Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PALSAR interferometry for urban subsidence monitoring: An experiment in Shanghai area

In this paper, we apply the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) PALSAR data to study the urban subsidence condition in Shanghai, China. The baseline condition, troposphere delay, DEM accuracy mainly limit the capability of PALSAR interferometry, and the influences are evaluated. Six interferograms are analysed in this research, based on D-InSAR technology. We introduce a polynomial to fit the orbit error in each interferogram. After that we use a weighed interferogram stacking method to reduce the influence of atomospheric delay, and to evaluate the mean deformation rate as well.
Magnetic resonance imaging-graded hypothalamic compression in surgically treated adult craniopharyngiomas determining postoperative obesity.

OBJECT Obesity as a consequence of management of pediatric craniopharyngioma is a well-described phenomenon related to the degree of hypothalamic involvement. However, weight change and obesity have not been analyzed in adult patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was 1) to evaluate the pattern of postoperative weight gain related to preoperative body mass index (BMI), 2) determine if postoperative weight gain is an issue in adult patients, and 3) develop an objective MR imaging grading system to predict risk of postoperative weight gain and obesity in adults treated for craniopharyngioma. METHODS The authors retrospectively screened 296 patients with known craniopharyngioma for the following inclusion criteria: pathologically confirmed craniopharyngioma, index surgery at the authors' institution, and operative weight and height recorded with at least 3 months of follow-up including body weight measurement. Patients aged 18 years or younger were excluded, yielding 28 cases for analysis. Cases of craniopharyngiomas were compared with age- and sex-matched controls (pituitary adenoma patients) to evaluate the pattern and significance of perioperative weight changes. RESULTS Mean age was 46 +/- 17 years at surgery, and 64% of the patients were male. Complete resection was achieved in 71% of cases. There was no correlation of preoperative BMI and postoperative weight gain testing in a linear model. Sixty-one percent and 46% of patients had postoperative weight gains greater than 4 and 9%, respectively. Comparing craniopharyngioma patients (cases) to age- and sex-matched controls, the preoperative BMIs were similar (p = 0.93) between cases (mean 28.9 [95% CI 30.9-26.9]) and controls (mean 29.3 [95% CI 31.9-26.7]). However, there was a trend to a greater mean postoperative weight change (percentage) in cases (10.1%) than in controls (5.6%) (p = 0.24). Hypothalamic T2 signal change and irregular contrast enhancement correlated and predicted higher-grade hypothalamic involvement. Furthermore, they can be used to objectively grade hypothalamic involvement as the authors propose. Progressive hypothalamic involvement correlated with larger postoperative weight gains (p = 0.022); however, hypothalamic involvement did not correlate with preoperative BMI (p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative weight gain in adult patients undergoing surgery for craniopharyngioma is a significant problem and correlates with hypothalamic involvement, as it does in pediatric patients. Finally, objective MR imaging criteria can be used to predict risk of postoperative weight gain and aid in grading of hypothalamic involvement.
Transformation by the fos or jun oncogene does not increase AP-1 DNA-binding activity

The c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes encode components of the transcription factor AP-1. To determine whether transformation by the v-fos or v-jun oncogene results in alterations in the level or regulation of this factor, we have characterized AP-1 DNA-binding activity in nuclear extracts prepared from v-fos- and c-fos-transformed rat fibroblast cell lines and v-jun-transformed chicken embryo fibroblasts under various growth conditions. During proliferation, the level of AP-1 DNA-binding activity does not differ among the v-fos, c-fos, or v-jun-transformed cells and their normal progenitors, despite constitutive overexpression of the corresponding oncoproteins. Therefore, although necessary, it is not likely that an increase in DNA binding is sufficient for fos or jun transformation. Normal rat and chicken fibroblasts demonstrate very low levels of AP-1 DNA-binding activity when quiescent, and upon serum stimulation a biphasic increase is observed. A similar cyclical pattern is seen in v-fos-transformed cells, but in v-jun-transformed cells AP-1 DNA-binding activity does not fluctuate in response to serum stimulation, which suggests that this level of control may be exerted through the Jun component of the AP-1 complex.
Coccidioides immitis Vaccine: Potential of an Alkali-Soluble, Water-Soluble Cell Wall Antigen

