Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxidative DNA Damage in the Parkinsonian Brain: An Apparent Selective Increase in 8‐Hydroxyguanine Levels in Substantia Nigra

Abstract: Oxidative damage has been implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), e.g., rises in the level of the DNA damage product, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, have been reported. However, many other products result from oxidative DNA damage, and the pattern of products can be diagnostic of the oxidizing species. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to examine products of oxidation and deamination of all four DNA bases in control and PD brains. Products were detected in all brain regions examined, both normal and PD. Analysis showed that levels of 8‐hydroxyguanine (8‐OHG) tended to be elevated and levels of 2,6‐diamino‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐formamidopyrimidine (FAPy guanine) tended to be decreased in PD. The most striking difference was a rise in 8‐OHG in PD substantia nigra (p = 0.0002); rises in other base oxidation/deamination products were not evident, showing that elevation in 8‐OHG is unlikely to be due to peroxynitrite (ONOO−) or hydroxyl radicals (OH•), or to be a prooxidant effect of treatment with l‐Dopa. However, some or all of the rise in 8‐OHG could be due to a change in 8‐OHG/FAPy guanine ratios rather than to an increase in total oxidative guanine damage.
Microsatellite Instability and the Association with Plasma Homocysteine and Thymidylate Synthase in Colorectal Cancer

The possible associations between microsatellite instability, homocysteine and thymidylate synthase were investigated in tumors and plasma from 130 patients with colorectal cancer. Other analyses included thymidylate synthase and 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms, carcinoembryonic antigen, vitamin B12, and folate. Microsatellite instability of tumors was associated with higher levels of plasma homocysteine (p = 0.008) and higher protein expression of thymidylate synthase (p < 0.001). Supplemental analyses ruled out that the finding could be explained by the other analyzed factors. CEA was not associated with neither homocysteine nor microsatellite instability. The data suggests that there is a more pronounced methyl unit deficiency in microsatellite instable tumors.
ANOLIS SEX CHROMOSOMES ARE DERIVED FROM A SINGLE ANCESTRAL PAIR

To explain the frequency and distribution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes in the lizard genus Anolis, we compared the relative roles of sex chromosome conservation versus turnover of sex‐determining mechanisms. We used model‐based comparative methods to reconstruct karyotype evolution and the presence of heteromorphic sex chromosomes onto a newly generated Anolis phylogeny. We found that heteromorphic sex chromosomes evolved multiple times in the genus. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of repetitive DNA showed variable rates of Y chromosome degeneration among Anolis species and identified previously undetected, homomorphic sex chromosomes in two species. We confirmed homology of sex chromosomes in the genus by performing FISH of an X‐linked bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and quantitative PCR of X‐linked genes in multiple Anolis species sampled across the phylogeny. Taken together, these results are consistent with long‐term conservation of sex chromosomes in the group. Our results pave the way to address additional questions related to Anolis sex chromosome evolution and describe a conceptual framework that can be used to evaluate the origins and evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes in other clades.
Modelling Affect in Learning Environments - Motivation and Methods

Emotions have a functional relevance to learning and achievement. Not surprisingly then, affective diagnoses are an important aspect of expert human mentoring. Computer-based learning environments aim to model such social dynamics to make learning with computers more immersive, engaging and hence, more effective. This paper draws on the recent surge of interest in studying emotions in learning, highlights available techniques for measuring emotions and surveys recent efforts to automatically measure emotional experience in learning environments. Finally, a context-sensitive dataset is used to develop an automatic system for modeling six pertinent emotions. This paper attempts to bring together the motivation, methodological issues, and modeling approaches for affect inference in learning environments in order to contribute to an understanding of the problem and the current state-of-art.
Defense Technical Information Center Compilation Part Notice ADP 013845 TITLE : The Cause of Spatial Disorientation

To order the complete compilation report, use: ADA413343 The component part is provided here to allow users access to individually authored sections)f proceedings, annals, symposia, etc. However, the component should be considered within [he context of the overall compilation report and not as a stand-alone technical report. SUMMARY We here present a model including visual-vestibular interactions describing the basic properties of the human spatial orientation system. It hence also explains and describes spatial disorientation. The model indicates that spatial orientation should at least be characterised by four variables: linear acceleration and velocity, angular velocity, and attitude. Perception of the latter is part of the subjective vertical. Due to visual-vestibular interactions at different levels, these variables are partly independent, and may therefore behave differently. This is demonstrated by two examples concerning a takeoff. A moderate takeoff is simulated by means of a Stewart platform, a high G-load takeoff, like the catapult launch on an aircraft carrier, by a centrifuge. Model predictions are shown and concisely discussed, with further reference to previous papers on this matter. This elaboration, and the notice that we normally (in case of self propelled motion) need a sense of self motion for self control of body motion, leads us to the following conclusion: the main cause of spatial disorientation is the indistinguishability of accelerations due to motion (i.e. inertial accelerations) and those due to gravity. This problem is further enhanced by a limited range of (near) perfection of our visual and vestibular sensors. Unfortunately, the high performance military flight environment is definitely out of that range.
High strain rate stress-strain measurement of SAC105 leadfree alloy at temperatures up to 200°C

