Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
World Health Organization Grade II Gliomas and Subventricular Zone: Anatomic, Genetic, and Clinical Considerations

BACKGROUND:Recent studies suggest a possible origin of human gliomas from subventricular zone (SVZ) stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the relationship of World Health Organization grade II gliomas (GIIGs) with the SVZ and to investigate the presence of different genetic patterns, depending on their relationship with the SVZ. METHODS:Forty-three consecutive patients were operated on for GIIG. Preoperative fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-weighted magnetic resonance images were reviewed to assess the presence of cortical involvement and the relationship between gliomas and the SVZ. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1, tumors in contact with the SVZ; and group 2, tumors not in contact with the SVZ. Preoperative and postoperative tumor volumes were calculated. Genetic analysis was performed to study 1p19q allelic loss. RESULTS:Twenty-four patients were in group 1 and 19 in group 2. All tumors were in contact with the cortex. Preoperative volume was significantly larger in group 1 than in group 2 (P = .003). The proportion of total and subtotal resections was higher in group 2 (P = .01). Insular tumors never showed 1p19q codeletions. Noninsular tumors exhibited a significantly different incidence of complete 1p19q codeletion, with allelic loss more common in group 1 (P = .03). CONCLUSION:GIIGs showed a constant relationship with the cortex and a larger volume when they came in contact with the ventricles. A distinct genetic pattern was found in noninsular SVZ GIIGs. This parameter can be considered for therapeutic management.
A grid-based proposal for efficient global localisation of mobile robots

In this paper we present an extension to Monte Carlo localisation (MCL) to solve the global localisation problem. This extension is in the form of an efficient data-dependent proposal that can be used both for initialisation and re-initialisation after tracking failure or robot kidnapping. The proposal is a Gaussian mixture over a fixed grid of locations, each of which has a sensor structure similar to that of the robot. The robot measurements are matched to these structures to give the best-match orientation for each grid point. The mixture components are then centred on the grid locations and best-match orientations, with the component weights proportional to the best-match likelihoods. Empirical results illustrate that our MCL approach is more computationally efficient than standard MCL, and demonstrates faster recovery from localisation failures.
A New Directional Image Interpolation Based On Laplacian Operator

The interpolation task plays a key role in the reconstruction of high-resolution image quality in superresolution algorithms. In fact, the foremost shortcoming encountered in the classical interpolation algorithms, is that they often work poorly when used to eliminate blur and noise in the input image. In this sense, the aim of this work is to develop an interpolation scheme for the purpose of reducing these artifacts in the input image, and consequently preserve the sharpness of the edges. The proposed method is based on the image interpolation, and it is started by the estimation of the edges directions using the Laplacian operator, and then interpolated the missing pixels from the strong edge by using the cubic convolution interpolation. We begin from a gray high-resolution image that is down-sampled by a factor of two, to obtain the low-resolution image, and then reconstructed using the proposed interpolation algorithm. The method is implemented and tested using several gray images and compared to other interpolation methods. Simulation results show the performance of the proposed method over the other methods of image interpolation in both PSNR, and two perceptual quality metrics SSIM, FSIM in addition to visual quality of the reconstructed images results.
Low-Rank Tensor Recovery using Sequentially Optimal Modal Projections in Iterative Hard Thresholding (SeMPIHT)

Iterative hard thresholding (IHT) is a simple and effective approach to parsimonious data recovery. Its multilinear rank (mrank)-based application to low-rank tensor recovery (LRTR) is especially valuable given the difficulties involved in this problem. In this paper, we propose a novel IHT algorithm for LRTR, choosing sequential per-mode SVD truncation as its thresholding operator. This operator is less costly than those used in existing IHT algorithms for LRTR, and often leads to superior performance. Furthermore, by exploiting the sequential optimality of the employed modal projections, we derive recovery guarantees relying on restricted isometry constants. Though these guarantees are suboptimal, our numerical studies indicate that a quasi-optimal number of Gaussian measurements suffices for perfect data reconstruction. We also investigate a continuation technique which yields a sequence of progressively more complex estimated models until attaining a target mrank. When recovering real-world data, this.
Fractional dilution procedure for precise titration of hemagglutinating viruses and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies.

