Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of carbon dioxide concentration and buffer system on nitrate and nitrite assimilation by Dunaliella tertiolecta.

SUMMARY: Dunaliella tertiolecta required carbon dioxide in substrate concentrations (1.75%, v/v) to assimilate either nitrate or nitrite at maximum rates in light. The addition of glucose, glycerol, acetate, pyruvate or α-ketoglutarate did not remove the requirement for carbon dioxide. The rates of nitrate and nitrite assimilation in light depended upon the buffer system used. The lowest rates of nitrate assimilation, 1.3 μmoles/hr/mg. chlorophyll, were observed in 0.05 M-phosphate buffer (pH 7.6) and the highest, 13.7 μmoles/hr/mg. chlorophyll, in 0.05 M-Tricine buffer (pH 7.6). Nitrite assimilation was lowest, 7.5 μmoles/hr/mg. chlorophyll, in 0.05 M-phosphate (pH 7.6) while the highest rates, 18.7 μmoles/hr/mg. chlorophyll, were observed in 0.05 M-Tricine (pH 8.6). The low rate of assimilation of nitrate and nitrite in 0.05 M-phosphate buffer (pH 7.6) was increased by diluting the buffer to 0.005 M, at this concentration the rate in phosphate buffer was comparable to that in tris or Tricine buffers at the same pH values. Buffer type had little effect on either nitrate or nitrite assimilation in the dark. There was no evidence with any buffer system used for the evolution of extra oxygen associated with nitrate or nitrite assimilation in the light. These results provide further evidence for the existence of two independent systems of nitrate reduction, one within and the other without the chloroplast. In addition, they indicate that in Dunaliella tertiolecta the enzyme system which fixes carbon dioxide is unlikely to be the rate-limiting step in photosynthesis.
The Second National Oral Health Survey of Vietnam--1999: variation in the prevalence of dental diseases.

UNLABELLED The 1999 National Oral Health Survey of Vietnam, a population-based survey from a developing country, provides a contrast to the findings of recent surveys in Australia and New Zealand. OBJECTIVES This paper aims to describe oral health status and its socio-economic distribution and to evaluate change over time in the oral health of the population of Vietnam. METHODS A multi-staged stratified sampling process was employed. Data on children aged 6 to 17 years were collected by an oral examination and a parental questionnaire. Adults aged 18+ years completed a questionnaire and were examined by trained and calibrated dentists. RESULTS Oral hygiene status of the child and adult population was poor. Caries experience was high in children but moderate in adults. Caries experience was present mostly as untreated decay. Factors related to caries were sex, hygiene practices, socio-economic status, location and dental visiting. CONCLUSIONS The oral health status of the younger Vietnamese generations was compromised by various factors and there are worrying trends, indicating deteriorating oral health in this population.
An Embedded C++ Domain-Specific Language for Stream Parallelism

This paper proposes a new C++ embedded Domain-Specific Language (DSL) for expressing stream parallelism by using standard C++11 attributes annotations. The main goal is to introduce high-level parallel abstractions for developing stream based parallel programs as well as reducing sequential source code rewriting. We demonstrated that by using a small set of attributes it is possible to produce different parallel versions depending on the way the source code is annotated. The performances of the parallel code produced are comparable with those obtained by manual parallelization.
Antisaccade and smooth pursuit eye movements in healthy subjects receiving sertraline and lorazepam

Patients suffering from some psychiatric and neurological disorders demonstrate abnormally high levels of saccadic distractibility when carrying out the antisaccade task. This has been particularly thoroughly demonstrated in patients with schizophrenia. A large body of evidence has been accumulated from studies of patients which suggests that such eye movement abnormalities may arise from frontal lobe dysfunction. The psychopharmacology of saccadic distractibility is less well understood, but is relevant both to interpreting patient studies and to establishing the neurological basis of their findings. Twenty healthy subjects received lorazepam 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg, sertraline 50 mg and placebo in a balanced, repeated measures study design. Antisaccade, no-saccade, visually guided saccade and smooth pursuit tasks were carried out and the effects of practice and drugs measured. Lorazepam increased direction errors in the antisaccade and no-saccade tasks in a dose-dependent manner. Sertraline had no effect on these measures. Correlation showed a statistically significant, but rather weak, association between direction errors and smooth pursuit measures. Practice was shown to have a powerful effect on antisaccade direction errors. This study supports our previous work by confirming that lorazepam reliably worsens saccadic distractibility, in contrast to other psychotropic drugs such as sertraline and chlorpromazine. Our results also suggest that other studies in this field, particularly those using parallel groups design, should take account of practice effects.
Determining Burst Firing Time Distributions from Multiple Spike Trains

Recent experimental findings have shown the presence of robust and cell-type-specific intraburst firing patterns in bursting neurons. We address the problem of characterizing these patterns under the assumption that the bursts exhibit well-defined firing time distributions. We propose a method for estimating these distributions based on a burst alignment algorithm that minimizes the overlap among the firing time distributions of the different spikes within the burst. This method provides a good approximation to the burst's intrinsic temporal structure as a set of firing time distributions. In addition, the method allows labeling the spikes in any particular burst, establishing a correspondence between each spike and the distribution that best explains it, and identifying missing spikes. Our results on both simulated and experimental data from the lobster stomatogastric ganglion show that the proposed method provides a reliable characterization of the intraburst firing patterns and avoids the errors derived from missing spikes. This method can also be applied to nonbursting neurons as a general tool for the study and the interpretation of firing time distributions as part of a temporal neural code.
Effects of magnesium on contractile activation of skinned cardiac cells.

