Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chinese coastal seas are facing heavy atmospheric nitrogen deposition

As the amount of reactive nitrogen (N) generated and emitted increases the amount of N deposition and its contribution to eutrophication or harmful algal blooms in the coastal zones are becoming issues of environmental concern. To quantify N deposition in coastal seas of China we selected six typical coastal sites from North to South in 2011. Concentrations of NH3, HNO3, NO2, particulate NH4+ (pNH4+) and pNO3− ranged from 1.97– 4.88, 0.46 –1.22, 3.03 –7.09, 2.24 – 4.90 and 1.13–2.63 μg N m−3 at Dalian (DL), Changdao (CD), Linshandao (LS), Fenghua (FH), Fuzhou (FZ), and Zhanjiang (ZJ) sites, respectively. Volume-weighted NO3−–N and NH4+–N concentrations in precipitation varied from 0.46 to 1.67 and 0.47 to 1.31 mg N L−1 at the six sites. Dry, wet and total deposition rates of N were 7.8–23.1, 14.2–25.2 and 22.0 – 44.6 kg N ha−1 yr−1 across the six coastal sites. Average N dry deposition accounted for 45.4% of the total deposition and NH3 and pNH4+ contributed to 76.6% of the dry deposition. If we extrapolate our total N deposition of 33.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1 to the whole Chinese coastal sea area (0.40 million km2), total N deposition amounts to 1.36 Tg N yr−1, a large external N input to surrounding marine ecosystems.
An Efficient Method for Surface Registration

3D object data acquired from different viewpoints are usually expressed in different spatial coordinate systems where systems’ spatial relations are defined by Euclidean transformation parameters: three rotation angles and a translation vector. The computation of those Euclidean parameters is a task of surface registration. In a nutshell all registration methods revolve around two goals: first how to extract the most reliable features for correspondence search between views in order to come up with the set of candidate solutions, secondly how to quickly pinpoint the best, i.e. satisfying, solution. Occasionally some registration method expects also other data, e.g. normal vectors, to be provided besides 3D position data. However, no method assumed the possibility that part of Euclidean parameters could be reliably known in advance. Acknowledging technology advancements we argue that it become relatively convenient to include in 3D reconstruction system some inertial sensor which readily provides info about data orientation. Assuming that such data is provided, we demonstrate a simple, but yet time efficient and accurate registration method.
γ Chain-associated Cytokine Receptors Signal through Distinct Transducing Factors (*)

The IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 signaling pathways have been shown to utilize shared components. The receptors for these cytokines are composed of ligand-specific binding chains that associate with a shared signaling subunit, the common γ (γc) chain. In addition, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 induce activation of a common set of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, Jak-1 and Jak-3. We have further investigated the signaling events induced by these cytokines and find that the γc-associated receptors activate distinct signal transducing factors (STFs). In addition, we show that a 94-kDa STAT-related protein (p94) is activated in response to IL-2 and IL-7, but not IL-4. These data indicate that IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 activate distinct signaling molecules which might be differentially recruited to the receptor complex by the ligand-specific units of the IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 receptors.
Down‐regulation of wild‐type p53 activity interferes with apoptosis of IL‐3‐dependent hematopoietic cells following IL‐3 withdrawal.

Overexpression of wild‐type p53 in p53‐deficient leukemic cells induces apoptosis, which can be inhibited by hematopoietic survival factors. This suggests that p53 may contribute to survival factor dependence. To assess the role of wild‐type p53 in mediating apoptosis following survival factor withdrawal, we interfered with endogenous p53 activity in interleukin‐3 (IL‐3)‐dependent cells. Extended survival without IL‐3 was conferred by recombinant retroviruses encoding either a full‐length p53 mutant or a C‐terminal p53 miniprotein, both of which can act as negative‐dominant inhibitors of wild‐type p53. On the other hand, excess wild‐type p53 activity failed to elicit apoptosis as long as IL‐3 was present. We propose that p53 is a positive, though not exclusive, mediator of survival factor dependence in hematopoietic cells.
Delayed‐Type Hypersensitivity in the Mouse

