Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Chloropigments in a meromictic lake, Lake Kaiike Japan

We have investigated the distribution of chloropigments including chlorophyll a, bacteriochlorophyll a, and bacteriochlorophylls e in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and benthic microbial mats from a small meromictic lake, Lake Kaiike, southwest Japan. The lake is characterized by an existence of an O 2/H2S boundary in the water column (around 4.5 m depth) throughout the year. Chloropigments were identified and quantified by a reversed phase HPLC equipped with an on-line photodiode array detector and an APCI-MS. In the water column, concentration of BChl a related to purple sulfur bacteria (Chromatiaceae) is maximal at the redox boundary, whereas those of three types of BChl e homologues (BChls e1, e2, and e3) related to brown-colored green sulfur bacteria ( Chlorobiaceae) are highest at slightly below the redox boundary. Chl a originated mainly from cyanobacteria also shows a maximum at the boundary. SPM from below the redox boundary is characterized by a predominance of BChls e, whereas little BChl a and Chl a were found. SPM from deeper part of the anoxic water column is enriched in highly alkylated BChls e homologues compared with those from the redox boundary. The depth profile of relative abundance of BChl e homologues may be due to a physiological response of Chlorobiaceae to the changes in light intensity and wavelength along the water depth. Surface sediments from anaerobic environment were covered by microbial mat characterized by abundant BChls e. Since they are relatively enriched in highly alkylated homologue, the BChls e in the microbial mat could be derived from low light adapted Chlorobiaceae forming the mat. Evolution of an isotopically depleted mantle xenolith from Salt Lake Crater, Hawaii E. NAKAMURA , C. SAKAGUCHI, R. TANAKA , T. MORIGUTI AND I. KUSHIRO 1 The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Study of the Earth’s Interior, Okayama University at Misasa, Japan (eizonak@misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp) 2 Institute for Frontier Research on Earth Evolution, Japan Marin Science and Technology Center
Methamphetamine dependence treatment rehabilitation in Thailand: a model assessment.

OBJECTIVE Assess the process and outcome of the treatment rehabilitation program in Thailand by comparing out-patients and in-patients from drug dependent treatment centers (DDTCs) under Matrix and FAST Models. MATERIAL AND METHOD In the DDTCs, male in-patient and out-patient volunteers aged 15-35 years were randomly selected to assess demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, history of substance use, and other behavior related to their health. Observations of the process of therapy and assessment of patients' improvement were made. After completing the rehabilitation, which lasted four months, trained field workers visited the patients at 1-, 3- and 6-month intervals. Analyses of rehabilitation focused on cognitive and behavioral changes at one and three months. Regarding the follow-up outcomes, comparison of Matrix and FAST Models relapse was analyzed by survival graph and Cox-regression of the days since stopping illegal substance use. RESULTS Ninety-two in-patients and forty-three out-patients were recruited. No significant difference was found in the characteristics of the patients between the two models or in the treatment centers. After assessing patients at 1-, 3-, and 6-month, more improvement was noted among those in the FAST model than in the Matrix model. CONCLUSION This research confirmed improvement in attendees at the in-patient treatment model and the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
An adaptive controller in stationary reference frame for D-statcom in unbalanced operation

This paper presents a passivity-based controller for a Distribution Static synchronous Compensator (D-Statcom) aimed at compensating reactive power and unbalanced harmonics in the general case of distorted and unbalanced source voltages and load currents. The proposed approach is based on the measurements of line currents, and ensures precise compensation for selected harmonics. Moreover, in order to compensate for the unavoidable uncertainty in certain system parameters, adaptation is added to the passivity-based controller. One of the major advantages of the proposed solution compared to conventional alternatives is that we are able to perform precise tracking (including higher order harmonics) even in the presence of a relatively low switching frequency, i.e., in the presence of an inverter with limited bandwidth. Simulation and experimental results are provided to illustrate the merits of our solution.
Current and future approach to the pathologist's assessment for targeted therapy in breast cancer

&NA; Breast cancer is a common disease in the population. Contrary to public perception, it is a heterogeneous disease with varying morphology, prognosis and response to therapy. The pathological analysis is at the heart of information provided to surgeons and oncologists to plan further management. The pathologist is increasingly asked to test for biomarkers that provide prognostic and predictive information to direct treatment. Staining cancers for ER, PgR and HER2 has become routine and it is likely that addition of other biomarkers including ‘basal markers’, VEGF and growth factor receptors such as HER1 (EGFR) will soon follow. Microarray based genomic, transcription and proteomic methods are changing our classification systems and identifying novel targets for the development of new therapeutics. It is important for pathologists to appreciate and embrace the new developments as they will impact on daily clinical practice and require accurate assessment of biomarkers to determine treatment options as part of multidisciplinary teams.
Fatty acid profile of Tra Catfish ( Pangasius hypophthalmus ) compared to Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo solar ) and Asian Seabass ( Lates calcarifer )

