Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QUILT: a geographic information system based on quadtrees

This paper describes QUILT, a prototype geographic information system (GIS) that uses the quadtree data structure as the underlying representation for cartographic data. While QUILT contains many features typically available in a GIS, its primary purpose is to serve as a testbed for the design and testing of new data structures and algorithms for use in computer cartography. Quadtree variants for region, point and line data are implemented using the linear quadtree, organized on disk by a B-tree. QUILT provides a simple attribute attachment system which associates non-spatial data with geographic objects. The user views QUILT as an augmented LISP environment. QUILT's geographic functions include conversion of rasters to and from quadtrees; subset operations to select specified geographic objects; map editing, display, windowing, intersection and union operations; polygon expansion; and computation of geographic object properties such as the centroid, area, perimeter and bounding rectangle for sets of geog.
Identification of coxsackie B viruses and enteroviruses in general using nucleic acid hybridization

Nucleic acid hybridization data are presented showing that hybridization probes can be devised from either empirical data or from comparison of published nucleotide sequences. Hybridization probes specific only for CVB3 strains and CVB4 strains have been devised, which should enable probing of biopsied myocardial tissue for these specific viral RNA sequences. Oligonucleotides based upon published sequence data are presented, which should be able to function as highly sensitive probes, perhaps even distinguishing virulent from avirulent strains of a specific enterovirus.
Association of apolipoprotein E allele €4 with late-onset familial and sporadic Alzheimer’s disease

Article abstract-Apolipoprotein E, type €4 allele (APOE ~ 4 ) , is associated with late-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is high avidity and specific binding of amyloid P-peptide with the protein ApoE. To test the hypothesis that late-onset familial AD may represent the clustering of sporadic AD in families large enough to be studied, we extended the analyses of APOE alleles to several series of sporadic AD patients. APOE €4 is significantly associated with a series of probable sporadic AD patients (0.36 f 0.042, AD, versus 0.16 k 0.027, controls [allele frequency estimate f standard error], p = 0.00031). Spouse controls did not differ from CEPH grandparent controls from the Centre d’Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) or from literature controls. A large combined series of autopsy-document-ed sporadic AD patients also demonstrated highly significant association with the APOE €4 allele (0.40 f 0.026, p 5 0.00001). These data support the involvement of ApoE €4 in the pathogenesis of late-onset familial and sporadic AD. ApoE isoforms may play an important role in the metabolism of p-peptide, and APOE €4 may operate as a susceptibility gene (risk factor) for the clinical expression of AD.
SARS: A Case Study in Emerging Infections

1. Introduction 2. Environmental and social influences on emerging infectious diseases: past, present, and future 3. Evolutionary genetics and the emergence of SARS coronavirus 4. Influenza as a model system for studying the cross-species transfer and evolution of the SARS coronavirus 5. Management and prevention of SARS in China 6. Confronting SARS: A view from Hong Kong 7. The aetiology of SARS: Koch's postulates fulfilled 8. Laboratory Diagnosis of SARS 9. Animal origins of SARS coronavirus: possible links with the international trade in small carnivores 10. Epidemiology, transmission dynamics and control of SARS: the 2002-2003 epidemic 11. Dynamics of modern epidemics 12. The international response to the outbreak of SARS, 2003 13. The experience of the 2003 SARS outbreak as a traumatic stress among frontline healthcare workers in Toronto: lessons learned 14. Informed consent and public health 15. What have we learnt from SARS? References Index
Trastuzumab and oxaliplatin exhibit a synergistic antitumor effect in HER2-postive gastric cancer cells

Trastuzumab has recently been recommended for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive advanced gastric cancer in combination with the capecitabine/cisplatin (XP) versus continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin (FP) regimen. However, it is unclear whether it is rational to combine trastuzumab with other chemotherapy regimens in clinical practice. Our study demonstrates that adding trastuzumab to oxaliplatin, a commonly used third-generation platinum derivative, increases the antitumor effect in vitro. In MTT assays, combination treatment with oxaliplatin and trastuzumab significantly decreased the concentration of oxaliplatin required to induce 50% growth inhibition in HER2-positive gastric cancer cells. Further investigation revealed that the trastuzumab–oxaliplatin combination induced cell cycle arrest and decreased expression of both p-AKT and p-ERK. Notably, this treatment combination induced downregulation of the excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) protein, which is involved in the key repair process of the oxaliplatin-DNA platinum adduct at the protein level. Similar changes were also observed in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that trastuzumab synergizes the cytotoxic effect of oxaliplatin on HER2-positive gastric and breast cancer cells. Our study provides preclinical evidence for the optimization of this combination regimen in the treatment of HER2-positive gastric cancer patients.
A METHOD FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF OTOSCLEROSIS: A STUDY OF SOUNDS WELL ABOVE THRESHOLD