Material data on properties at elevated temperatures and high strain rates is scarce. There is lack of material models that capture the mechanical deformation under transient dynamic loads at elevated temperatures. Electronics in downhole drilling, automotive and aerospace applications may often be exposed to high temperature during storage, operation and handling in addition to high strain rate transient dynamic loads. Strain rates in the neighborhood of 1-100 per sec may be encountered during operation. Anand Viscoplasiticity models which have been widely used for modeling of material behavior of solder alloys require nine-constants to describe material constitutive behavior. Prior published data on Anand Constants for SAC leadfree solder alloys is limited to either low strain rates or lower temperatures in the neighborhood of 125°C. In this study, mechanical properties of lead free SAC105 has been measured for strain rates 1-100 per sec at elevated temperatures higher than 125°C. Stress-Strain curves have been plotted over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures for pristine specimen which have been fabricated using reflow profiles representative of solder-joint production assemblies. The fabricated SAC105 leadfree alloys specimen have been tested at strain rates of 10, 35, 50 and 75 per sec at various operating temperatures including 150°C, 175°C, and 200°C. Experimental data for the specimen has been fit to the Anand's viscoplastic model. Furthermore, the Anand Model has been used to model the uniaxial tensile test and predict the stress-strain behavior of the solder alloys at elevated temperature. The comparison of the model predictions with the experimental data indicates that the model constants capture the non-linear material behavior for the SAC105 solder alloy accurately.
Integrating Cultural Rituals into Family Therapy

Abstract This paper describes the treatment of a Bedouin-Arab in an outpatient psychiatric clinic in the south of Israel by a Russian-Jewish psychiatrist and a Bedouin-Arab mental health practitioner. A comparison is made in the understanding of cultural terminology and strategies, and the appropriate integration of a cultural ritual with modern therapy. The clinical process required the practitioners to weigh the risks and benefits of, in particular, the Bisha ritual [ordeal by fire], and the incorporation of the gender-based familial power differential as a significant factor in such decision-making is outlined. The significance of familiarity with the patient's culture is also discussed and exemplified.
Spatiotemporal Fusion of Rice Actual Evapotranspiration With Genetic Algorithms and an Agrohydrological Model

Monitoring of water consumption in irrigation systems has become increasingly important for water managers in the actual trend of integrated water management. Low spatial resolution (LSR) satellite remote sensing has already proven the capacity of monitoring evapotranspiration (ETa) over large areas at high temporal frequencies, by which monitoring for large irrigation systems can be satisfied. However, smaller pixel size is still required for more local management while keeping the return period within a few days. High spatial resolution (HSR) satellite imagery is indeed available for calculation of ETa and has already been used in many studies. However, its practical return period is a major drawback to its implementation for monitoring irrigation systems. This paper is perusing into the use of genetic algorithms to assimilate parameters of an agrohydrological model called soil-water-air-plant for each of the pixels of HSR images contained into one single pixel of an LSR multitemporal image. The methodology developed and experimented here is trying to take advantage of the spatial content of HSR images and the temporal content of LSR images by fusing them by the process of data assimilation
Robust Trajectory Tracking Control for Small-Scale Unmanned Helicopters With Model Uncertainties

This paper addresses the trajectory tracking control problem for small-scale unmanned helicopters with model uncertainties. In particular, we propose a robust control scheme that is decomposed into a position and an attitude control modules, operating in a cascaded form, and does not depend on the explicit knowledge of the value of the model parameters. Exploiting the concepts and techniques of prescribed performance control, each module guarantees trajectory tracking with prescribed transient and steady-state response, despite the presence of external disturbances, such as wind gusts and ground effect phenomena. Additionally, a novel reformulation of the translational dynamics reveals a sufficient condition for closed-loop stability and allows us to extract the appropriate attitude commands straightforwardly. Moreover, the derived control algorithms are of low complexity and thus can be efficiently implemented on low-cost, aerial embedded systems of limited power and computational resources. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed control scheme is verified via extensive experimental studies using an autonomous small-scale helicopter.
The relationship between critical thinking and learning styles in nursing students

