Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
C-band repeat-pass interferometric SAR observations of the forest

Properties of ERS-1 C-band repeat pass interferometric SAR information for a forested area are studied. The intensity information is rather limited but, including coherence and effective interferometric SAR (INSAR) height, more information about the forest parameters can be obtained via satellite. Such information is also important for correction of INSAR derived topographic maps. Coherence properties have been used to identify forested/nonforested areas and the interferometric effective height of the forest determined by comparison to a DEM of the area. The authors have developed a model to relate basic forest properties to INSAR observations. These show that the coherence and interferometric effective height of a forested area change between image pairs. The model demonstrates how these properties are related to the temporal decorrelation and the scattering from the vegetation canopy and the ground surface. Gaps in the vegetation are found to be important in the characterization of boreal forests.
Highly Conserved Residues in the Helical Domain of Dengue Virus Type 1 Precursor Membrane Protein Are Involved in Assembly, Precursor Membrane (prM) Protein Cleavage, and Entry*

Background: The role of α-helical domain (MH) of prM protein in DENV replication remains unknown. Results: Alanine substitutions of nine highly conserved MH domain residues affected assembly of replicon particles and entry, which correlated with impairment in prM cleavage. Conclusion: MH domain residues modulate assembly, maturation, and entry. Significance: These highly conserved residues are potential targets of antiviral strategy. The envelope and precursor membrane (prM) proteins of dengue virus (DENV) are present on the surface of immature virions. During maturation, prM protein is cleaved by furin protease into pr peptide and membrane (M) protein. Although previous studies mainly focusing on the pr region have identified several residues important for DENV replication, the functional role of M protein, particularly the α-helical domain (MH), which is predicted to undergo a large conformational change during maturation, remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of nine highly conserved MH domain residues in the replication cycle of DENV by site-directed mutagenesis in a DENV1 prME expression construct and found that alanine substitutions introduced to four highly conserved residues at the C terminus and one at the N terminus of the MH domain greatly affect the production of both virus-like particles and replicon particles. Eight of the nine alanine mutants affected the entry of replicon particles, which correlated with the impairment in prM cleavage. Moreover, seven mutants were found to have reduced prM-E interaction at low pH, which may inhibit the formation of smooth immature particles and exposure of prM cleavage site during maturation, thus contributing to inefficient prM cleavage. Taken together, these results are the first report showing that highly conserved MH domain residues, located at 20–38 amino acids downstream from the prM cleavage site, can modulate the prM cleavage, maturation of particles, and virus entry. The highly conserved nature of these residues suggests potential targets of antiviral strategy.
Virtual Reality and the Built Environment

This book was written for construction professionals such as architects, engineers, and planners and aims to give an insight into how VR technologies are presently being used to aid the planning and construction of our built environment. The author’s definition of VR is broad and covers everything from high-end immersive systems to the visualization of supermarket audit trails via bar charts. The main body of the book is 134 pages long and is divided into six chapters with 23 pages of tables and illustrations. Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction to the VR medium (the virtual environment) and the VR system (the hardware) and then provides an overview of their historical development. At the end of this short chapter is a section that points out the different ways of storing, accessing, and optimizing computer model data. The second chapter touches upon some issues associated with the representation and viewing of scenes in VR applications. Chapter 3 looks briefly at several companies in the manufacturing and construction industry that have used computers for the visualization and simulation of proposed designs. Chapter 4 discusses several ways in which computer visualizations are being used as tools to communicate design proposals to different industries and, in the process, opening up new markets for 3D design professionals. Chapter 5 looks at how some city planners are not only using computers to assess the visual impact of proposed urban designs but also running simulations to investigate their wider economic implications. The book concludes with a brief discussion suggesting that design professionals could benefit from using VR technologies on largeand small-scale construction projects. Trying to comment on real-time interactive media via the printed page is not easy, but this book does communicate the breadth of jobs that computers are being used for in today’s visualization and simulation industry. However, I feel it would benefit from some sort of visual accompaniment such as a CD-ROM. There is a companion Web site to the book at www. buildingvr.com. This contains a brief overview of the book, also a 35-strong list of the Web address links that appear in its reference section, although six of these were broken at the time of writing. There are also links to external sites that will be of genuine interest to the uninformed construction professional or university student looking to learn a little bit about the present state of the computer visualization industry. Although the absolute beginner may find the use of buzzwords confusing as they are often left unexplained, Virtual Reality and the Built Environment does nevertheless contain some fascinating insights into the field of VR and will certainly be of some use to building industry professionals seeking a broad introduction into the subject.
Amygdala central nucleus lesions attenuate acoustic startle stimulus-evoked heart rate changes in rats.