The fatty acid composition of farmed Tra catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) was determined and compared to farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo solar) and to wild-caught Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were most abundant in catfish (42.6%) while salmon (37.2%) and seabass (39.0%) were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Tra catfish contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but its percentage was lower (4.7%) than salmon (20.2%) and seabass (18.7%). It is interesting that the absolute content of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in Tra catfish by fillet wet weight did not differ from Asian seabass. Among the three fish, Tra catfish and seabass had lowest fat content. Regarding to nutritional aspect, Tra catfish fillet is a potential source of omega-3 fatty acids and low-fat food.
Reevaluating the CD8 T-Cell Response to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1: Involvement of CD8 T Cells Reactive to Subdominant Epitopes

ABSTRACT In C57BL/6 (B6) mice, most herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific CD8 T cells recognize a strongly immunodominant epitope on glycoprotein B (gB498) and can inhibit HSV type 1 (HSV-1) reactivation from latency in trigeminal ganglia (TG). However, half of the CD8 T cells retained in latently infected TG of B6 mice are not gB498 specific and have been largely ignored. The following observations from our current study indicate that these gB498-nonspecific CD8 T cells are HSV specific and may contribute to the control of HSV-1 latency. First, following corneal infection, OVA257-specific OT-1 CD8 T cells do not infiltrate the infected TG unless mice are simultaneously immunized with OVA257 peptide, and then they are not retained. Second, 30% of CD8 T cells in acutely infected TG that produce gamma interferon in response to HSV-1 stimulation directly ex vivo are gB498 nonspecific, and these cells maintain an activation phenotype during viral latency. Finally, gB498-nonspecific CD8 T cells are expanded in ex vivo cultures of latently infected TG and inhibit HSV-1 reactivation from latency in the absence of gB498-specific CD8 T cells. We conclude that many of the CD8 T cells that infiltrate and are retained in infected TG are HSV specific and potentially contribute to maintenance of HSV-1 latency. Identification of the viral proteins recognized by these cells will contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of HSV-1 latency.
A robust Hough transform technique for description of multiple line segments in an image

The process of using the Hough transform (HT) to detect lines in an image involves the computation of the HT for the entire image, accumulating votes in an accumulator array and searching the array for peaks which hold information of potential lines present in the input image. The process of peak formation generates a butterfly shaped spread of votes in the accumulator array. The authors have used this property to adaptively define windows of interest around a detected peak to facilitate the description of multiple line segments within an image in terms of the coordinates of their end points. The developed technique has been employed to test several images composed of multiple line segments and the results in terms of accuracy of the determination of line segment mid points are presented. While most methods which employ the HT to detect line segments cannot handle the case of separate line segments formed by a colinear set of points, it is shown that the developed method can successfully do so. This algorithm would find applications in different areas of machine vision like robotics and manufacturing systems. Results of the application of the developed method, to detect lane markers and curve signs from a road scene captured by a CCD camera, to aid in the maneuvering of autonomous vehicles are presented.
Randomized controlled trial of a computerized decision aid on adjuvant radioactive iodine treatment for patients with early-stage papillary thyroid cancer.

PURPOSE Decision-making on adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for early-stage papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is complex because of uncertainties in medical evidence. Using a parallel, two-arm, randomized, controlled trial design, we examined the impact of a patient-directed computerized decision aid (DA) on the medical knowledge and decisional conflict in patients with early-stage PTC considering the choice of being treated with adjuvant RAI or not. The DA describes the rationale, possible risks and benefits, and the medical evidence uncertainty relating to the choice. PATIENTS AND METHODS We recruited 74 patients with early-stage PTC after thyroidectomy. Participants were assigned by using 1:1 central computerized randomization to either the DA group with usual care (intervention) or usual care alone (control). Medical knowledge about PTC and RAI treatment (the primary outcome), as well as decisional conflict (a secondary outcome), were measured by using validated questionnaires, and the respective scores were compared between groups. RESULTS Consistent with PTC epidemiology, 83.8% (62 of 74) of the participants were women, and the mean age was 45.8 years (range, 19 to 79 years). Medical knowledge about PTC and RAI treatment was significantly greater and decisional conflict was significantly reduced in the DA group compared with the control group (respective P values < .001). The use of adjuvant RAI treatment was not significantly different between groups (DA group, 11 of 37 [29.7%]; controls, seven of 37 [18.9%]; P = .278). CONCLUSION A computerized DA improves informed decision making in patients with early-stage PTC who are considering adjuvant RAI treatment. DAs are useful for patients facing decisions subject to medical evidence uncertainty.
How to Screen for Problematic Cannabis Use in Population Surveys