A simple reproducible footpad assay of delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) in CBA, C3H, and Bagg mice to Salmonella adelaide flagellin and its derivatives is described. DTH reactions were of delayed onset (12‐24 hours), long duration (3‐4 days), and characterized histologically by extensive infiltration of the hypodermis and muscle with mononuclear cells. Immediate (0‐3 hours) and late (36‐48 hours) Arthus reactions were also observed in certain instances but did not preclude detection of the 24‐hour DTH reaction. Maximal DTH reactivity was induced by microgram doses of monomeric (MON) or polymerized (POL) flagellin in saline, 2‐8 days after primary challenge. POL elicited greater DTH reactions than MON, presumably because of its larger size.
Comparison of Chromotrope 2R and Uvitex 2B for the detection of intestinal microsporidial spores in stool specimens of HIV patients attending Nekempte Hospital, West Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND Intestinal microsporidiosis is the most common cause of chronic diarrhea in HIV/AIDS infected patients. The diagnosis of intestinal microsporidia depends on the detection of the spores by staining either with Chromotrope 2R or with fluorchrome uvitex 2B methods. OBJECTIVE To compare the Chromotrope-2R and Uvitex-2B in detecting intestinal microsporidial spores from HIV/ AIDS patients at Nekempte Hospital. METHODS A total of 120 single fresh stool samples were collected, and processed by water ether sedimentation method; stained with Uvitex-2B and observed microspridial spore under fluorescent microscope. From same stool samples, smear were prepared and stained with Chromotrope-2R method for the detection of intestinal microsporidial spores using light microscope. RESULTS Uvitex 2B detected 5/120 (4.2%) while Chromotrope 2R detected 4/120 (3.3%) and there was no statistical significance difference between the two methods (P>0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of the chromotrope-2R method relative to Uvitex-2B were 80% and 100%, respectively and positive and negative predictive values of Chromotrope-2R relative to the Uvitex 2B were 100% and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Based on its relative simplicity for processing, in terms of low cost materials (light microscopes compared to fluorescent microscopes) and reagents, make Chromotrope-2R to be recommended for diagnosis of microsporiadia infection in peripheral labs. Even though Uvitex-2B is superior, its application in peripheral health facilities is questionable and demanding.
Using mental health consultation to decrease disruptive behaviors in preschoolers: adapting an empirically-supported intervention.

BACKGROUND This study examined the effectiveness of an adaptation of an empirically-supported intervention delivered using mental health consultation to preschoolers who displayed elevated disruptive behaviors. METHOD Ninety-six preschoolers, their teachers, and their primary caregivers participated. Children in the intervention group received individualized mental health consultation focused on providing teachers with behaviorally-based, empirically-supported strategies for decreasing disruptive behaviors within the classroom. Caregivers were invited to participate in parent training (35% attendance). Effectiveness was assessed in contrast to an assessment/attention comparison group where typical treatment was available. RESULTS This treatment approach was more effective than the comparison condition in decreasing child disruptive behavior, increasing the use of appropriate teacher strategies, and increasing the use of appropriate parenting practices. CONCLUSION Adapting empirically-supported treatments for use in mental health consultation may be a way to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice and increase effectiveness of mental health consultation in treating disruptive disorders in young children.
Problem-solving cancer care education for patients and caregivers.