Amygdala central nucleus (CNA) lesions were used to test the hypothesis that stimulus-evoked heart rate changes can reflect the development of fear during acoustic startle testing. A 120-dB white noise startle stimulus produced freezing as well as phasic heart rate accelerations and decelerations, and an abrupt decrease in tonic heart rate, in sham-operated rats. These responses were all significantly reduced in CNA-lesioned rats. In contrast, an 87-dB stimulus elicited only significant phasic decelerations that were similarly attenuated by the CNA lesions. In a follow-up experiment, the CNA lesions also attenuated phasic cardiac decelerations evoked by a conditioned stimulus-like, 85-dB pure tone. The results support the contention (B. J. Young & R.N. Leaton, 1994) that heart rate changes can reflect fear conditioned during acoustic startle testing and, in addition, suggest that the amygdala mediates responses to nonsignal acoustic stimuli.
Observation of an Intact Noncovalent Homotrimer of Detergent-solubilized Rat Microsomal Glutathione Transferase-1 by Electrospray Mass Spectrometry*

Microsomal glutathione transferase-1 (MGST1) is a membrane-bound enzyme involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics and the protection of cells against oxidative stress. The proposed active form of the enzyme is a noncovalently associated homotrimer that binds one substrate glutathione molecule/trimer. In this study, this complex has been directly observed by electrospray mass spectrometry analysis of active rat liver MGST1 reconstituted in a minimum amount of detergent. The measured mass of the homotrimer is 53 kDa, allowing for the mass of three MGST molecules in complex with one glutathione molecule. Collision-induced dissociation of the trimer complex resulted in the formation of monomer and homodimer ion species. Two distinct species of homodimer were observed, one unliganded and one identified as a homodimer·glutathione complex. Activation of the enzyme by N-ethylmaleimide through modification of Cys49 (Svensson, R., Rinaldi, R., Swedmark, S., and Morgenstern, R. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 15144–15149) was monitored by the observation of an appropriate increase in mass in both the denatured monomeric and native trimeric forms of MGST1. Together, the data correspond well with the proposed functional organization of MGST1. These results also represent the first example of direct electrospray mass spectrometry analysis of a detergent-solubilized multimeric membrane protein complex in its native state.
Development of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis by the Age of Five Years: A Prospective Study of 543 Newborns

543 children were followed up from birth to 5 years of age. Children with a positive history of parents' atopy had a 51% occurrence of respiratory or dermal symptoms of atopy vs. a 19% occurrence among children with no family history of atopy. There was an association between asthma and allergic rhinitis while atopic dermatitis occurred equally in children with or without respiratory symptoms. The clinical course of atopic symptoms could not be correlated to the family history of atopy. The significance of date of birth, nasal eosinophilia and serum IgE levels seemed to be relatively low in atopic dermatitis while these parameters had a correlation to the development of respiratory atopies.
Differences in descriptions of Kellgren and Lawrence grades of knee osteoarthritis

Objective: Correct application of the Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) classification system is difficult due to inexact wording of the descriptors. We summarised different descriptions and searched for evidence on the impact of such variations on classification of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in epidemiological studies. Methods: We searched Medline/Pubmed (1966 to August 2006) for studies of epidemiological cohorts that professed use of the original K&L scale (grades 0–4, with 0 being normal and 4 severe OA), and recorded their descriptions of the five grades. The descriptions were compared with each other and with the original description. Results: We identified five different descriptions. In grade 2, often used as a cut-off to classify OA, one description replaced “definite osteophytes and possible narrowing of joint space” (K&L) by “definite osteophyte, unimpaired joint space”. Another description for grade 2 was “minimal osteophytes, possible narrowing, cysts, and sclerosis”. In some cohort studies, descriptions changed during follow-up. None of the included articles studied the impact of the use of different descriptions. Conclusion: Major OA cohort studies disagree between each other and even among themselves on the definition and grading of disease according to the original K&L system. The impact of this disagreement warrants further study, but consensus urgently needs to be reached on a single valid and feasible classification system.
Perceptions of cause and control in people with Parkinson's disease

Purpose. This study sought to investigate how people with Parkinson's disease ((PD)) perceived both the cause and their control of the disease. Method. Eleven people living with a diagnosis of idiopathic PD in the UK were recruited via Parkinson's disease nurse specialists and interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and themes were then extracted from the transcripts using interpretative phenomenological analysis ((IPA)). Themes which were well supported and novel are presented. Results. Three themes are presented. 1)) different types of causal attribution; 2)) perceptions of control of symptoms by medication; 3)) the secondary control process of adaptation with particular focus on acceptance and denial. Conclusions. Themes of cause and control arose in a number of ways throughout conversations with participants. The links between cause and control were not universal but rather occurred in subtle individual ways. Different strategies were used by participants so that control could be maintained, at least to some extent. However, a flexible and responsive social and healthcare system is required to support individuals appropriately.
Influence of algal diet on growth and ingestion of Calanus helgolandicus nauplii