C-ASWS-M, the alkali-soluble, water-soluble cell wall antigen of Coccidioides immitis mycelia, was evaluated for its vaccine potential in mice. Vaccination with 0.5-, 1.5-, or 3-mg doses of C-ASWS-M in complete Freund adjuvant provided a significant level of protection against intraperitoneal challenge with 1,500 arthroconidia (P < 0.0001 with each dose). Vaccination with 1 mg of C-ASWS-M protected mice against intranasal challenge with 50 (P < 0.05) and 500 (P < 0.01) arthroconidia, but not against intranasal challenge with 1,500 arthroconidia (P > 0.05).
Genetics of traits associated with pod borer resistance and seed yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The combining ability analysis using Line × Tester model was conducted in chickpea to know the general and specific combining ability of the distingushing parents and their crosses, respectively and to select best material for further breeding programme and generation advanceme- nt. Two genetically diverse testers viz., JAKI-9218 and ICCV-2 as females and 8 males viz., HC-5, ICC-506, PKV Harita, Chandrapur Chanoli, JG-62, Gulak-1, AKG-10-1 and Bushy mutant and their 16 crosses along with two checks were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design for seed yield per plant under unprotected condition and pod borer resistance under field conditions. The resistant genotypes had lower percentage of pod borer damage along with higher levels of malic acid contents. The malic acid content had significant and negative association with larval count at vegetative, flowering and pod formation stage in addition to the percentage of pod damage. The parent Gulak-1 was the best general combiner for seed yield per plant; ICC-506 for most of the traits associated with pod borer resistance and ICCV-2 for percent malic acid content. Therefore, these genotypes were considered as the good parental material for utilizing as one of the parents in further breeding programs as donors for the concerned traits. Two crosses viz.,ICCV-2 × Chandrapur Chanoli, JAKI-9218 × ICC-506 evinced significant sca effects in desirable direction at least for one of the traits associated with pod borer resistance along with one of the parents with a high gca effect and a high mean performance for the traits concerned, indicating opportunity for obtaining desirable segregation in further generations. A high heritability in broad sense was observed for all the traits except for larval count at the flowering stage. The non-additive variance was found predominant in inheritance of seed yield and additive variance for most of the traits associated with pod borer resistance. Hence, superior transgressive segregation may be obtained from this material either through biparental mating or diallel selective mating.
Determinants of Previous HIV Testing and Knowledge of Partner’s HIV Status Among Men Attending a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) remains low among men in sub-Saharan Africa. The factors associated with previous HIV testing and knowledge of partner’s HIV status are described for 9,107 men who visited the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences’ VCT site in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between 1997 and 2008. Data are from intake forms administered to clients seeking VCT services. Most of the men (64.5%) had not previously been tested and 75% were unaware of their partner’s HIV status. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age, education, condom use, and knowledge of partner’s HIV status were significant predictors of previous HIV testing. Education, number of sexual partners, and condom use were also associated with knowledge of partner’s HIV status. The low rate of VCT use among men underscores the need for more intensive initiatives to target men and remove the barriers that prevent HIV disclosure.
Laminin molecules in freeze‐treated nerve segments are associated with migrating Schwann cells that display the corresponding α6β1 integrin receptor