This is a preliminary report of some experiments undertaken to find a method for detecting threatened or potential ankylosis of the stapes before there is any loss of hearing as shown by the usual functional tests. The approach was by way of sounds louder than those of minimum audibility. The idea is to diagnose clinical otosclerosis (or other dyscrasia of the bone about the windows of the labyrinth) so early that experimental observations and preventive treatment may be instituted at a time when they will be of most service. There is no evidence that anything can be done to reverse the otosclerotic process, but it does stop at various stages of development, and early detection would open up possibilities for treatment now unavailable. The background for my experiments was laid on the following observations and hypothesis. OBSERVATIONS Throughout the ages acuity of hearing has been measured at mini
Determination of bifonazole and identification of its photocatalytic degradation products using UPLC-MS/MS.

The main goal of the presented work was to investigate the effect of ZnO or/and TiO2 on the stability of bifonazole in solutions under UVA irradiation. To this end, a simple and reproducible UPLC method for the determination of bifonazole in the presence of its photocatalytic degradation products was developed. Linearity was studied in the range of 0.0046-0.15 mg mL-1 with a determination coefficient of 0.9996. Bifonazole underwent a photocatalytic degradation process under the experimental conditions used. Comparative studies showed that combination of TiO2 /ZnO (1:1 w/w) was a more effective catalyst than TiO2 or ZnO with a degradation rate of up to 67.57% after 24 h of irradiation. Further, kinetic analyses indicated that the photocatalytic degradation of bifonazole in the mixture of TiO2 /ZnO can be described by a pseudo-first order reaction. Statistical comparison clearly indicated that the presence of TiO2 /ZnO also affected the stability of bifonazole from a cream preparation after 15 h of UVA exposure (p < 0.05). Ten photodegradation products of bifonazole were identified for the first time and their plausible fragmentation pathways, derived from MS/MS data, were proposed. The main pathway in the photocatalytic transformation of bifonazole in the presence of ZnO or/and TiO2 involves hydroxylation of the methanetriyl group and/or adjacent phenyl rings and cleavage of the imidazole moiety.
Sight Unseen: An Exploration of Conscious and Unconscious Vision

Prologue 1. A tragic accident 2. Doing without seeing 3. When vision for action fails 4. The origins of vision: from modules to models 5. Streams within streams 6. Why do we need two systems? 7. Getting it all together 8. Postscript: Dee's life 15 years on Epilogue
Risks associated with significant head impact events in elite rugby union

Abstract Primary objectives: To conduct video and statistical analysis on Rugby Union play, focusing mainly on the tackle, to establish the player to player configurations for significant direct head impacts and non-direct head impacts. Research design: Quantitative, observational cohort study. Methods and procedures: Video analysis of 52 significant direct head impacts (31 Tackle, 10 Ruck, 7 Dive and 4 Ground) and 40 non-direct head impact tackles from 2014/15 International Rugby Union matches. Relative risk, 95% CI and p-values were calculated for a range of tackle variables. Main outcome and results: Upper body tackles and lower body tackles accounted for 37% (19) and 23% (12) of cases, respectively, with the tackler as the head impacted player for 97% (30) of cases. The majority (81%) of tackle-related significant direct head impacts occurred in the second half of the game, with 63% of upper body tackle significant direct head impacts occurring in the final quarter. Tackler head placement and high speed tackles had statistical significance for causing tackle related significant direct head impacts as well as foot planting and difference in tackler and ball carrier mass for upper body tackles and ball carrier change in direction for lower body tackles. Conclusion: Tackle variables that statistically increased the risk of significant direct head impact were identified, which can aid player protection strategies.
Brain contusion as the main risk factor of memory or emotional complaints in chronic complicated mild traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the risk factors for memory or emotional complaints in patients with complicated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted by physicians in a teaching hospital in Southern Taiwan, and complicated mTBI had been identified by means of computed tomography. Psychological complaints, including problems with memory and emotions, were collected by structured telephone interviews, 10–15 minutes long, and were held with subjects who agreed to participate in our study. Among 327 patients who were injured for more than two years, 190 agreed to join this study (mean age: 41.6 years; male: 60.5%; stably employed: 50.0%). We used demographic data and neurological factors to predict memory or emotional complaints without muscle power or response speed (MEMR) complaints. Results: Only the presence or absence of cerebral contusions predicted memory or emotional complaints without MEMR complaints in different employed status, and the odds ratio was 4.82–13.50 times higher for those with cerebral contusions than for those without. Conclusions: Cerebral contusions were the primary risk factor for MEMR complaints in chronic complicated mTBI. Early preventive psychological intervention might be necessary for patients with complicated mTBI and cerebral contusions.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and walking endurance improvements after 12 months of an individualised home and community-based exercise programme for people after stroke