Background/Aims: Cannabis use is a growing challenge for public health, calling for adequate instruments to identify problematic consumption patterns. The Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (CUDIT) is a 10-item questionnaire used for screening cannabis abuse and dependency. The present study evaluated that screening instrument. Methods: In a representative population sample of 5,025 Swiss adolescents and young adults, 593 current cannabis users replied to the CUDIT. Internal consistency was examined by means of Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the CUDIT was compared to accepted concepts of problematic cannabis use (e.g. using cannabis and driving). ROC analyses were used to test the CUDIT’s discriminative ability and to determine an appropriate cut-off. Results: Two items (‘injuries’ and ‘hours being stoned’) had loadings below 0.5 on the unidimensional construct and correlated lower than 0.4 with the total CUDIT score. All concepts of problematic cannabis use were related to CUDIT scores. An ideal cut-off between six and eight points was found. Conclusions: Although the CUDIT seems to be a promising instrument to identify problematic cannabis use, there is a need to revise some of its items.
Smoothing of Partition of Unity Implicit Surfaces for Noise Robust Surface Reconstruction

We propose a novel method for smoothing partition of unity (PU) implicit surfaces consisting of sets of non‐conforming linear functions with spherical supports. We derive new discrete differential operators and Laplacian smoothing using a spherical covering of PU as a grid‐like data structure. These new differential operators are applied to the smoothing of PU implicit surfaces. First, Laplacian smoothing is performed for the vector field defined by the gradient of the PU implicit surface, which is then updated to reflect the smoothing of the gradient field. This process achieves a method for noise robust surface reconstruction from scattered points.
The clinical diagnosis of the narcoleptic syndrome

Sleep–wake habits and control of postural muscle tone were investigated by self‐report questionnaire in 183 subjects considered to have the narcoleptic syndrome, 62 subjects with hypersomnia and 10 with obstructive sleep apnoea. Results were compared with those in a group of 188 control subjects with normal sleep–wake habits. Excessive daytime sleepiness, determined by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), was five times greater in the narcoleptic syndrome than in control subjects (score range 0–24, mean scores ±SD 19.6±3.0; and 4.5±3.3 respectively; P<0.001). The propensity to cataplexy, as determined by a rating scale developed to estimate the likelihood of loss of postural tone in response to sudden emotional stimuli, including laughter, was 10 times greater in narcoleptic syndrome than in control subjects (postural atonia total score range 0–600; mean±SD 334±122 and 28±45, respectively; P<0.001). Narcoleptics had more disturbances of night sleep than controls with episodes of muscle jerking, sleep walking, sleep talking and sleep terrors, as well as sleep paralysis, and higher insomnia self‐rating scores. Sleep latency from bedtime to sleep‐onset time was shorter in narcoleptics than controls. The hypersomniac group of 62 subjects was heterogeneous. Subsequent investigation showed that 18 subjects (29%) had idiopathic hypersomnia, four (6%) ‘incomplete’ narcolepsy without cataplexy and 10 (16%) hypersomnia accompanying a mood disorder. The mean ESS scores in this group and in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea were comparable to those of the narcoleptic syndrome subject group. Mean postural atonia scores were similar to those of control subjects.
A novel method for vessel detection using Contourlet Transform

Vessel detection is an important task for diagnosis of vascular diseases in clinical images. Many diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and hypertension can be detected by retinal vessel map or scanning conjunctival vessels. There are a lot of techniques for vessel extraction from retinal images but most of them have failed to face with some patterns like hemorrhages and micro aneurysms. In this paper we develop an algorithm based on Non-subsampled Contourlet Transform (NSCT) and morphological operations. By combining of information from two scales of contourlet and gray scale image, vessel map is extracted. Optic disc border is eliminated by Non-subsampled Contourlet directional information. In addition, circular shapes such as micro aneurysms are removed using morphological operations. We examine our algorithm on retinal images of DRIVE database and conjuntival images of Khatam database. Experimental results show significant improvements in achieving high accuracy and decreasing False Positive Rate (FPR) of vessel detection on both databases.
Picture Reconstruction from Projections

In this paper we will present two methods for the reronstruction of a two-dimensional picture from its one-dimensional projections at various angles. The first method is recursive, and the second is nonrecursive. Both of these methods have potential applications in picture transmission, and offer valuable insight into the more general problem of reconstruction of three-dimensional objects from their two-dimensional projections. We will illustrate the numerical details of each method by considering the reconstruction of a picture discretized on a 32 X 32 grid, and compare their relative merits. These two methods will also be compared with other methods suggested in the literature.
Expression of Sox9, Mis, and Dmrt1 in the gonad of a species with temperature‐dependent sex determination

Sex determination in vertebrates, the process of forming an ovary or testis from a bipotential gonad, can be initiated by genetic or environmental factors. Elements of the downstream molecular pathways underlying these different sex‐determining mechanisms have been evolutionarily conserved. We find the first evidence that Sox9 expression is preferentially organized in the testis early in the temperature‐sensitive period in a species with temperature‐dependent sex determination (Trachemys scripta). This pattern occurs before sexually dimorphic Mis expression and in a temporal hierarchy that is similar to mammals. Furthermore, we extend previous findings that Dmrt1 expression at early stages of sex determination has a dimorphic pattern consistent with a possible upstream role in determining the fate of the bipotential gonad. Developmental Dynamics 236:1055–1063, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HicAB toxin-antitoxin complex from Escherichia coli: expression and crystallization.