Nauplii of Calanus helgolandicus were raised from eggs, laid within a 12 h period, to Copepodite Stage I (CI) on 5 different species of algae at high concentrations at 15°C. The diets used were Isochrysis galbana (5 ? m spherical diameter), Rhodomonas baltica (7 ? m), the coccolithophorid Pleurochrysis carterae (12 ? m), the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (14 ? m) and the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans (30 ? m). Each day a sample was taken and preserved for later cohort analysis. Growth was estimated from CHN samples collected almost daily, from which naupliar stages were also distinguished. Ingestion was measured for each naupliar feeding stage. The fastest development was obtained with I. galbana and P. micans. We found the highest value of carbon and nitrogen content of Naupliar Stages NV to CI for individuals reared on the smallest algae, I. galbana and R. baltica. However, ingestion rate in terms of carbon or nitrogen was lowest with these same (smallest) algae. Therefore, the gross growth efficiency was highest for the smallest algae. These results suggest the following: Firstly, that factors influencing development time and weight in stage are different; weight in stage is negatively related to algal size, whereas development time is independent of it. The quality of the algal biochemical components could be the factor influencing development. Secondly, that small algae are fully assimilated in the gut whereas larger cells, i.e. those with indigestible components around the cell (theca, frustule, calcium layer) are only partly assimilated.
Comparative effects of laryngeal mask and tracheal tube on total respiratory resistance in anaesthetised patients

We compared the effects of the laryngeal mask and tracheal tube on total respiratory resistance in 10 anaesthetised, mechanically ventilated patients undergoing otological microsurgery. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the tracheal tube (Rüsch) was inserted for the first series of measurements. This was then replaced by a laryngeal mask (Intavent) and a second series of measurements was made during the first hour of operation. In the second group, the same protocol was applied with inverse order in the use of the devices. From the measurement of respiratory flow and pressure at the airway opening, total respiratory resistance was calculated by multiple linear regression. The data were corrected to eliminate the previously determined nonlinear resistance of the two devices. Arterial blood pressure, electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation and end‐tidal carbon dioxide concentration were continuously monitored. With the laryngeal mask and the tracheal tube, mean (SE) minute ventilation was 9.4(0.9)l.min‐1 and 8.1 (0.9)l.min‐l, respectively for end‐tidal carbon dioxide concentrations between 3.6 and 4.1%. Although the glottic resistance was included in the measurement performed with the laryngeal mask but not with the tracheal tube, mean (SE) total respiratory resistance was not significantly different with the two devices (0.61(0.32) and 0.69(0.35) kPa.l‐1.s, respectively). Leakage was avoided with the laryngeal mask because the insufflation pressure never exceeded 1.7 kPa except in one patient suffering from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who had a total respiratory resistance of 1.45kPa.l‐1.s. During the first hour of the operation all respiratory variables remained stable irrespective of the device used.
From Perception to Behavior

This study proposes and tests a novel theoretical mechanism to explain increased self-disclosure intimacy in text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) versus face-to-face (FtF) interactions. On the basis of joint effects of perception intensification processes in CMC and the disclosure reciprocity norm, the authors predict a perception-behavior intensification effect, according to which people perceive partners’ initial disclosures as more intimate in CMC than FtF and, consequently, reciprocate with more intimate disclosures of their own. An experiment compares disclosure reciprocity in text-based CMC and FtF conversations, in which participants interacted with a confederate who made either intimate or nonintimate disclosures across the two communication media. The utterances generated by the participants are coded for disclosure frequency and intimacy. Consistent with the proposed perception-behavior intensification effect, CMC participants perceive the confederate’s disclosures as more intimate, and, importantly, reciprocate with more intimate disclosures than FtF participants do.
Indoor and Outdoor Particle Number and Mass Concentrations in Athens. Sources, Sinks and Variability of Aerosol Parameters