PURPOSE A program evaluation was conducted to explore the potential effects of a 90-minute problem-solving education session for persons with advanced cancer and their families. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM Patients with advanced cancer and their families, who were visiting a tertiary-care outpatient setting, were invited to attend a 90-minute individualized educational session that taught basic problem-solving principles using a cognitive-behavioral framework. Pre-education and posteducation data were collected about the confidence of participants in providing care, their feelings about being informed about resources, and their perceptions of their problem-solving ability. RESULTS At baseline, most participants reported low confidence about their ability to provide cancer care and felt uninformed about community resources, but they viewed themselves as moderate-to-good problem solvers. Forty-two educational sessions were delivered to 49 caregivers and 40 patients. Two months later, participants reported feeling more informed about community resources and achieved higher posteducation scores for problem-solving ability. More caregivers than patients reported that reading The Home Care Guide for Cancer made a great deal of difference in their approach to home care. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Most educational sessions for families affected by cancer focus on delivering information, not on building skills. These findings suggest that a one-on-one educational session that teaches problem-solving skills can be successfully delivered in a busy clinic setting. Family caregivers are especially likely to benefit from this program.
Influences of Base Excision Repair Defects on the Lethality and Mutagenicity Induced by Me-lex, a Sequence-selective N3-Adenine Methylating Agent*

Due to its minor groove selectivity, Me-lex preferentially generates N3-methyladenine (3-MeA) adducts in double-stranded DNA. We undertook a genetic approach in yeast to establish the influence of base excision repair (BER) defects on the processing of Me-lex lesions on plasmid DNA that harbors the p53 cDNA as target. We constructed a panel of isogenic strains containing a reporter gene to test p53 function and the following gene deletions: Δmag1, Δapn1apn2, and Δapn1apn2mag1. When compared with the wild-type strain, a decrease in survival was observed in Δmag1, Δapn1apn2, and Δapn1apn2mag1. The Me-lex-induced mutation frequency increased in the following order: wild type < Δmag1< Δapn1apn2 = Δapn1apn2mag1. A total of 77 mutants (23 in wild type, 31 in Δmag1, and 23 in Δapn1apn2) were sequenced. Eighty-one independent mutations (24 in wild type, 34 in Δmag1, and 23 in Δapn1apn2) were detected. The majority of base pair substitutions were AT-targeted in all strains (14/23, 61% in wild type; 20/34, 59%, in Δmag1; and 14/23, 61%, in Δapn1apn2). The Mag1 deletion was associated with a significant decrease of GC > AT transitions when compared with both the wild-type and the AP endonuclease mutants. This is the first time that the impact of Mag1 and/or AP endonuclease defects on the mutational spectra caused by 3-MeA has been determined. The results suggest that 3-MeA is critical for Me-lex cytotoxicity and that its mutagenicity is slightly elevated in the absence of Mag1 glycosylase activity but significantly higher in the absence of AP endonuclease activity.
Vibration-insensitive interferometric measurements of mirror surface figures under cryogenic conditions

We report on a technique to measure the surface figure of mirrors under extreme vibrational conditions. Measurements are presented of the surface figure changes of Zerodur primary mirrors with both spherical and parabolic shapes, manufactured for the NASA Deep Impact program. Conditions ranged from room temperature to 130K. The interferometer was located outside the cryogenic vacuum chamber and did not require any active or passive vibration isolation. We show measurement repeatability of better than 1/500 waves RMS at 633nm.
Basic Behavior of Migratory Schwann Cells in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

In axonal regeneration after a peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells migrate from the two nerve ends and at last form a continuous tissue cable across the gap which guides the axons toward the bands of Bungner. However, the behavior of migratory Schwann cells and their possible role are obscure. Using a film model in which the proximal stump of a transected nerve in mice was sandwiched between two thin plastic films, we analyzed neural regeneration in the early phase up to the 6th day after axotomy. Regenerating neurites emerged from the nodes of Ranvier adjacent to the axotomized nerve stump within 3 h after axotomy and extended along the parent nerve onto the film. All of the regenerating neurites on the surface of the film consisted of naked axons for at least 2 days after axotomy. Thereafter, Schwann cells from the proximal nerve migrated along a network of the regenerating axons and then closely attached to the axons, ensheathing them. Some of the Schwann cells advanced ahead of the axonal growth cones and were distributed over regions in which axonal extension was not yet present. As calculated from the time course of regenerating neurites, the velocity of axonal regeneration showed two phases: an initial slow phase (77 mu m/day) up to the 2nd post-operative day followed by a faster phase (283 mu m/day). The first observation of Schwann cells coincided with the onset of the second phase. In addition, the length of regenerating axons on the surface of the film containing many Schwann cells was significantly greater than that on the surface where Schwann cells were not yet present. It meant that migratory Schwann cells stimulated axons to elongate for a longer distance. Furthermore, Schwann cells from a distal stump showed a stronger ability to accelerate the axonal outgrowth than these from a proximal stump.
Sexual Dysfunction in Type II Diabetic Females: A Comparative Study