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread in both bacteria and archaea, where they enable cells to adapt to environmental cues. TA systems play crucial roles in various cellular processes, such as programmed cell death, cell growth, persistence and virulence. Here, two distinct forms of the type II toxin-antitoxin complex HicAB were identified and characterized in Escherichia coli K-12, and both were successfully overexpressed and purified. The two proposed forms, HicABL and HicABS, differed in the presence or absence of a seven-amino-acid segment at the N-terminus in the antitoxin HicB. The short form HicABS readily crystallized under the conditions 0.1 M Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 20%(w/v) PEG 6000, 0.2 M ammonium sulfate. The HicABS crystal diffracted and data were collected to 2.5 Å resolution. The crystal belonged to space group I222 or I212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 67.04, b = 66.31, c = 120.78 Å. Matthews coefficient calculation suggested the presence of two molecules each of HicA and HicBS in the asymmetric unit, with a solvent content of 55.28% and a Matthews coefficient (VM) of 2.75 Å3 Da-1.
Mitochondrial Cholesterol: A Connection Between Caveolin, Metabolism, and Disease

Caveolin (CAV) is an essential component of caveolae, cholesterol‐enriched invaginations of the plasma membrane of most mammalian cells. However, CAV is not restricted to plasma membrane caveolae, and pools of CAV are present in myriad intracellular membranes. CAV proteins tightly bind cholesterol and contribute to regulation of cholesterol fluxes and distributions within cells. In this context, we recently showed that CAV1 regulates the poorly understood process controlling mitochondrial cholesterol levels. Cholesterol accumulates in mitochondrial membranes in the absence of CAV1, promoting the organelle's dysfunction with important metabolic consequences for cells and animals. In this article, we suggest a working hypothesis that addresses the role of CAV1 within the homeostatic network that regulates the influx/efflux of mitochondrial cholesterol.
When Bad Things Turn Good and Good Things Turn Bad: Sequences of Redemption and Contamination in Life Narrative and their Relation to Psychosocial Adaptation in Midlife Adults and in Students

Midlife adults (age 35 to 65) and college undergraduates provided lengthy, open-ended narrative accounts of personally meaningful episodes from the past, such as life-story high points, low points, turning points, and earliest memories. The oral (adult) and written (student) narratives were coded for redemption and contamination imagery. In the midlife sample, adults scoring high on self-report measures of generativity showed significantly higher levels of redemption and lower levels of contamination sequences. In both samples, redemption sequences in life narrative accounts were positively associated with self-report measures of psychological well-being, whereas contamination sequences predicted low levels of well-being among midlife adults. In addition, redemption sequence scores were a stronger predictor of well-being than were ratings of the overall affective quality of life-narrative accounts. The results are discussed with respect to the empirical literature of benefit-finding in the face of adversity and in the context of the recent upsurge of interest in the collection and interpretation of life narratives.
WISC-R versus WISC for Black Children Suspected of Learning or Behavioral Disorders

T he widespread use of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised (WISC-R) in school systems and clinics throughout the country raises some important practical questions. One of the most pertinent is the nature of the relationship between the WISC-R IQs and those yielded by its predecessor, the 1949 WISC. Learning disabled children and others with learning difficulties or behavioral problems are typically tested several times during their schoolage years. An examiner needs a yardstick to compare WISC-R scores with WISC scores that are already on the child's record. Furthermore, the clinician who has given the 1949 WISC for years needs a frame of reference for interpreting the scores yielded by the WISC-R. Although Wechsler (1974) provides no correlational data between the WISC-R and the 1949 WISC, several correlational studies have been conducted. Substantial correlations for the WISC and WISC-R IQs have been reported at the . 85 level (Hamm, Wheeler, McCallum, Herrin, Hunter, & Catoe 1976, Larrabee & Holroyd 1976). However, the WISC-R has yielded IQs that were 6 to 9 points lower than WISC IQs for 48 educable mentally retarded children (Hamm et al. 1976), 8 to 10 points lower for 38 bright youngsters (Larrabee & Holroyd 1976), and 5 to 9 points lower for 58 normal children (Schwarting 1976). The direction of the IQ difference seems unequivocal, although the magnitude may vary for groups differing in age, background, and