Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GEO-INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR A MULTIMODAL ACCESS ON HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND MAPS FOR RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATION IN URBAN HISTORY

Abstract. This contribution shows ongoing interdisciplinary research of the project HistStadt4D, concerning the investigation and development of different multimodal access strategies on large image repositories. The first part of the presented research introduces different methods of access, where classical analogue access stands in contrast to digital access strategies such as online collections, Web3D, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). We discuss the main persisting issues of libraries, advantages of digital methods, and different access tools. The second part shows technologies and workflows used to create various access possibilities. The photogrammetric and geo-informational work serves as a technical basis for a 3D WebGIS as well as multiple AR/VR applications, which require spatial oriented images, object coordinates, and further spatial data. We introduce a research environment that allows art historians spatial access to historical photography, integrating 3D/4D models with photographic documents of the respective architecture. For dissemination of research results in installations and museums, we present fully immersive VR as well as handheld AR applications allowing users a free exploration of historical photography in a spatial setting.
Integrating monomodal biometric matchers through logistic regression rank aggregation approach

Biometric system relies on person's behavioral and/or physiological characteristics as an alternative means of person authentication (traditional means being password, smart card, ID etc.). However, biometric system based solely on a single biometric may not always meet security requirements. Thus multibiometric systems are emerging as a trend which helps in overcoming limitations of single biometric solutions, such as when a user does not have a quality sample to present to the system and reduces the ability of the system to be tricked fraudulently. A reliable and successful multibiometric system needs an effective fusion scheme to integrate the information presented by multiple matchers. In this research, we integrate results of three monom.odal biometric matchers (face, ear and iris) with the logistic regression approach of rank level fusion method. In this approach, not only the outcomes of the three mono-modal matchers are considered, but also their effectiveness, based on previous research, are also considered for final rank aggregation. Experiment results indicate that Logistic Regression method outperform Borda count method or plurality voting method. The system can be a contribution to the homeland and border security or other security applications.
Important areas of the central binocular visual field for daily functioning in the visually impaired

Citation information: Tabrett DR & Latham K. Important areas of the central binocular visual field for daily functioning in the visually impaired. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 156–163. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012. 00892.x
E-Mentoring: Enhancing Special Education Teacher Induction.

Teaching in 21st-century schools cannot easily be separated from technology-based solutions. Instead, technology is increasingly becoming an essential tool for any teacher’s toolbox, especially the new teacher who is often considered a digital native (i.e., someone who has grown up with digital technologies) (Prensky, 2005). Whether it is online state assessments, Internet-based grade books, wireless buildings, or technology-rich classrooms, technology is a way of life for teachers and their students. For special education, where teachers strive to meet the needs of diverse learners in a universal manner, technology-based tools continue to offer much needed solutions (e.g., text-to-speech, touch windows, speech-to-text). In teacher education and professional development, technology-based learning, or online/ e-learning, is becoming an accepted mode of course delivery and teacher support. Offering just-in-time learning via the Internet is increasingly becoming a preferred approach for the busy teacher, especially the digital native who is often wired to Web-based resources (e.g., MySpace, Facebook). Most notably, e-mentoring is becoming popular as a means of supporting novice teachers. As new online induction and mentoring programs emerge and attempt to incorporate best practices of both face-to-face mentoring and e-pedagogy, it is worthwhile to examine the growing research on the efficacy of e-mentoring while also using the practical knowledge gained from current e-mentoring programs that support novice teachers. This article briefly describes the growing e-mentoring literature base in teacher development and contextualizes that growth by highlighting particular e-mentoring programs. It is the intent of this review to share knowledge about this growing technology-based solution for furthering mentoring and induction supports for early career special educators.
Clinical features and treatment response in social phobia:axis II comorbidity and social phobia subtypes

The aim of the present study was twofold. First, we studied the differential demographic and clinical features regarding social phobia subtype and axis II comorbidity. Second, we studied the role of social phobia subtype and axis II comorbidity in treatment effectiveness. The sample included 28 patients diagnosed of social phobia (DSM-IV, APA, 1994). We divided the sample attending to social phobia subtype and axis II comorbidity. When we compared the groups, we did not find significant differences in demographic variables. However, we found differences regarding clinical variables: Patients with generalized social phobia were more impaired than patients with circumscribed social phobia; patients with axis II comorbidity were also more impaired than patients without axis II comorbidity. All patients were treated with a group cognitive-behavioral program, adapted from Heimberg, Juster, Hope & Mattia (1995). There were no differences in effectiveness regarding the different sub-samples. However, some of the clinical differences found at the pre-treatment regarding some clinical variables disappeared after the termination of the treatment.
Mild hypothermia combined with neural stem cell transplantation for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: neuroprotective effects of combined therapy

