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:490–494. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.