Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retrieval of the Ocean Skin Temperature Profiles From Measurements of Infrared Hyperspectral Radiometers—Part II: Field Data Analysis

To obtain the vertical temperature profile of the thermal skin layer on the aqueous side of the ocean-atmosphere interface from radiance measurements of hyperspectral infrared radiometers, regularization methods are used to address the nonlinearity and ill-conditioning of the inverse problem associated with the retrieval. This paper demonstrates the truncated singular value decomposition regularization technique on field data sets obtained from the Marine-Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (M-AERI). The M-AERI takes highly accurate and spectrally resolved radiance measurements in the infrared, which allows for the sensing of temperature values within thermal skin layer depths of less than 1 mm below the ocean surface. Results showed temperature inversions found in the solution, but these are deemed unphysical, based on previous tests on synthetic data and by a scaling analysis using the Rayleigh number, which are presented here. The importance of sea surface emissivity for performing the atmospheric correction to M-AERI measurements to derive surface emissivity spectra is also discussed. The retrieved profiles exhibit a smooth exponential-like structure that agrees well with theory.
Analyzing avian nest survival in forests and grasslands : A comparison of the Mayfield and logistic-exposure methods

Several new methods for analyzing avian nest survival have been developed recently. To date, few tests have compared the performance of these new approaches with the traditional approach to nest survival analysis, the Mayfield method. To address this question, we used the Mayfield method to reanalyze data on avian nest survival from two published studies that employed the logistic-exposure approach, one of the Mayfield alternatives. We found that both approaches yielded nearly identical point estimates of daily nest survival, although the Mayfield estimates were less precise than estimates generated by the logistic-exposure models. Hypothesis tests conducted via the two different approaches also yielded generally similar results, although in one of the studies the Mayfield analysis failed to identify one of the significant covariates revealed by the logistic-exposure approach, apparently due to the imprecision of the Mayfield estimates. In sum, our results suggest that estimates of nest survival generated using the Mayfield estimator or its alternatives will be comparable, and that results of studies conducted using the Mayfield method should not be discounted. At the same time, our results reinforce the previously demonstrated advantages of alternatives such as the logistic-exposure approach: the ability to evaluate complex models of nest survival, consider individual and continuous covariates, and produce more precise estimates of daily nest survival.
A Redundancy-Based Attack Detection Technique for Java Card Bytecode

A Java Card Virtual Machine applet running on smart cards may be subject to tampering. We protect existing applets by encoding additional lists representing specific instructions which may be the targets of a variety of attacks. The lists are specifically encoded to be a viable solution in limited smart cards hardware. Our modified virtual machine before executing a fetched instruction checks the lists to verify that it has not been modified, blocking the execution if a modification is detected.
Substance P-induced trafficking of beta-arrestins. The role of beta-arrestins in endocytosis of the neurokinin-1 receptor.

Agonist-induced redistribution of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and beta-arrestins determines the subsequent cellular responsiveness to agonists and is important for signal transduction. We examined substance P (SP)-induced trafficking of beta-arrestin1 and the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) in KNRK cells in real time using green fluorescent protein. Green fluorescent protein did not alter function or localization of the NK1R or beta-arrestin1. SP induced (a) striking and rapid (<1 min) translocation of beta-arrestin1 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, which preceded NK1R endocytosis; (b) redistribution of the NK1R and beta-arrestin1 into the same endosomes containing SP and the transferrin receptor (2-10 min); (c) prolonged colocalization of the NK1R and beta-arrestin1 in endosomes (>60 min); (d) gradual resumption of the steady state distribution of the NK1R at the plasma membrane and beta-arrestin1 in the cytosol (4-6 h). SP stimulated a similar redistribution of immunoreactive beta-arrestin1 and beta-arrestin2. In contrast, SP did not affect Galphaq/11 distribution, which remained at the plasma membrane. Expression of the dominant negative beta-arrestin319-418 inhibited SP-induced endocytosis of the NK1R. Thus, SP induces rapid translocation of beta-arrestins to the plasma membrane, where they participate in NK1R endocytosis. beta-Arrestins colocalize with the NK1R in endosomes until the NK1R recycles and beta-arrestins return to the cytosol.
MdmX Binding to ARF Affects Mdm2 Protein Stability and p53 Transactivation*