A precise but relatively simple procedure for carrying out hemagglutination and hemagglutination-inhibition titrations with 5 viruses is described. In brief, the procedure is based on the use of a series of fractional dilutions of material under test in steps of 0.1 log unit. The method does not require any special equipment and yields titration endpoints which are closely reproducible. An analysis of the precision of the procedure relative to replicate titrations and the reproduction of absolute titers is presented. Both in hemagglutination and in hemagglutination-inhibition titrations, the precision of the results obtained with this technique is comparable to that yielded by photometric procedures.
The National Biological Information Infrastructure: coming of age

Coordinated by the US Geological Survey, the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) is a Web‐based system that provides increased access to data and information on the nation’s biological resources. The NBII can be viewed from a variety of perspectives. This article – an individual case study and not a broad survey with extensive references to the literature – addresses the structure of the NBII related to thematic sections, infrastructure sections and place‐based sections, and other topics such as the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (one of our more innovative tools) and the development of our controlled vocabulary.
Synthesis of tamiflu and its phosphonate congeners possessing potent anti-influenza activity.

Using d-xylose as an appropriate chiral precursor, we have synthesized active neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir, antiflu drug Tamiflu, and novel phosphonate congeners that exhibit even stronger antiflu activities by inhibiting the neuraminidases of the wild-type and H274Y mutant of H1N1 and H5N1 viruses. Molecular modeling of the neuraminidase−phosphonate complex indicates a pertinent binding mode of the phosphonate with three arginine residues in the active site. Discovery of such potent neuraminidase inhibitors will offer an opportunity to the development of new anti-influenza drugs.
Hippocampal cGMP and cAMP are differentially involved in memory processing of inhibitory avoidance learning

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) have been proposed to participate in the early and late stages of long-term potentiation (LTP), respectively. Here we report on the effect of post-training intrahippocampal infusion of membrane-permeable analogues of these cyclic nucleotides on the consolidation of inhibitory avoidance learning in rats and on the effect of this task on hippocampal cGMP and cAMP levels. Bilateral intrahippocampal microinjection of 8 Br-cGMP (1.25 μg per side) enhanced retention test performance when given immediately (0 min), but not when given 180 min, after training. In marked contrast, intrahippocampal infusion of the same dose of 8 Br-cAMP facilitated memory consolidation when given 180 min, but not 0 min, after training. Rats submitted to an inhibitory avoidance task showed a significant increase in the amount of cGMP in the hippocampus at 0 and 30 min after training, and in the amount of cAMP 30 and 180 min after training. Taken together, these results indicate that cGMP-regulated processes in the hippocampus play an important role in the early stages of memory consolidation and that cAMP signalling pathways are involved in the late post-training memory processing of inhibitory avoidance learning.
Behavior of Migrant Shorebirds in Saline Lakes of the Southern Great Plains

Abstract We recorded and compared diurnal and nocturnal time-activity budgets of American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes), Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla), and Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) on 21 saline lakes in the Southern Great Plains, USA, during spring and summer/fall 2002 and 2003 to examine importance of saline lakes as migratory stopover sites. All four species spent most of their time feeding (47-70%) and resting (7-37%) by day and at night during spring and fall migrations. Little time was spent in other behaviors. Time budgets differed among species and between seasons, likely due to different energy needs. Time spent foraging varied seasonally between saline lakes and freshwater playas for American Avocets and Least Sandpipers, likely due to differences in vegetation cover and availability of prey between these wetland types. For most species, time spent foraging and resting differed between day and night. Therefore, extrapolating diurnal activity budgets to the entire 24-hour period and from one type of habitat to another within the same region is not recommended. Saline lakes are used by migrant shorebirds as stopover sites where they replenish lipid stores. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving these unique wetlands and the freshwater springs that discharge in them.
Empirical Analysis of the Impact of 2003 Blackout on Security Values of U.S. Utilities and Electrical Equipment Manufacturing Firms

On August 14, 2003, the U.S. faced the largest blackout in history, which left over 50 million people without electricity in eight U.S. states and part of Canada. This paper investigates the effects of the blackout on the security values of the U.S. electric utilities and manufacturing firms in the electric power equipment industry, using an event study method. The results of this empirical study show that the electric utilities were negatively affected, but the electrical equipment manufacturing firms were significantly, positively affected.
Derivation and characterization of a Wilms' tumour cell line, WiT 49