Isolated acellular nerve segments protected from migration of Schwann cells and the acellular nerve segments joined with the distal nerve stumps were prepared by a repeated freeze‐thaw procedure in the rat sciatic nerves. The presence of laminin‐1 and ‐2, as well as α6 and β1 integrin chains, was detected by indirect immunohistochemistry in the sections through acellular nerve segments at 7 and 14 days after cryotreatment. The position of basal laminae and Schwann cells was identified by immunostaining for collagen IV and S‐100 protein, respectively. The isolated cryo‐treated segment without living Schwann cells (S‐100−) did not display immunoreactivity for laminins and integrin chains, while the basal lamina position was verified through the whole segment by immunostaining for collagen IV. The absence of immunostaining for laminin‐1 and ‐2 in cryo‐treated nerve segment was verified by Western blot analysis. A crucial diminution of laminin‐1 and ‐2 in the cryo‐treated nerve segment of 10‐mm length did not abolish the growth and maturation of axons. The greater part of nerve segment connected with the nerve stump displayed no immunohistochemical staining for S‐100, corresponding with absence of Schwann cells. The border region of the nerve segment contained Schwann cells (S‐100+) migrating from the near‐freeze undamaged part of the distal nerve stump. In addition to immunostaining for S‐100 protein, the migrating Schwann cells displayed immunostaining for laminins (‐1, and ‐2) and integrin chains (α6 and β1). The results indicate that the presence of laminin molecules in the acellular nerve segments prepared by the repeated freeze‐thaw procedure is related with the migrating Schwann cells. The immunostaining for laminins and integrin chains, which constitute one of integrin receptor, suggests an autocrine and/or paracrine utilization of laminin molecules in the promotion of Schwann cell migration. GLIA 33:36–44, 2001. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrast sensitivity in dyslexia

Abstract Contrast sensitivity was determined for dyslexic and normal readers. When testing with temporally ramped (i.e. stimuli with gradual temporal onsets and offsets) gratings of 0.6, 4.0, and 12.0 cycles/deg, we found no difference in contrast sensitivity between dyslexic readers and controls. Using 12.0 cycles/deg gratings with transient (i.e. abrupt) onsets and offsets, we found that dyslexic individuals had, compared to controls, markedly inferior contrast sensitivity at the shortest stimulus durations (i.e. 17, 34, and 102 ms). This deficit may reflect more sluggish temporal summation. There was no difference in sensitivity to 0.6 cycles/deg gratings with transient onsets and offsets. Under these conditions, the two groups showed a consistent and equal increase in sensitivity relative to the ramped baseline condition at 0.6 cycles/deg at the longer stimulus durations. This demonstrates that dyslexic readers have no deficit in their ability to detect stimulus transients, a finding which appears to be inconsistent with a transient system deficit. That detection of the low-frequency stimuli was mediated by the transient system is further indicated by the fact that these stimuli were more susceptible to forward masking than were the high-frequency stimuli. The effects of masking of both high and low spatial-frequency stimuli were about equal for dyslexic readers and controls. This is not in agreement with the transient system deficit theory, according to which one would expect there to be less masking of high spatial-frequency stimuli in the case of dyslexic readers.
Further studies on the role of the uterus in the regulation of corpus luteum function in sheep.

This article describes an investigation to influence corpus luteum function in hysterectomized sheep using extracts of uterine origin. Freeze-dried uterine venous plasma withdrawn at different times during the estrous cycle of sheep was infused into the ovarian artery of intact sheep on Day 8 of normal 16 day cycle and study of the effects of infusion on corpus luteum function and length of the resultant estrous cycle was conducted. Results on 7 sheep are reported. Methylene blue was periodically injected into fluid to attest that the infusion was entering ovary. At start and termination of infusion blood was collected from ovarian veins and progesterone was measured on u.v. spectrophotometer. Ovarian venous plasma progesterone levels fell by about 50% during 6 - 8 hr. infusion of freeze-dried plasma to sheep on the eigth day of cycle. The sheep returned to estrous between 48 and 72 hr. after cessation of infusion on Day 10 or Day 11 of the cycle. A rapid drop in progesterone level during infusion and shortening of cycle length are both significant indices of early corpus luteum regression.
Pain following controlled cutaneous insertion of needles with different diameters