Regulation of p53 involves a complex network of protein interactions. The primary regulator of p53 protein stability is the Mdm2 protein. ARF and MdmX are two proteins that have recently been shown to inhibit Mdm2-mediated degradation of p53 via distinct associations with Mdm2. We demonstrate here that ARF is capable of interacting with MdmX and in a manner similar to its association with Mdm2, sequestering MdmX within the nucleolus. The sequestration of MdmX by ARF results in an increase in p53 transactivation. In addition, the redistribution of MdmX by ARF requires that a nucleolar localization signal be present on MdmX. Although expression of either MdmX or ARF leads to Mdm2 stabilization, coexpression of both MdmX and ARF results in a decrease in Mdm2 protein levels. Similarly, increasing ARF protein levels in the presence of constant MdmX and Mdm2 leads to a dose-dependent decrease in Mdm2 levels. Under these conditions, ARF can synergistically reverse the ability of Mdm2 and MdmX to inhibit p53-dependent transactivation. Finally, the association and redistribution of MdmX by ARF has no effect on the protein stability of either ARF or MdmX. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the interaction between MdmX and ARF represents a novel pathway for regulating Mdm2 protein levels. Additionally, both MdmX and Mdm2, either individually or together, are capable of antagonizing the effects of the ARF tumor suppressor on p53 activity.
Genotypes of hepatitis C virus in Nigeria

A pilot survey of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Nigeria was carried out on healthy adult blood donors and children of preschool age. Sixteen of 200 (8%) donors were positive for antibodies using a second generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) but all of the children were negative. Supplementary testing of the ELISA‐positives using a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA‐2) confirmed the presence of antibody in four and two others were indeterminate. Four of the anti‐HCV‐positive sera and one found positive by ELISA but which was negative by RIBA‐2 were found to be positive for HCV RNA using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and primers specific for the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the HCV genome. The NS5 and core regions also were amplified and the PCR products from all three regions were sequenced. Sequences from the 5′UTR could be divided into two groups: one group comprised three isolates with greater than 95% sequence identity with published sequences of genotype 1 and the other comprised two isolates with greater than 93% sequence identity with genotype 4. Analysis of three sequences amplified from the NS5 region confirmed this assignment to genotypes 1 and 4. Pairwise comparisons of the NS5 region sequences with representatives of 1a, 1b, 1c (for the first group) and 4a–4h (for the second group) show the first group to include subtypes classifiable as 1a and a novel sequence and the second group to include a novel sequence within genotype 4. Sequence analysis of the core region was consistent with this interpretation. These data confirm the presence of at least two major HCV genotypes in Nigeria (genotypes 1 and 4) and we report two novel sequences which have been designated provisionally as genotypes 1d and 4i. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How to catch their attention? Taiwanese flashpackers inferring their travel motivation from personal development and travel experience

ABSTRACT Backpackers first appeared in the seventeenth century. The twenty-first century has witnessed the rise of a new backpacker subculture given the changing times: one that is closely related to technology use is called flashpackers. The research discussed in this article explores the relationships between travel experience, personal development, and travel motivation of flashpackers. The study uses convenience sampling taken in the lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. A total of 400 questionnaires were issued and 375 valid questionnaires were recovered; the rate of return was 93.8%. The results of this study are the following: (1) there are differences between travel experience and travel motivation for Taiwan’s flashpackers; (2) there is a relationship between personal development and travel experience of Taiwan’s flashpackers; (3) there is a correlation between personal development and travel motivation for Taiwan’s flashpackers; and (4) personal development moderately affects the relationship between travel experience and travel motivation for Taiwan’s flashpackers. This study contributes to the tourism industry by enhancing direct targeting of customers, and it provides hospitality and travel agency managers with the means to determine appropriate marketing strategies for flashpackers.
SLE syndrome, probably induced by labetalol

A 45-year-old woman developed polyarthralgia and muscle tenderness after 6 months' therapy with labetalol 1800 mg daily. A raised ANF titre but normal DNA binding levels suggested a drug-induced SLE syndrome. Both symptoms and ANF titre improved when therapy was changed from labetalol to propranolol.
Some Clinical and EEG Aspects of Benign Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

Summary: Twelve patients with benign juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (BJME) representing 4% of our population of epileptics (n = 275) are presented. Only two patients (17%) had myoclonic jerks as the only seizure type. Seven (58%) had generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GTCS) and myoclonus. Three patients (25%) had absence seizures (AS), GTCS, and myoclonic jerks. Electroencephalographic evidence of photosensitivity was found in four (33%). Auditory precipitation of seizures was found in one patient. As is the case with other primary generalized epilepsies, the onset of BJME seems to be age specific. In our series the mean age of onset in years was 4.3 for AS, 14.75 for myoclonic jerks, and 16.4 for GTCS. It took an average of 8.5 years from the onset of BJME (range, 2–20 years) and 6.5 years from the onset of GTCS (range, 2 months‐6 years) until the condition was properly recognized. Five patients experienced at least one episode of myoclonic status epilepticus. Generalized, paroxysmal, symmetric poly spike and slow wave discharges are the typical EEG finding. These complexes, however, showed considerable interpatient variability. Sleep deprivation proved to be the most valuable activating procedure. Valproic acid monotherapy effectively controlled myoclonic jerks as well as associated GTCS in most patients.
Surgical Time of Day Does Not Affect Outcome Following Hip Fracture Fixation