Wilms' tumour is a pediatric neoplasm exhibiting histologic features of developing kidney. Although the majority of Wilms' tumour patients are treated effectively, approximately 15% develop metastases and of these, 30% succumb to their disease. The biologic factors governing Wilms' tumour metastasis are largely unknown. Attempts at deriving representative Wilms' tumour cell lines, which could facilitate functional studies, have only been partially successful thus far. We now report on derivation and characterization of a Wilms' tumour cell line, WiT 49, from a first‐generation xenograft of a human Wilms' tumour lung metastasis. WiT 49 recapitulates the phenotype of the parent tumours (primary and lung metastasis) and expresses normal WT1, overexpresses IGFII and carries a frequently identified p53 mutation. We recently reported overexpression of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) and its receptor met in a series of Wilms' tumours with higher levels in homotypic metastatic cases. We therefore examined WiT 49 for expression of HGF/met and for met signaling targets associated with cell adhesion and cytoplasmic mediators of transcription using Western blot, co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence labeling and zymography. Our results show co‐expression of HGF and met protein, absence of E‐cadherin, high levels of beta‐catenin co‐immunolocalized to met at the cell membrane and moderate levels of gamma‐catenin and ezrin protein expression. After cell fractionation, beta‐catenin was detected in the cytoplasm and nuclei of WiT 49 with relatively higher levels in the cytoplasm as compared to nuclei. Examination of MMP expression in WiT 49 showed constitutive activation of MMP 9 and latent MMP 2 supporting possible beta‐catenin‐mediated transcriptional activation. The WiT 49 cell line responded to recombinant human HGF by an increase in the expression of the met receptor, recruitment of the Gab‐1 adapter protein to met and release of bound beta‐catenin from met. Our studies therefore establish WiT 49 as a representative Wilms' tumour cell line derived from a lung metastasis that co‐expresses HGF/met and shows absence of the cadherin‐catenin complex supporting a role for these factors in regulation of the invasive and metastatic phenotype in Wilms' tumour. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nano-scale characterization of insulator-semicon contacts

A main challenge in the development of polymer-insulated HVDC power cables is to achieve a robust insulation. Under electrical and/or thermal stresses, a phenomenon that significantly reduces the cable reliability is space charge accumulation. Its depends on the electrode-insulation contact which refers to the transition of carbon-black filled host polymer (`semicon', SC) and unfilled polymer. The fundamental processes which govern the contact physics and their dependence on the microstructure properties of the polymer and the interface are still poorly understood. In this paper we present a methodology to probe SC-insulator contact properties on a nanometer scale and to investigate the impact of material processing.
Nursing students' time management, reducing stress and gaining satisfaction: a grounded theory study.

In the course of their studies, nursing students must learn many skills and acquire the knowledge required for their future profession. This study investigates how Iranian nursing students manage their time according to the circumstances and obstacles of their academic field. Research was conducted using the grounded theory method. Twenty-one nursing students were purposefully chosen as participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the method suggested by Corbin and Strauss. One of the three processes that the nursing students used was "unidirectional time management. " This pattern consists of accepting the nursing field, overcoming uncertainty, assessing conditions, feeling stress, and trying to reduce stress and create satisfaction. It was found that students allotted most of their time to academic tasks in an attempt to overcome their stress. The findings of this study indicate the need for these students to have time for the extra-curricular activities and responsibilities that are appropriate to their age.
Genetic and vascular modifiers of age-sensitive cognitive skills: effects of COMT, BDNF, ApoE, and hypertension.

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms have been linked to neural and cognitive variation in healthy adults. We examined contribution of three polymorphisms frequently associated with individual differences in cognition (Catechol-O-Methyl-Transferase Val158Met, Brain-Derived-Neurotrophic-Factor Val66Met, and Apolipoprotein E epsilon4) and a vascular risk factor (hypertension) in a sample of 189 volunteers (age 18-82). Genotypes were determined from buccal culture samples, and cognitive performance was assessed in 4 age-sensitive domains? fluid intelligence, executive function (inhibition), associative memory, and processing speed. We found that younger age and COMT Met/Met genotype, associated with low COMT activity and higher prefrontal dopamine content, were independently linked to better performance in most of the tested domains. Homozygotes for Val allele of BDNF polymorphism exhibited better associative memory and faster speed of processing than the Met allele carriers, with greater effect for women and persons with hypertension. Carriers of ApoE epsilon4 allele evidenced steeper age-related increase in costs of Stroop color interference, but showed no negative effects on memory. The findings indicate that age-related cognitive performance is differentially affected by distinct genetic factors and their interactions with vascular health status.
Enzyme patterns in single human muscle fibers.