Neural stem cell transplantation is a useful treatment for ischemic stroke, but apoptosis often occurs in the hypoxic-ischemic environment of the brain after cell transplantation. In this study, we determined if mild hypothermia (27–28°C) can increase the survival rate of neural stem cells (1.0 × 105/μL) transplanted into neonatal mice with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Long-term effects on neurological functioning of the mice were also examined. After mild hypothermia combined with neural stem cell transplantation, we observed decreased expression levels of inflammatory factor nuclear factor-kappa B and apoptotic factor caspase-3, reduced cerebral infarct volumes, increased survival rate of transplanted cells, and marked improvements in neurological function. Thus, the neuroprotective effects of mild hypothermia combined with neural stem cell transplantation are superior to those of monotherapy. Moreover, our findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of mild hypothermia combined with neural stem cell transplantation on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are achieved by anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.
Effects of inhibitory amino acid antagonists on reciprocal inhibitory interactions during rhythmic motor activity in the in vitro neonatal rat spinal cord.

1. The role of inhibitory amino acid transmission in the coordination and generation of rhythmic motor activity was examined with the use of an in vitro neonatal rat spinal cord preparation. Before adding gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glycine receptor agonists and antagonists, rhythmic motor activity was induced by bath application of acetylcholine (ACh), N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA), or serotonin (5-HT) while monitoring bilateral ankle flexor and extensor electroneurograms (ENGs). The timing of rhythmic flexor and extensor discharge was consistent with that seen during overground locomotion in 27% of 84 bath applications of these substances (n = 65 preparations). 2. Subsequent addition of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol, the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen, or glycine, abolished rhythmic activity in 95% of the tested applications. 3. GABAB receptor blockade did not disrupt alternating patterns of ENG discharge. However, addition of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline, or the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine, transformed alternating flexor-extensor and left-right activity into patterns characterized by bilaterally synchronous rhythmic activation of all hindlimb ENGs. The onset of individual ENG bursts was more abrupt following bicuculline or strychnine. Strychnine also synchronized high-frequency (4-8 Hz) packets of rhythmic discharge within ENG bursts. 4. Some preparations developed synchronous, but unstable, rhythmic activity in the presence of bicuculline or strychnine alone. However, NMA, 5-HT, or ACh was usually required in addition to these antagonists to promote sustained rhythmic activity. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intracellular analysis in vivo of different barosensitive bulbospinal neurons in the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla

Neurons located in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) with projections to the intermediolateral column (IML) in the spinal cord were electrophysiologically characterized and anatomically identified using an intracellular recording technique in vivo. A group of spontaneously active neurons was antidromically activated by electrical stimulation of the IML in the thoracic spinal cord (T2-T3 level). The axonal conduction velocities ranged from 1.5 m/sec to 11.0 m/sec; mean value, 5.5 +/- 2.6 m/sec (+/- SD). The firing pattern and changes in membrane potential in relation to the cardiac cycle were investigated in these bulbospinal neurons. A first group discharged action potentials with higher frequency at the end of the diastolic/beginning of the systolic period. The average of the neuronal membrane potentials demonstrated depolarizing potentials at the end of the diastolic/beginning of the systolic period. These depolarizing potentials increased in magnitude when the neurons were hyperpolarized. Therefore, they were characterized as EPSPs. The baroreceptor reflex activation produced by the increase in systemic arterial pressure following intravenous injection of phenylephrine elicited hyperpolarization, a decrease in the rate of discharge, and an increase in the membrane input resistance, suggesting that a disfacilitatory effect was produced by the activation of baroreceptor inputs on these bulbospinal neurons. Conversely, the inactivation of the baroreceptor reflex by intravenous injection of sodium nitroprusside produced depolarization and an increase in the firing rate. These neurons were characterized as baroreceptor-sensitive type I neurons. A second group of bulbospinal neuron in the RVLM was differentiated from the first group because it demonstrated a decrease in the frequency of discharge at the end of the diastolic/beginning of the systolic period. The average of the membrane potentials showed hyperpolarizing potentials that decreased in magnitude when the neuron was hyperpolarized. These hyperpolarizing potentials occurred at the end of the diastolic/beginning of the systolic period and were reversed in polarity after intracellular injections of chloride ions for several minutes. Therefore, these potentials were characterized as chloride- dependent IPSPs locked to the cardiac cycle. In some of these neurons, the electrical stimulation of the IML produced, in addition to the antidromic action potential, a monosynaptic EPSP with a shorter latency. Based on these unique characteristics, these neurons were defined as barosensitive type II neurons. During constant baroreceptor inactivation achieved by the hypotension produced by intravenous infusions of sodium nitroprusside, the pattern of discharge of barosensitive type II neurons became very regular, and the IPSPs locked to the cardiac cycle were absent. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The magic of hope: Hope mediates the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic achievement