Background and aim. Needle injections are used daily by millions of people around the world for the administration of various drugs (e.g., insulin), venepuncture, and some neurophysiological procedures. The aim of this paper was to study the influence of the outer needle diameter on the pain evoked by controlled needle insertion. Methods. An automated needle injection system was used to perform a series of insertions where velocity, angle of insertion, and depth of injection were controlled. The frequency of pain following needle insertions (23G, 27G, 30G, 32G) was recorded together with the pain intensity (measured using the visual analogue scale—VAS) and the occurrence of bleeding. Results. The outer needle diameter was positively and significantly correlated to the frequency of the insertion pain; for example, 63% of insertions with 23G needles caused pain, 53% of insertions with 27G and 31% of insertions with the thinnest (32G) needle (p < 0.0001) caused pain. The thickest needle caused most insertions associated with bleeding. Bleeding insertions were approximately 1.3 times more painful (as indicated by VAS scores) than insertions without concomitant bleedings (p = 0.004). Conclusion. By decreasing the outer diameter of a needle, the frequency of insertion pain can be reduced and may encourage patients to adhere to demanding injection regimens such as recurrent insulin administration.
Clinical and upper gastroendoscopic features of patients with dengue virus infection

Abstract Clinical observation was made on 238 dengue fever cases during an epidemic in Taiwan from September to November 1988. Dengue virus infection type 1 was responsible for all cases. The majority of patients had acute onset of fever with abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Gastrointestinal haemorrhage with manifestation of haematemesis and/or melena was observed in 28 (11.8%) of our patients. The clinical gastrointestinal features in patients with a peptic ulcer history were not different from those in patients without it. There was no significant difference in incidence of gastrointestinal manifestations between premedication and non‐premedication patients. Sixty‐six non‐premedication patients in our series were examined by gastroduo‐denoscopy. Haemorrhagic gastritis was the most common finding in 27 (40.9%) patients. The incidence of gastric and/or duodenal ulcerations was higher in patients with a peptic ulcer history compared with those without it (P<0.01). However, the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was similar between these two groups (19.2%vs 9.8%). Thrombocytopenia in patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage was more prominent than in those without it (P<0.005). This implied that thrombocytopenia might be one of the predisposing factors for gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Minimal Representation of Directed Hypergraphs

In this paper the problem of minimal representations for particular classes of directed hypergraphs is analyzed. Various concepts of minimal representations of directed hypergraphs (called minimal equivalent hypergraphs) are introduced as extensions to the concepts of transitive reduction and minimum equivalent graph of directed graphs. In particular, we consider equivalent hypergraphs which are minimal with respect to all parameters which may be adopted to characterize a given hypergraph (number of hyperarcs, number of adjacency lists required for the representation, length of the overall description,etc.). The relationships among the various concepts of minimality are discussed and their computational properties are analyzed. In order to derive such results, a graph representation of hypergraphs is introduced.
The nodular endophytes of Coriaria spp. form a distinct lineage within the genus Frankia

Repeated attempts at isolating the Frankia endophyte of Coriaria spp. have not yielded infective microbial cultures that could fulfil Koch's postulates. In order to circumvent the critical isolation step, nodule endophytes of Coriaria were characterized directly by means of specific amplification of nodule DNA (PCR) followed by sequencing of part of the 16S rDNA gene. Three closely related sequences were obtained from nodules originating from France, Mexico and New Zealand, containing unique sequences different from all other Frankia strains characterized so far. The sequences obtained were closest (with 5 or 6 substitutions) to those of Frankia alni and those of Casuarina‐infective Frankia strains, respectively. Two nucleotides unique to the Coriaria endophyte sequences were used to define specific primers, resulting in a hybridization test that could discriminate between Frankia DNAs originating from Coriaria nodules and those recovered from all cultured Frankia strains tested. The endophytes of Coriaria thus appear to form a distinct Frankia lineage.
Quantitative Microcomputed Tomography Assessment of Intratrabecular, Intertrabecular, and Cortical Bone Architecture in a Rat Model of Severe Renal Osteodystrophy