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is considered to play a principle role in the etiopathogenesis of sexual dysfunction both in men and women. The aim of this study is to evaluate sexual function in Type II diabetic women. A total of 72 young diabetic women (mean age: 38.8 years) with no other systemic diseases and 60 age-matched healthy women were enrolled in our study. We sought from them a detailed medical and sexual history and used the Index of Female Sexual function (IFSF) questionnaire (Kaplan et al., 1999). The mean IFSF score of diabetic women was 29.3 - 6.4 and was 37,7 - 3.5 in normal cases ( p < 0.05). Lack of libido was the most common symptom in diabetics and was observed in 77% of the women. Diminished clitoral sensation was observed in 62.5% of the women, 37.5% complained of vaginal dryness and 41.6% had vaginal discomfort. Orgasmic dysfunction was found in 49% of the women. The incidence of all these related symptoms were significantly higher when compared to controls. We concluded that significant percentage of diabetic women that we observed experience sexual dysfunction of varying degrees that diminishes their quality of life.
Integration of mathematical modeling and multicriteria methods in assessing environmental change in developing areas: A case study of a coastal system

An integrated methodology, based on the combination of a marine water quality model and multicriteria analysis, is proposed as a new tool for addressing economic and environmental issues for coastal areas. The model consists of three interacting components (terrestrial, hydrodynamic and biological submodels), which are used to evaluate the likely environmental impact of various economic development scenarios. Multicriteria Analysis combines the model outputs with socioeconomic values for the coast and through assignment of different weights /priorities by the user provides a ranking system for these scenarios. The Gulf of Gera, Island of Lesvos, Greece, a semi-enclosed and shallow system surrounded by a cultivated and inhabited watershed, was used as a case study for this method. Four scenarios concerning the development of tourism, the construction of agricultural green houses, the cultivation of woody plant species and the development of animal husbandry were tested against the present condition of the watershed (which is primarily dominated by olive oil production). The trade-off between increase d profit s and environmental impacts for these development scenarios was illustrated using Cluster and Principal Component Analysis. The results of these analyses showed that tourism and animal husbandry balance profits and environmental degradation most effectively and represent the most favorable future development strategies for the study area. The present approach can be used as a supportive tool for policy-planners and decision-makers to quantify inter related socio-economic and environmental issues for the sustainable development of coastal areas.
Phospholipid metabolites as indicators of cancer cell function

NMR methods are being applied to study phospholipid metabolism of cancer cells by monitoring the resonances which appear in the 31P spectrum. This review, aside from considering the applicability of NMR to this specific pathway, raises the question of whether the phospholipid metabolite peaks observed by MR are indicators of cancer cell function or tumor response to treatment. After assessing the results from many investigations, it is concluded that there is no clear correlation and that a combination of techniques, including in vitro and extract studies, will be necessary for a more comprehensive evaluation of the in vivo data.
Determinants of thoughts of death or suicide in depressed older persons