ABSTRACT Two studies examined whether hope partially mediates the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and academic achievement. Guided by recent theoretical formulations about social class and the social cognitive process, in Study 1 a mediational pathway from SES to academic achievement via hope was documented in a diverse sample of adolescents. The mediational pathway was replicated in Study 2 in a minority sample of high school students. In both studies, hope was found to partially mediate the relationship between SES and grade point average. In addition, the unique contribution of hope to academic achievement replicated across the 2 studies, indicating that the additional stressors and challenges associated with being a minority did not affect the mediation. These results have implications for achievement gap interventions.
Fabrication and electrical characterization of High-Voltage silicon JFETs

Motivated by the need of a rad-hard switch to be used in the future ATLAS Inner Tracker detector (ITk), at Brookhaven National Laboratory we conceived a High-Voltage silicon vertical JFET capable of satisfying most of the strict specifications required for such a switch. By using the available planar technology for the silicon processing, we fabricated in our Clean Room dedicated batches of HV JFETs, first n-type and then p-type channel JFETs. The electrical characterization showed in particular high voltage handling capabilities in the OFF state, for both types of JFETs. In this paper, we describe the design, the fabrication steps and we report the electrical characterization.
Long non-coding RNA UICLM promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis by acting as a ceRNA for microRNA-215 to regulate ZEB 2 expression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathology of various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of lncRNA in CRC liver metastasis remains unclear. Methods: a microarray was performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs between CRC tissues with and without liver metastasis. Survival analysis was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and assessed using the log-rank test. In vitro and in vivo assays were preformed to explore the biological effects of the differentially expressed lncRNA in CRC cells. Results: the lncRNA UICLM (up-regulated in colorectal cancer liver metastasis) was significantly up-regulated in cases of CRC with liver metastasis. Moreover, UICLM expression was higher in CRC tissues than in normal tissues, and UICLM expression was associated with poor patient survival. Knockdown of UICLM inhibited CRC cell proliferation, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and CRC stem cell formation in vitro as well as tumor growth and liver metastasis in vivo. Ectopic expression of UICLM promoted CRC cell proliferation and invasion. Mechanistic investigations revealed that UICLM induced its biological effects by regulating ZEB2, as the oncogenesis facilitated by UICLM was inhibited by ZEB2 depletion. Further study indicated that UICLM acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-215 to regulate ZEB2 expression. Conclusions: taken together, our findings demonstrate how UICLM induces CRC liver metastasis and may offer a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this disease.
Urinalysis: The Automated Versus Manual Techniques; Is It Time To Change?.

BACKGROUND Urinalysis is the third major test in clinical laboratory. Manual technique imprecision urges the need for a rapid reliable automated test. We evaluated the H800-FUSIOO automatic urine sediment analyzer and compared it to the manual urinalysis technique to determine if it may be a competitive substitute in laboratories of central hospitals. METHODS 1000 urine samples were examined by the two methods in parallel. Agreement, precision, carryover, drift, sensitivity, specificity, and practicability criteria were tested. RESULTS Agreement ranged from excellent to good for all urine semi-quantitative components (K > 0.4, p = 0.000), except for granular casts (K = 0.317, p = 0.000). Specific gravity results correlated well between the two methods (r = 0.884, p = 0.000). RBCS and WBCs showed moderate correlation (r = 0.42, p = 0.000) and (r = 0.44, p = 0.000), respectively. The auto-analyzer's within-run precision was > 75% for all semi-quantitative components except for proteins (50% precision). This finding in addition to the granular casts poor agreement indicate the necessity of operator interference at the critical cutoff values. As regards quantitative contents, RBCs showed a mean of 69.8 +/- 3.95, C.V. = 5.7, WBCs showed a mean of 38.9 +/- 1.9, C.V. = 4.9). Specific gravity, pH, microalbumin, and creatinine also showed good precision results with C.Vs of 0.000, 2.6, 9.1, and 0.00 respectively. In the between run precision, positive control showed good precision (C.V. = 2.9), while negative control's C.V. was strikingly high (C.V. = 127). Carryover and drift studies were satisfactory. Manual examination of inter-observer results showed major discrepancies (< 60% similar readings), while intra-observer's results correlated well with each other (r = 0.99, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS Automation of urinalysis decreases observer-associated variation and offers prompt competitive results when standardized for screening away from the borderline cutoffs.
IL‐6 GENE POLYMORPHISM IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, PAUCIARTICULAR JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, AND IN HEALTHY DANES