In order to think critically, one must first perceive and then process information. One's learning style is the individual's way of perceiving and processing information (Smith & Kolb, 1986). There is an increasing emphasis in nursing education on developing critical thinking skills in nursing students. There is limited research on the relationship of critical thinking and learning styles in nursing students. The relationship between critical thinking and learning styles of baccaulareate nursing students was investigated in this study. The convenience sample consisted of 29 senior students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program in the Western States. Critical thinking ability was measured by the score on the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Form S and learning style was measured by Kolb's (1985) Learning Style Inventory. Data were analyzed using t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed there was not a significant relationship between critical thinking and learning styles. Critical thinking scores in this population were consistent with critical thinking scores in other baccalaureate nursing populations. Learning styles represented in this population were found to be similar to populations studied in previous research. Age was hot significantly related to critical thinking score as was self-reported GPA. Implications of these findings are discussed for nursing research, education, and practice. the relationship between CRITICAL thinking and LEARNING STYLES IN NURSING STUDENTS by Patricia Wamsley Wilson A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing . = MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-BOZEMAN Boz eman, Montana
CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF VOLTAGE-GATED POTASSIUM CHANNEL AUTOIMMUNITY

CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF VOLTAGE-GATED POTASSIUM CHANNEL AUTOIMMUNITY To the Editor: We were interested to see the report on the spectrum of voltage-gated potassium channel autoimmunity but feel that the results could be misleading. Tan et al. only tested sera for VGKC antibodies by direct radioimmunoprecipitation (RIA) if they had previously been found positive for binding to the molecular layer of the cerebellum on routine screening for paraneoplastic antibodies. Therefore, their sample does not include sera sent specifically for VGKC antibodies and is likely biased towards paraneoplastic cases as they state. This may explain why their numbers are surprisingly low: only 80 cases in 6 years. Over the last year, we received 3000 sera specifically for VGKC antibody testing by RIA, finding 250 positive sera ( 0.1 nmol/L) of which 70 had values 0.4 nmol/L. There were some clinical manifestations that were unexpected, which were extrapyramidal and cranial nerve/brainstem disorders. Other syndromes that have been reported in patients with VGKC antibodies include cortical and subcortical features, hypothalamic and sleep disturbance, myoclonus, and autonomic and peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. In particular, Morvan syndrome may be under-reported but can include the CNS and autonomic and peripheral disorders. Moreover, the bias towards paraneoplastic cases, confirmed by the finding that 47% had or were considered at high risk of developing tumors, indicates that some of the manifestations reported may represent features of a paraneoplastic panencephalitis rather than a syndrome specifically related to the VGKC antibodies. In addition, the levels of VGKC antibodies associated with any particular clinical manifestation, however broadly defined, were not stated. For example, it is unclear whether the patients with extrapyramidal disorders had relatively low titers and associated tumors. Low VGKC titers have previously been reported in paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis and may represent part of the immune response to the tumor. In our experience, high titers (above 0.4 nmol/L) are almost always associated with non-paraneoplastic limbic or epilepsyrelated syndromes although some ( 10%) may have a thymoma. We agree that VGKC antibody testing can be helpful in routine testing and that the full clinical spectrum needs to be described. However, this should be based on patients screened primarily with the RIA unless a better method is established. In addition, it should be described separately for paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic cases and include details of the titers of VGKC antibodies associated with the different clinical phenotypes.
Randomized controlled trial of an intravitreous dexamethasone drug delivery system in patients with diabetic macular edema.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dexamethasone intravitreous drug delivery system (DDS) in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS Patients with persistent macular edema (> or = 90 days' duration) were randomized to treatment with 700 microg or 350 microg of dexamethasone DDS or observation. One eye from each patient was designated as the study eye. The analysis is of the eyes in this study with DME (n = 171). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was the proportion of eyes that achieved an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 10 letters or more from baseline at day 90. Other outcome measures included fluorescein leakage, central retinal thickness, and safety parameters. RESULTS At day 90, a BCVA improvement of 10 letters or more was seen in more eyes in the 700-microg group (33.3%) and 350-microg group (21.1%) than the observation group (12.3%; P = .007 vs 700-microg group). At day 180, a BCVA improvement of 10 letters or more was seen in 30% of eyes in the 700-microg group, 19% in the 350-microg group, and 23% in the observation group (P > or = .4 for treated vs observed eyes). There were also significantly greater improvements in central retinal thickness and fluorescein leakage in treated eyes than observed eyes (P = .03; day 90). Dexamethasone DDS was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS In eyes with persistent DME, treatment with 700 microg of intravitreal dexamethasone DDS is well tolerated and produces significant improvements in BCVA, central retinal thickness, and fluorescein leakage compared with observation (statistically significant at day 90). APPLICATION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Dexamethasone DDS, 700 microg, may have potential as a treatment for persistent DME. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00035906.
Transparent optical packet switching: network architecture and demonstrators in the KEOPS project