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the immediate and longer-term effects of an individually tailored, home- and community-based exercise programme with ongoing remote support in people with stroke on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), ambulation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Twenty people 5.3 ± 3.5 months post stroke completed the 12-week HowFITSS? exercise programme aimed at increasing CRF and daily physical activity. Support was provided by phone and email, which decreased in frequency over time. Participants were assessed at baseline, then at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiation of the intervention. CRF (VO2peak) was evaluated using a portable metabolic system during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the Shuttle Walk Test (SWT) and the cycle graded exercise test (cGXT). Walking speed, balance, body composition, fatigue, depression and HRQoL were also measured. Results: CRF improved significantly from pre-intervention to 12-month follow-up on the 6MWT (Effect Size, ES = 0.87; p = 0.002) and cGXT (ES = 0.60; p < 0.001), with more modest improvements on the SWT (ES = 0.52; p = 0.251). From baseline to 12 months, significant within-participant improvements were found for self-selected walking speed, balance and HRQoL. Performances on the remaining tests were maintained over the post-intervention period. Conclusion: There may be health benefits of providing people with stroke an exercise intervention with long-term support that encourages increased regular physical activity.
Calcein-acetoxymethy ester enhances the antitumor effects of doxorubicin in nonsmall cell lung cancer by regulating the TopBP1/p53RR pathway

Calcein acetoxymethyl ester (calcein-AM) treatment has been reported to exert antitumor effects in certain cancer cells; however, the detailed mechanism of action of calcein-AM in cancers remains unclear, especially in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study focused on the function and mechanism of action of calcein-AM in NSCLC. We used cell viability assays, western blotting, and EdU proliferation assay combined with calcein-AM treatment or siRNA interference to investigate the role of topoisomerase II&bgr; binding protein 1 (TopBP1) and p53 in NSCLC chemotherapy. We found that calcein-AM has antitumor effects in lung cancer and enhances the antitumor effects of doxorubicin in NSCLC. Furthermore, we found that TopBP1, which we previously showed was involved in doxorubicin resistance through upregulation of aberrant p53, was involved in calcein-AM-mediated increased doxorubicin sensitivity. Doxorubicin upregulated the expression of aberrant p53. Calcein-AM repressed the expression of TopBP1, which resulted in reduced expression of aberrant p53 and disrupted the antiapoptotic activity mediated by the TopBP1/mutp53 pathway in NSCLC. Together, our findings show that calcein-AM, the cell-permeable derivative of calcein, exerts significant antitumor effects in NSCLC, and can enhance the antitumor effect of doxorubicin by regulating the TopBP1/mutp53 pathway. These findings provide novel insight into lung cancer treatment.
Aphasia and the process of revision in writing a text

Most of the previous research on aphasia and writing ability concentrates on the production of words in isolation. The purpose of the current study was to examine the process of producing written texts by clients with aphasia. By using keystroke logging, it was possible to analyse the participants' ongoing work during text writing. Results showed that the participants with aphasia composed their texts in what may be described as a linear way. Edits concerning syntax or text structure were almost absent in the subjects' data, but they spent much time and effort on revising smaller units of text, that is, letters and words, possibly as a result of changing their minds or not being able to realize their intentions. However, these changes did not always result in correctly written words in the final text. The findings are discussed in relation to current writing theories.
Data analysis of Chinese characters in primary school corpora of Hong Kong and mainland China: preliminary theoretical interpretations

Metalinguistic awareness (an awareness about the structure of orthography) had been considered vital for reading acquisition. The awareness of phonological regularity and consistency had been found in advanced readers in recent research. Evidence based on simplified Chinese suggested the effect of semantic transparency on reading in school readers. Studies based on traditional Chinese also reported that reading acquisition, including the development of metalinguistic awareness, is affected by script, properties of characters in school curricula, approaches and strategies of reading training. This paper reports the comparison between corpora of simplified Chinese characters based on primary school textbooks and the updated Hong Kong Corpus of Primary School Chinese (HKCPSC). The proportion of characters in the total curriculum, the ratio of phonetic‐semantic compounds, visual complexity (defined by the number of strokes) and the levels of phonetic regularity and semantic transparency of Chinese characters across grades in the two corpora are compared. Two marked differences found are the frequency‐weighted proportion of regular characters and the proportion of semantically transparent characters across grades. The relationships between the data and recent findings of reading development in Chinese are discussed.
Molecular diversity of the foregut bacteria community in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The molecular diversity of the foregut bacterial community in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Central Australia was investigated through comparative analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences prepared from the foregut contents of 12 adult feral camels fed on native vegetation. A total of 267 full-length 16S rRNA gene clones were examined, with 151 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified at a 99% species-level identity cut-off criterion. The prediction of actual diversity in the foregut of the dromedary camel using the Chaol approach was 238 OTUs, while the richness and evenness of the diversity estimated using Shannon index was 4.84. The majority of bacteria in the current study were affiliated with the bacterial phylum Firmicutes (67% of total clones) and were related to the classes Clostridia, Bacilli and Mollicutes, followed by the Bacteroidetes (25%) that were mostly represented by the family Prevotellaceae. The remaining phyla were represented by Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cynophyta, Lentisphaerae, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria and Sphirochaetes. Moreover, 11 clones of cultivated bacteria were identified as Brevundimonas sp. , Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Prevotella sp. and Ruminococcus flavefaciens. The novelty in this foregut environment is remarkable where 97% of the OTUs were distantly related to any known sequence in the public database.
A conceptual framework for hospital quality management