Objective: To determine the effects of renal osteodystrophy (ROD) on bone microarchitecture in growing rats. Methods: A total of 24 rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (NX) and were fed a high-phosphorus diet to induce ROD; another 6 underwent sham NX. In vitro microcomputed tomography images (GEMS, London, Ontario, Canada) were obtained in the femoral metaphysis and midshaft. Results: Trabecular and cortical bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) were significantly lower in NX specimens because of pores within the trabeculae and along the endosteal surface. Topological analysis using component labeling in 3-dimensions verified that trabecular pores connected to the marrow space. After the trabecular pores were filled using a morphological filter, trabecular thickness was significantly increased in NX. In contrast, cortical thickness was significantly decreased in NX compared with controls; however, after filling the endocortical pores, thickness did not differ. Conclusions: The ROD resulted in decreased cortical and trabecular BV/TV, increased porosity, and increased trabecular thickness. Advanced image processing algorithms demonstrated the effects of cortical and trabecular porosity on BV/TV and structure in ROD.
Interleukin‐28B polymorphisms are associated with histological recurrence and treatment response following liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis C virus infection

Polymorphism in the interleukin‐28B (IL28B) gene region, encoding interferon (IFN)‐λ3, is strongly predictive of response to antiviral treatment in the nontransplant setting. We sought to determine the prevalence and impact on clinical outcomes of donor and recipient IL28B genotypes among liver transplant recipients. The cohort study included 189 consecutive patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who underwent liver transplantation between January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2005, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Genotyping of the polymorphism rs12979860 was performed on DNA collected from all donors and recipients in the cohort. Sixty‐five patients received IFN‐based antiviral therapy. The CC IL28B variant was less common in the chronic HCV‐infected recipients than in non‐HCV donor livers (33% versus 47%, P = 0.03). IL28B recipient genotype was significantly predictive of fibrosis stage, with TT genotype being associated with more rapid fibrosis (Pearson chi‐square P = 0.024 for the comparison G versus A). Donor and recipient IL28B genotype were independently associated with sustained virologic response (P < 0.005). The presence of IL28B CC variant in either the recipient (R) or donor (D) liver was associated with increased rate of sustained virologic response (D‐non‐CC/R‐non‐CC = 3/19 [16%] versus D‐CC/R‐non‐CC = 11/22 [50%] versus D‐non‐CC/R‐CC = 5/12 [42%] versus R‐CC/D‐CC = 6/7 [86%], P = 0.0095). IL28B genotype was not significantly associated with survival (overall/liver‐related). Conclusion: Recipient IL28B TT genotype is associated with more severe histological recurrence of HCV. Recipient and donor liver IL28B genotype are strongly and independently associated with IFN‐based treatment response in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation. The data suggest that CC donor livers might be preferentially allocated to patients with HCV infection. (Hepatology 2011;)
Synthesis and Structure−Activity Relationship Studies of 3,6-Diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes as Novel α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Selective Agonists

A series of novel, potent neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligands derived from 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2. 0]heptane have been synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity and agonist activity at the α4β2 nAChR subtype. Structure−activity relationship studies of these novel nAChR ligands focused on substitution effects on the pyridine ring, as well as stereo- and regiochemical influences of the 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2. 0]heptane core. Small 5-substituents on the pyridine ring had a modest impact on the binding affinities and functional activities. 6-Bromo, 6-chloro, and 6-methyl substituents on the pyridine ring led to increased binding affinities and improved functional activities. Most of the 6-N-pyridinyl-substituted 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2. 0]heptanes are selective for the α4β2 nAChR subtype. Compounds (1R,5S)-25, (1R,5S)-55, and (1R,5S)-56 were virtually inactive as agonists at the hα3β4 nAChR but retained potency and efficacy at the hα4β2 nAChR subtype. 3-N-Pyridinyl-substituted series demonstr.
Pharmacotherapy of Social Phobia

In a double-blind, parallel group trial, 78 subjects with social phobia received moclobemide (a new reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A) phenelzine, or placebo. After eight weeks, both active drugs – phenelzine somewhat more than moclobemide – were clinically and statistically significantly more effective than placebo, as assessed by rating scales. There was some further improvement between weeks 8 and 16, particularly in the moclobemide group; at week 16, 82% of the moclobemide and 91% of the phenelzine-treated patients were almost asymptomatic. Moclobemide was, however, much better tolerated than phenelzine. Patients withdrawn from active drugs had relapsed by week 24, providing additional support for the efficacy of the active drugs.