Individual muscle fibers from the biceps of five indi- viduals were analyzed for 10 different enzymes. For each person, lactic dehydrogenase and adenylokinase were first measured in 50 to 100 fibers. From each large group, 20 or more fibers, representing the full range of enzyme activity, were analyzed in duplicate for the other eight enzymes (glycogen phosphorylase, P-fruc- tokinase, pyruvate kinase, glycero-P dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, fumarase, fi-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehy- drogenase, and creatine kinase). On the basis of the enzyme patterns, two clearly defined fiber types and several subtypes could be distinguished. The high lactic dehydrogenase group (type II) had high levels of other glycogenolytic enzymes and low levels of mitochondrial enzymes; the low lactic dehydrogenase group (type I) had the reverse enzyme complement. The high lactic dehydrogenase fibers consisted of two partly overlapping subgroups, containing high or me- dium adenylokinase and low or medium levels of mi- tochondrial enzymes. The low lactic dehydrogenase fi- bers, although not so clearly separable into distinct subgroups, were heterogeneous in respect to enzymes of glycogenolysis, which varied in a coordinate manner over a wide range of values. In contrast, they were comparatively homogeneous with respect to the mito- chondrial ‘enzymes. No consistent correlation was seen between creatine kinase activities and fiber type. The results demonstrate the presence among neighboring muscle fibers of a broad spectrum of highly coordinated enzyme activities and illustrate the advantages of measuring many enzymes on the same individual fi- bers. During development skeletal muscle fibers differentiate into at least three distinct types which vary in speed of contraction and enzyme composition. These may be designated slow twitch red (type I), fast twitch red (type IIA), and fast twitch white (IIB). Various other names have also been applied (l-12). (Naming the fiber types presents difficulties (8, 9). ) Although most muscles contain an intimate mixture of all three fiber types, in certain muscles one or another type predominates. Enzyme analyses of these specialized muscles have shown that type I fibers are adapted to aerobic metab- olism of fats and carbohydrates, type IIB fibers are suited to anaerobic glycolysis, and type IIA fibers display both
High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the pre-operative assessment of cochlear implant patients

Optimal imaging protocols for cochlear implantation have yet to be determined. Pre-operative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans are used to assess cochlear anatomy and patency, to delineate surgical access, and to aid in choice of side for implantation. However, opinion still differs as to which modality provides more information in pre-operative assessment, or if, indeed, a combination of the two is superior. The first 88 patients on the Irish National Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP) were retrospectively studied to determine the accuracy of pre-operative CT and MRI in predicting abnormalities at the time of surgery. Correlation with surgical findings was determined in three separate groups of patients (those who had CT only, those who had MRI only, and those who had both CT and MRI performed). Of the 24 patients that had both CT and MRI performed, both modalities had a 79 per cent correlation with surgical findings. CT and MRI reports concurred in 75 per cent of cases. Specificity and negative predictive value were high (86 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively). CT alone (47 cases) correlated with surgery in 39 cases (83 per cent); MRI alone (17 cases) correlated in 15 cases (88 per cent). The findings of this study suggest that CT and MRI are effective at predicting normal inner ear anatomy, and thus at predicting the patient and the cochlea most suitable for implantation. Both modalities are useful in determining the side of implantation, thus avoiding potential surgical difficulties in cases of unilateral abnormalities. There was no significant difference between the ability of MRI and CT to detect abnormalities at the time of surgery. In this series the combination of CT and MRI has not been shown to be superior to either modality used alone, although anecdotal evidence to the contrary was noted.
A non-invasive method for in situ quantification of subpopulation behaviour in mixed cell culture

Ongoing advances in quantitative molecular- and cellular-biology highlight the need for correspondingly quantitative methods in tissue-biology, in which the presence and activity of specific cell-subpopulations can be assessed in situ. However, many experimental techniques disturb the natural tissue balance, making it difficult to draw realistic conclusions concerning in situ cell behaviour. In this study, we present a widely applicable and minimally invasive method which combines fluorescence cell labelling, retrospective image analysis and mathematical data processing to detect the presence and activity of cell subpopulations, using adhesion patterns in STRO-1 immunoselected human mesenchymal populations and the homogeneous osteoblast-like MG63 continuous cell line as an illustration. Adhesion is considered on tissue culture plastic and fibronectin surfaces, using cell area as a readily obtainable and individual cell specific measure of spreading. The underlying statistical distributions of cell areas are investigated and mappings between distributions are examined using a combination of graphical and non-parametric statistical methods. We show that activity can be quantified in subpopulations as small as 1% by cell number, and outline behaviour of significant subpopulations in both STRO-1+/− fractions. This method has considerable potential to understand in situ cell behaviour and thus has wide applicability, for example in developmental biology and tissue engineering.
Detecting Objects Thrown over Fence in Outdoor Scenes

We present a new technique for detecting objects thrown over a critical area of interest in a video sequence made by a monocular camera. Our method was developed to run in real time in an outdoor surveillance system. Unlike others, we use an optical flow based motion detection and tracking system to detect the object’s trajectories and for parabolic path search. The system successfully detects thrown objects of various sizes and is unaffected by the rotation of the objects.