Most current conceptual frameworks used for hospital quality management exhibit shortcomings, terminology barriers or too much complexity. We propose a rigorous and simple model specific to hospitals, based on four entities (patients, activities, resources and effects) and six levels in order to measure the development of quality management systems. The proposed model is compatible with other substantiated models, robust in coping with falsifiability and provides flexibility to avoid a too unilateral approach.
Treatment options for osteogenesis imperfecta

Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable disease characterized by bone fragility. A wide range of clinical severity and heterogeneity of the molecular defects is reported. Mutations in 14 genes have so far been identified as responsible for OI with either dominant or recessive transmission. OI forms are mainly caused by defects in collagen type I amount, synthesis, structure, post-translation modifications, intracellular trafficking or extracellular processing or in osteoblasts maturation. No definitive cure is available for OI, but the recent discovery of new causative genes have contributed to increased understanding of bone biology allowing the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Areas covered: This paper reviews classical dominant OI caused by mutation in the genes coding the α chains of type I collagen, as well as the pathophysiology of the more recently discovered, mainly recessive, OI forms. Current surgical and pharmacological treatments as well as novel therapeutic approaches are addressed. A literature search was performed on PubMed, and the most relevant references are cited. Expert opinion: A critical view on current and novel therapies is given, with particular emphasis on those that target bone cell activity and differentiation, genetic correction of mutant alleles and cellular therapy.
Production of novel fusarielins by ectopic activation of the polyketide synthase 9 cluster in Fusarium graminearum.

Like many other filamentous fungi, Fusarium graminearum has the genetic potential to produce a vast array of unknown secondary metabolites. A promising approach to determine the nature of these is to activate silent secondary metabolite gene clusters through constitutive expression of cluster specific transcription factors. We have developed a system in which an expression cassette containing the transcription factor from the targeted PKS cluster disrupts the production of the red mycelium pigment aurofusarin. This aids with identification of mutants as they appear as white colonies and metabolite analyses where aurofusarin and its intermediates are normally among the most abundant compounds. The system was used for constitutive expression of the local transcription factor from the PKS9 cluster (renamed FSL) leading to production of three novel fusarielins, F, G and H. This group of compounds has not previously been reported from F. graminearum or linked to a biosynthetic gene in any fungal species. The toxicity of the three novel fusarielins was examined against colorectal cancer cell lines where fusarielin H was more potent than fusarielin F and G.
Sequential Beamforming Synthetic Aperture Imaging

Synthetic aperture sequential beamforming (SASB) is a novel technique which allows to implement synthetic aperture beamforming on a system with a restricted complexity, and without storing RF-data. The objective is to improve lateral resolution and obtain a more depth independent resolution compared to conventional ultrasound imaging. SASB is a two-stage procedure using two separate beamformers. The initial step is to construct and store a set of B-mode image lines using a single focal point in both transmit and receive. The focal points are considered virtual sources and virtual receivers making up a virtual array. The second stage applies the focused image lines from the ﬁrst stage as input data, and take advantage of the virtual array in the delay and sum beamforming. The size of the virtual array is dynamically expanded and the image is dynamically focused in both transmit and receive and a range independent lateral resolution is obtained. The SASB method has been investigated using simulations in Field II and by off-line processing of data acquired with a commercial scanner. The lateral resolution increases with a decreasing F #. Grating lobes appear if F # 6 2 for a linear array with k -pitch. The performance of SASB with the virtual source at 20 mm and F # = 1.5 is compared with conventional dynamic receive focusing (DRF). The axial resolution is the same for the two methods. For the lateral resolution there is improvement in FWHM of at least a factor of 2 and the improvement at (cid:2) 40 dB is at least a factor of 3. With SASB the resolution is almost constant throughout the range. For DRF the FWHM increases almost linearly with range and the resolution at (cid:2) 40 dB is ﬂuctuating with range. The theoretical potential improvement in SNR of SASB over