ABSTRACT Background: In depressed persons, thoughts of death and suicide are assumed to represent different degrees of a construct: suicidality. However, this can be questioned in older persons facing physical and social losses. Thoughts of death in depressed older persons are hardly examined in the absence of suicidal ideation. Furthermore, most depression instruments do not discriminate suicidal ideation from thoughts of death only. We examined whether determinants of thoughts of death differ from determinants of suicidal ideation in late life depression. Methods: Past month's thoughts of death and suicidal ideation were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview in 378 depressed older persons (>60 years of age). Multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and depression severity were used to identify socio-demographic, lifestyle, clinical and somatic determinants of past month's thoughts of death, and suicidal ideation. Results: Compared with patients without thoughts of death or suicide (n = 267), patients reporting thoughts of death but no suicidal ideation (n = 74) were older (OR (95% confidence interval) = 1.04 (1.00–1.08)) and more severely depressed (OR = 1.06 (1.04–1.08)), whereas patients with suicidal ideation (n = 37) were also more severely depressed (OR = 1.09 (1.06–1.13)), but not older. This latter group was further characterized by more psychiatric comorbidity (dysthymia OR = 2.28 (1.08–4.85)), panic disorder (OR = 2.27 (1.00–518)), at-risk alcohol use (OR = 4.10 (1.42–11.90)), lifetime suicide attempts (OR = 3.37 (1.46–7.75)), loneliness (OR = 1.24 (1.07–1.43)), and recent life events (OR = 3.14 (1.48–6.67)). Conclusions: In depressed older persons thoughts of death and suicide differ in relevant demographic, social, and clinical characteristics, suggesting that the risks and consequences of the two conditions differ.
Using Case-Based Reasoning for Spam Filtering

Spam is a universal problem with which everyone is familiar. Figures published in 2005 state that about 75% of all email sent today is spam. In spite of significant new legal and technical approaches to combat it, spam remains a big problem that is costing companies meaningful amounts of money in lost productivity, clogged email systems, bandwidth and technical support. A number of approaches are used to combat spam including legislative measures, authentication approaches and email filtering. The most common filtering technique is content-based filtering which uses the actual text of the message to determine whether it is spam or not. One of the main challenges of content based spam filtering is concept drift; the concept or the characteristics used by the filter to identify spam email are constantly changing over time. Concept drift is very evident in email and spam, in part due to the arms race that exists between the spammers and the filter producers. The spammers continually change the content and structure of the spam emails as the filters are modified to catch them. In this thesis we present Email Classification Using Examples (ECUE) a content based approach to spam filtering that can handle the concept drift inherent in spam email. We apply the machine learning technique of case-based reasoning which models the emails as cases in a knowledge-base or case-base. The approach used in ECUE involves two components; a case-base editing stage and a case-base update policy. We present a new technique for case-base editing called Competence-Based Editing which uses the competence properties of the cases in the case-base to determine which cases are harmful to the predictive power of the case-base and should be removed. The update policy allows new examples of spam and legitimate emails to be added to the case-base as they are encountered allowing ECUE to track the concept drift. We compare the case-based approach to an ensemble approach which is a more standard technique for handling concept drift and present a prototype email filtering applica-
MonadTransformers andModular Interpreters

We show how a set of building blocks can be used to construct programming language interpreters, and present implementations of such building blocks capable of supporting many commonly known features, including simple expressions, three different function call mechanisms (call-by-name, callby-value and lazy evaluation), references and assignment, nondeterminism, first-class continuations, and program tracing. The underlying mechanism of our system is monad transformers, a simple form of abstraction for introducing a wide range of computational behaviors, such as state, I/O, continuations, and exceptions. Our work is significant in the following respects. First, we have succeeded in designing a fully modular interpreter based on monad transformers that includes features missing from Steele’s, Espinosa’s, and Wadler’s earlier efforts. Second, we have found new ways to lift monad operations throughmonad transformers, in particular difficult cases not achieved in Moggi’s original work. Third, we have demonstrated that interactions between features are reflected in liftings and that semantics can be changed by reordering monad transformers. Finally, we have implemented our interpreter in Gofer, whose constructor classes provide just the added power over Haskell’s type classes to allow precise and convenient expression of our ideas. This implementation includes a method for constructing extensible unions and a form of subtyping that is interesting in its own right.