The restriction enzymes MspI and Bg/II identify two different two‐allele restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in the human IL‐6 genes of healthy Danes. Co‐dominant segregation was demonstrated for both marker‐systems and the test for Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium showed no significant deviation from expectations. There is a strong correlation between the two marker systems. The two IL‐6 RFLP's were studied in Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis, pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The frequencies of the MspI and Bg/II marker phenotypes did not differ between healthy controls and the three disease groups. No extra or missing DNA fragments were observed in the disease groups when compared with controls.
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Ticks Collected from Humans, South Korea, 2013

We investigated the infection rate for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) among ticks collected from humans during May–October 2013 in South Korea. Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks have been considered the SFTSV vector. However, we detected the virus in H. longicornis, Amblyomma testudinarium, and Ixodes nipponensis ticks, indicating additional potential SFTSV vectors.
Specific Protein Detection in Multiprotein Coexisting Environment by Using LSPR Biosensor

Specific protein detection in multiprotein coexisting environment by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensor is studied. After the surfaces of self-assembly fabricated triangular Ag nanoparticles on the chip are activated, a specific biological molecule layer with δ-toxic protein identifying function is linked to the chip. Based on the LSPR spectrometer measurement system in our laboratory, δ-toxic protein in sonicated Bacillus thuringiensis cell fractions (which consists of many kinds of proteins) is detected successfully by measuring the extinction spectrum of the chip.
Suicidal inpatients' perceptions of therapeutic and nontherapeutic aspects of constant observation.

OBJECTIVE Constant observation is a staff-intensive, costly intervention that entails continuous supervision of suicidal inpatients until they no longer express suicidal intent or behavior. This study explored patients' experiences of constant observation to determine whether they derived any therapeutic benefits beyond the intended protective benefit. METHODS A qualitative research approach was used in which 20 suicidal psychiatric inpatients who had experienced constant observation within the past two weeks were interviewed by researchers not involved in the observation procedure. Thirteen hospital staff members and seven minimally trained lay workers or sitters provided constant observation. RESULTS Thirteen of the 20 participants emphatically expressed positive feelings toward the observers, particularly when they perceived them as friendly and willing to help. Therapeutic benefits other than protection were largely related to observers' attitudes and behaviors. Patients reported that their dysphoria, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts were decreased by observers who were optimistic, who acknowledged the patient as a human being, who provided distraction with activities and conversation, and who gave emotional support. Nontherapeutic aspects described by participants were observers' lack of empathy, lack of acknowledgment, and failure to provide information about constant observation, as well as a lack of privacy and a feeling of confinement. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the conclusion that constant observation is not just a protective intervention but one that has therapeutic potential. It can be enhanced if observers engage inpatients in actively supportive interventions. However, observers' perceived attitudes and behaviors can cause patients distress, which reaffirms the need for careful supervision of observers.
Toward the Prognostic Significance and Therapeutic Potential of HER3 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase in Human Colon Cancer

Purpose: Abnormal accumulation and dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor family member HER3 is associated with the development of various human cancers including those of the breast, lung, and ovary. We have previously shown that in melanoma HER3 is frequently overexpressed and is associated with poor prognosis. However, the importance of HER3 in colon cancer and its putative prognostic significance is still unknown. Experimental Design: HER3 expression was analyzed in primary colon tumors from 110 patients by immunohistochemistry and correlated with time of progression. Parallel to this, the influence of HER3 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis was investigated in four different colon cancer cell lines including DLD-1, LoVo, CaCO2, and T-84. Results: HER3 was detected at high frequency and exclusively at the membrane of the primary tumors. Elevated HER3 expression levels may serve as a putative prognostic marker because it associates with cell proliferation and decreased time to disease progression. High HER3 protein expression as well as phosphorylation levels were detected in tested cells. HER3 downregulation by RNA interference abrogated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, suppression of HER3 resulted in a G2–M cell-cycle arrest, induced apoptosis, and led to morphologic changes in colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, application of a monoclonal antibody specific to the extracellular portion of the receptor reduced heregulin-β1–induced migration and invasion and also induced apoptosis in colon cancer cell lines. Conclusion: We postulate that HER3 is critically involved in colon cancer progression and may serve as a novel target for therapeutic intervention. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 956–68. ©2011 AACR.