Background: Due to the need for medical optimization and congested operating room schedules, surgical repair is often performed at night. Studies have shown that work done at night increases complications. The primary aim of our study is to compare the rates of complications and 30-day mortality between 2 surgical times of day, daytime group (DTG, 07:00-15:59) and nighttime group (NTG, 16:00-06:59). Methods: Retrospective chart review from 2005 through 2010. Setting: Level 1 Trauma Center. Participants: 1443 patients with hip fracture, age ≥50 years with isolated injury and surgical treatment of the fracture. Main Outcomes and Measures: Thirty-day mortality and complications: myocardial infarction, cardiac event, stroke, central nervous system event, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, postoperative wound infection, and bleeding requiring transfusion of 3 or more red blood cell units. Results: A total of 859 patients met the inclusion criteria; 668 patients in the DTG and 191 patients in the NTG. The 30-day mortality was 7.8%. The complication rate was 28%. No difference was found in 30-day mortality or complication rate based on the time of day the surgery was performed (P = 1.0 and P = .92, respectively). This remained unchanged when controlling for health status and surgical complexity. Age (odds ratio = 1.03/year), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; odds ratio = 1.21), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA; odds ratio = 1.85) score were predictive of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Surgical time of day did not affect 30-day mortality or total number of complications. Age, ASA score, and CCI were associated with adverse outcomes.
Inhibition of cytochrome P4501-dependent clearance of the endogenous agonist FICZ as a mechanism for activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Altered systemic levels of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), an enigmatic endogenous ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), may explain adverse physiological responses evoked by small natural and anthropogenic molecules as well as by oxidative stress and light. We demonstrate here that several different chemical compounds can inhibit the metabolism of FICZ, thereby disrupting the autoregulatory feedback control of cytochrome P4501 systems and other proteins whose expression is regulated by AHR. FICZ is both the most tightly bound endogenous agonist for the AHR and an ideal substrate for cytochrome CYP1A1/1A2 and 1B1, thereby also participating in an autoregulatory loop that keeps its own steady-state concentration low. At very low concentrations FICZ influences circadian rhythms, responses to UV light, homeostasis associated with pro- and anti-inflammatory processes, and genomic stability. Here, we demonstrate that, if its metabolic clearance is compromised, femtomolar background levels of this compound in cell-culture medium are sufficient to up-regulate CYP1A1 mRNA and enzyme activity. The oxidants UVB irradiation and hydrogen peroxide and the model AHR antagonist 3′-methoxy-4′-nitroflavone all inhibited induction of CYP1A1 enzyme activity by FICZ or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, thereby subsequently elevating intracellular levels of FICZ and activating AHR. Taken together, these findings support an indirect mechanism of AHR activation, indicating that AHR activation by molecules with low affinity actually may reflect inhibition of FICZ metabolism and raising questions about the reported promiscuity of the AHR. Accordingly, we propose that prolonged induction of AHR activity through inhibition of CYP1 disturbs feedback regulation of FICZ levels, with potential detrimental consequences.
Activation of trigeminal nociceptive neurons by parotid PAR-2 activation in rats

To clarify involvement of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) in parotid pain, we examined whether PAR-2 activation in the parotid gland could activate trigeminal nociceptive neurons in anesthetized rats, by analyzing immunoreactive Fos as a nociceptive marker. Either the PAR-2 agonist SLIGRL-NH2 or capsaicin, injected into the parotid duct, caused expression of Fos in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis, although the PAR-2-inactive reversed peptide had no such effect. The Fos expression caused by PAR-2 activation was inhibited by ablation of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons. Intraductal SLIGRL-NH2 did not increase vascular permeability in the parotid gland. Our data thus reveal that activation of PAR-2 in the parotid gland can cause activation of trigeminal nociceptive neurons via capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves most probably by a non-inflammatory mechanism.
Melanoma resistance to photodynamic therapy: new insights

Abstract Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, with a steeply rising incidence and a poor prognosis in its advanced stages. Melanoma is highly resistant to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, although modern targeted therapies such as BRAF inhibitors are showing some promise. Photodynamic therapy (PDT, the combination of photosensitizing dyes and visible light) has been tested in the treatment of melanoma with some promising results, but melanoma is generally considered to be resistant to it. Optical interference by the highly-pigmented melanin, the antioxidant effect of melanin, the sequestration of photosensitizers inside melanosomes, defects in apoptotic pathways, and the efflux of photosensitizers by ATP-binding cassette transporters have all been implicated in melanoma resistance to PDT. Approaches to overcoming melanoma resistance to PDT include: the discovery of highly active photosensitizers absorbing in the 700–800-nm near infrared spectral region; interventions that can temporarily reduce the amount or pigmentation of the melanin; compounds that can reverse apoptotic defects or inhibit drug-efflux of photosensitizers; and immunotherapy approaches that can take advantage of the ability of PDT to activate the host immune system against the tumor being treated.
An eight-year clinical evaluation of filled and unfilled one-bottle dental adhesives.