This paper reviews the work carried out in the ACTS KEOPS (Keys to Optical Packet Switching) project, describing the results obtained to date. The main objective of the project is the definition, development, and assessment of optical packet switching and routing networks, capable of providing transparency to the payload bit rate, using optical packets of fixed duration and low bit rate headers in order to enable easier processing at the network/node interfaces. The feasibility of the KEOPS concept is assessed by modeling, laboratory experiments, and testbed implementation of optical packet switching nodes and network/node interfacing blocks, including a fully equipped demonstrator. The demonstration relies on advanced optoelectronic components, developed within the project, which are described.
Autoregulation of E-cadherin expression by cadherin–cadherin interactions

Transcriptional repression of E-cadherin, characteristic of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, is often found also during tumor cell invasion. At metastases, migratory fibroblasts sometimes revert to an epithelial phenotype, by a process involving regulation of the E-cadherin–β-catenin complex. We investigated the molecular basis of this regulation, using human colon cancer cells with aberrantly activated β-catenin signaling. Sparse cultures mimicked invasive tumor cells, displaying low levels of E-cadherin due to transcriptional repression of E-cadherin by Slug. Slug was induced by β-catenin signaling and, independently, by ERK. Dense cultures resembled a differentiated epithelium with high levels of E-cadherin and β-catenin in adherens junctions. In such cells, β-catenin signaling, ErbB-1/2 levels, and ERK activation were reduced and Slug was undetectable. Disruption of E-cadherin–mediated contacts resulted in nuclear localization and signaling by β-catenin, induction of Slug and inhibition of E-cadherin transcription, without changes in ErbB-1/2 and ERK activation. This autoregulation of E-cadherin by cell–cell adhesion involving Slug, β-catenin and ERK could be important in tumorigenesis.
On the Origin of the 1,000 Hz Peak in the Spectrum of the Human Tympanic Electrical Noise

The spectral analysis of the spontaneous activity recorded with an electrode positioned near the round window of the guinea pig cochlea shows a broad energy peak between 800 and 1,000 Hz. This spontaneous electric activity is called round window noise or ensemble background activity. In guinea pigs, the proposed origin of this peak is the random sum of the extracellular field potentials generated by action potentials of auditory nerve neurons. In this study, we used a non-invasive method to record the tympanic electric noise (TEN) in humans by means of a tympanic wick electrode. We recorded a total of 24 volunteers, under silent conditions or in response to stimuli of different modalities, including auditory, vestibular, and motor activity. Our results show a reliable peak of spontaneous activity at ~1,000 Hz in all studied subjects. In addition, we found stimulus-driven responses with broad-band noise that in most subjects produced an increase in the magnitude of the energy band around 1,000 Hz (between 650 and 1,200 Hz). Our results with the vestibular stimulation were not conclusive, as we found responses with all caloric stimuli, including 37°C. No responses were observed with motor tasks, like eye movements or blinking. We demonstrate the feasibility of recording neural activity from the electric noise of the tympanic membrane with a non-invasive method. From our results, we suggest that the 1,000 Hz component of the TEN has a mixed origin including peripheral and central auditory pathways. This research opens up the possibility of future clinical non-invasive techniques for the functional study of auditory and vestibular nerves in humans.
Maximum-likelihood stochastic-transformation adaptation of hidden Markov models

The recognition accuracy in previous large vocabulary automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems is highly related to the existing mismatch between the training and testing sets. For example, dialect differences across the training and testing speakers result in a significant degradation in recognition performance. Some popular adaptation approaches improve the recognition performance of speech recognizers based on hidden Markov models with continuous mixture densities by using linear transformations to adapt the means, and possibly the covariances of the mixture Gaussians. The linear assumption, however, is too restrictive, and in this paper we propose a novel adaptation technique that adapts the means and, optionally, the covariances of the mixture Gaussians by using multiple stochastic transformations. We perform both speaker and dialect adaptation experiments, and we show that our method significantly improves the recognition accuracy and the robustness of our system. The experiments are carried out with SRI's DECIPHER speech recognition system.