The scope of this work was to characterize PM mass and number concentration at typical residential microenvironments in the centre of Athens and to examine the relative contribution of the indoor and outdoor sources. Three residential flats located in densely populated residential areas were studied, during a warm and cold period of 2002. PM10, PM2 and black carbon (BC) mass concentrations, as well as ultrafine and accumulation mode particle number size distributions were recorded indoors and outdoors simultaneously. Outdoor concentrations of all size fractions were significant, and indicative of urban sites affected by heavy traffic. Indoor levels were generally lower than the corresponding outdoor ones. Nevertheless, elevated indoor concentrations were recorded, caused by increased ambient air penetration in the indoor microenvironments and/or indoor particle generation. The mean 24-hr indoor PM10 concentration at all residences was 35.0 ± 10.7 μg/m 3 during the warm period and 31.8 ± 7.8 μg/m 3 during the cold period. The corresponding PM2 concentration was 30.1 ± 11.1 μg/m 3 and 27.2 ± 3.6 μg/m 3 during warm and cold periods, respectively. Regression analysis of indoor and outdoor concentration data revealed that indoor BC may be considered mainly of outdoor origin. A large fraction of the outdoor-generated PM2 and ultrafine and accumulation mode particles also seems to penetrate indoors, causing elevated indoor levels. Regarding indoor particle generation, cooking was the strongest contributor in residential microenvironments.
Research methods in the social sciences

Rather than being written by one or two `generalists', this innovative book is written by a large number of active researchers about their specialisms in methods/methodologies. The book introduces all the key qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods and seeks to draw readers into a community of researchers engaged in reflection on the research process. Included are narrative accounts of carrying out a research study that explore the way in which the research design and methods are shaped by the methodology, discussing problematic issues, and reflecting on the way in which knowledge and understanding develop. Aimed at researchers and postgraduate students, it will also be invaluable for students at masters level.
The Mystery of P2X7 Ionotropic Receptor: From a Small Conductance Channel to a Large Conductance Channel

Ion channels are aqueous pores which allow ions to pass based upon an electrochemical gradient. In order to conduct ions, these channels modify their shape by a process called gating, a shifting between opening and closing states. These channels are gated by various stimuli i.e. applied electric field, chemical transmitters, pH, heat and cold, among others. When an electrical potential is held constant in a cell, the gating process equilibriates rather than reaching an energy-dissipating position (a cyclic steady state). Ions diffuse through open channels very fast, involving an interaction between ions, the pore, and solvent that lead to ionic selectivity, saturation, block and flux coupling (Hille, 1975a; Lauger, 1973a).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Metabolic Syndrome and Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Is Metaflammation the Link?

The prevalence of prostatic inflammation (PI) is very frequent in patients affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). To investigate the relationship between prostatic inflammation (PI) and the presence of MetS and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a cohort of patients affected by BPH/LUTS.
The Phenomenology and Treatment Response in Catatonia: A Hospital Based Descriptive Study

Background: Literatures regarding clinical symptomatology and treatment response of catatonia are very few. Objective: To assess onset, clinical profile, diagnostic break up, treatment response and outcome in patients diagnosed as Catatonia, reported to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in indoor of Mental Health Institute (Centre of Excellence), S.C. B. Medical College, between March 2015 to March 2016. A total of 34 patients were included in the study who reported at outdoor department of Mental Health Institute with catatonic symptoms. All patients admitted in inpatient department were routinely assessed through a detailed semi-structured interview. The diagnosis of catatonia was made if the patients present with three or more symptoms out of twelve symptoms fulfilling the criteria of DSM-5. All the patients were assessed through Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale. They were initially given parental lorazepam at the doses ranging from 4-12 mg per day as per requirement. Patients who did not respond to lorazepam trial were given ECT. Results: The patients were predominantly presented with retarded symptoms of catatonia such as staring, mutism, withdrawal, posturing and negativism. Schizophrenia and other psychotic spectrum disorders were more commonly presented as catatonia as compared to mood disorders. Younger age group patients were mainly responded to lorazepam only, whereas older age group patients responded to both ECT and lorazepam. Conclusion: This study has came out with very important insights in the age of incidence, phenomenology, clinical profile, source of referral, diagnostic break up and treatment response with lorazepam and ECT in catatonic patients following mental disorder.
Interictal Autonomic Nervous System Function in Patients with Epilepsy

Summary: We studied 24 patients with partial seizures receiving carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy and 40 normal controls, 17 of whom were tested with and without CBZ therapy. Autonomic nervous system assessment included baseline heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP); BP and HR changes during orthostasis and cold pressor test (CPT); and HR changes during sinus arrhythmia, Valsalva maneuver, and cold face test with apnea (CFTA). Our study demonstrated normal interictal autonomic function in patients with epilepsy, but, variations in BP and HR during orthostasis and CPT were significantly (p CBZ. Epilepsy patients had higher initial increases in BP and greater subsequent decreases in BP than did nonmedicated controls during CPT. Controls with CBZ had higher HR during orthostasis and CFTA than did those without CBZ. CBZ levels correlated with baseline and orthostatic BP and HR during deep breathing (sinus arrhythmia). Our results showed that patients with epilepsy have greater BP and HR variability and reactivity than controls, attributable in part to CBZ levels.