BACKGROUND The strategies for accomplishing resin adhesion to dentin involve surface conditioning, priming and bonding. One-bottle adhesives combine the priming and bonding functions in a single solution. In this study, the authors compared the eight-year clinical performance of two one-bottle adhesives made by different manufacturers. METHODS The authors placed a total of 99 Class V restorations using either a filled, ethanol-based adhesive (OptiBond Solo [OS], SDS Kerr, Orange, Calif.) or an unfilled, acetone-based adhesive (Prime & Bond 2.1 [PB] Dentsply Caulk, Milford, Del.) and a hybrid resin-based composite in 33 subjects with noncarious cervical lesions. The authors did not bevel the enamel margins and used no mechanical retention. They evaluated the restorations at baseline and for as long as eight years after placement using modified U.S. Public Health Service criteria. They analyzed differences between groups using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS The authors examined 56 restorations after eight years and found retention rates of 69 percent for OS and 59 percent for PB. These rates did not differ statistically (P = .449) and were not significantly affected by subject or lesion characteristics. The authors noted marginal discoloration on 55 percent of the retained OS restorations and on 31 percent of the retained PB restorations, but they detected no secondary caries around any restoration. They noted poor anatomical form and poor marginal adaptation in 15 percent and 40 percent of the retained OS restorations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The performance of both adhesives was good during this eight-year clinical trial. The filled, ethanol-based adhesive OS demonstrated slightly better bond durability than did the unfilled, acetone-based adhesive PB, but the difference between the two materials was not statistically significant. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Despite a high incidence of marginal discoloration, the one-bottle adhesives evaluated in this study provided good clinical retention of Class V restorations without mechanical retention. When the materials are used properly, restorations are retained at an acceptable rate through at least eight years of clinical service.
Ecological variation in South American geophagine cichlids arose during an early burst of adaptive morphological and functional evolution

Diversity and disparity are unequally distributed both phylogenetically and geographically. This uneven distribution may be owing to differences in diversification rates between clades resulting from processes such as adaptive radiation. We examined the rate and distribution of evolution in feeding biomechanics in the extremely diverse and continentally distributed South American geophagine cichlids. Evolutionary patterns in multivariate functional morphospace were examined using a phylomorphospace approach, disparity-through-time analyses and by comparing Brownian motion (BM) and adaptive peak evolutionary models using maximum likelihood. The most species-rich and functionally disparate clade (CAS) expanded more efficiently in morphospace and evolved more rapidly compared with both BM expectations and its sister clade (GGD). Members of the CAS clade also exhibited an early burst in functional evolution that corresponds to the development of modern ecological roles and may have been related to the colonization of a novel adaptive peak characterized by fast oral jaw mechanics. Furthermore, reduced ecological opportunity following this early burst may have restricted functional evolution in the GGD clade, which is less species-rich and more ecologically specialized. Patterns of evolution in ecologically important functional traits are consistent with a pattern of adaptive radiation within the most diverse clade of Geophagini.
Quantification of Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Plants Affected by Contaminated Irrigation Water

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157: H7 (EHEC) is a major foodborne pathogen capable of causing diarrhea and vomiting, with further complications such as hemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS). The aim of this study was to use the real‐time PCR method to quantify the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7/pGFP in phyllosphere (leaf surface), rhizosphere (volume of soil tightly held by plant roots), and non‐rhizosphere soils (sand and clay) irrigated with contaminated water and compare the results obtained between real‐time PCR method and conventional plate counts. The real‐time PCR probe was designed to hybridize with the (eae) gene of E. coli O157:H7. The probe was incorporated into real‐time PCR containing DNA extracted from the phyllosphere, rhizosphere, and non‐rhizosphere soils irrigated with water artificially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The detection limit for E. coli O157:H7 quantification by real‐time PCR was 2.3 × 103 in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere samples. E. coli O157:H7 survived longer in rhizosphere soil than the non‐rhizosphere soil. The concentration of E. coli O157:H7/pGFP in rhizosphere soils was ≥ 104 CFU/g in both soils at day 12 based on both plate count and real time PCR, with the clay soil significantly (P = 0.05) higher than the sandy soil. This data showed that E. coli O157H:7 can persist in the environment for more than 50 d, and this may pose some risk for both animal and human infection and provides a very significant pathway for pathogen recontamination in the environment.
Big Five Personality Scores and Rates of Suicidality in the United States

Voracek (2009) reported that suicide rates in the American states were negatively associated with the mean neuroticism scores of residents in those states. In the present study, state rates of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide were not found to be associated with any state scores for the Big Five personality traits, suggesting that lethal and non-lethal suicidal behavior may have different ecological correlates.