1. In the presence of a slight buffering of the free [Ca2+] with 0.050 mM total EGTA cyclic contractions were induced by a Ca2+‐triggered release of Ca2+ on skinned (sarcolemma‐free) segments of single cardiac cells from rat ventricle. The threshold of the free [Ca2+] trigger was elevated when the free [Mg2+] was increased. 2. At a suprathreshold free [Ca2+] increasing the free [Mg2+] resulted in a decrease in frequency and in an increase in amplitude of the phasic contractions. Addition of caffeine at a specified interval after a cyclic contraction produced a larger contraction when free [Mg2+] was higher. It was concluded that an increase of free [Mg2+] increased the capacity and the rate of binding for Ca2+ by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). 3. Small skinned fibres of skeletal muscle which were perfused with 10 mM caffeine yielded results similar to those obtained in skinned cardiac cells. It was concluded that the mechanism of action of free Mg2+ was similar in both preparations, but that the SR of skeletal muscle had a higher capacity and rate of binding for Ca2+ than the cardiac SR. 4. With a strong buffering of the free [Ca2+] with 4‐0 mM total EGTA, a smaller tonic tension was developed for a given pCa in the presence of a higher free [Mg2+]. This result was nearly identical in skinned cells from cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue. 5. A decrease of the [MgATP2‐] produced a tension in the skinned cardiac cells that were perfused in Ca2+ free media. The maximum tension was observed for [MgATP2‐] 10(−5–50)M as in skinned fibres of skeletal muscle. A further decrease of [MgATP2‐] resulted in a decrease of tension.
Laser scanner based heading angle and distance estimation

Towards autonomous vehicle navigation the problem of guidance is a major difficulty faced by fully autonomous vehicle. This paper proposes a new method to estimate the heading angle for safe autonomous navigation purpose. The authors focus on unconventional methods of identifying lane markings on a road surface through Laser Measurement System (LMS). This was achieved by taking advantage of the reflection of the laser beam. This method was executed in three steps. Firstly to detect lane markings we employed the Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) method. Secondly, in order to determine the surface course a distance clustering analysis was implemented. Lastly, the steering angle as well as the lateral distance between the heading and the goal point was estimated. Preliminary results were performed and tested on a group of consecutive fames to prove its effectiveness.
[Effect of luteolin on COX-2 and mPGES-1 expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells].

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of luteolin on COX-2 and mPGES-1 expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. METHODS After being pretreated with different concentrations of luteolin for 30 min, and then incubated with 1 microg/ml LPS for 12h, the effect of luteolin on the product of PGE2 in RAW264.7 cells was measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The mRNA expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in RAW264.7 cells were analysed by RT-PCR. The COX-2 and mPGES-1 protein expression in RAW264. 7 cells were analysed by western blotting. RESULTS Luteolin inhibited the LPS-induced PGE, synthesis in RAW264.7 cells. The mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in RAW264.7 cells were also decreased by luteolin. CONCLUSION Luteolin can inhibit significantly the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in PGE2 synthetic pathway.
Different Cues of Personality and Health from the Face and Gait of Women

Redundant cues for attractiveness in humans have been identified, but the idea of multiple systems displaying different socially-relevant traits has yet to be extensively examined. We compared the accuracy with which observers could identify socially-relevant information of female targets, both from static images of their faces, and from point-light displays of their gait. Perception of extraversion was at chance. However, agreeableness and sociosexuality were more accurately perceived from the face than gait, while physical health showed the opposite pattern. This double dissociation suggests different information can be carried in different modalities. In addition, partial correlation analyses suggested that even when both modalities allowed accurate trait identification, the information content was different. Our results demonstrate that cues of different socially-relevant traits are communicated more effectively through different modalities, and these modality-specific cues contain distinctive information, supporting a “multiple messages” hypothesis.
Subspace-based two-dimensional direction estimation and tracking of multiple targets

This paper deals with the problem of tracking the two-dimensional (2-D) direction-of-arrivals (DOAs) of multiple moving targets with crossover points on their trajectories, and we propose a new computationally efficient cross-correlation based 2-D DOA estimation with automatic pair-matching (CODEC) method for noncoherent narrowband signals impinging on the L-shaped sensor array structured by two uniform linear arrays (ULAs) with omnidirectional sensors. The effectiveness of the proposed method and the theoretical analysis are substantiated through numerical examples.
The Basilicata Wealth Fund: Resource Policy and Long-Run Economic Development in Southern Italy

This paper contributes to the growing political economy literature of within-country natural resources management, by proposing a new resource policy for the oil-rich southern Italian region of Basilicata. The policy proposal is to establish a (regional) wealth fund in which all the royalty revenues from non-renewable natural resource exploitation in Basilicata would be stored and fully converted into low-risk financial assets. The scope is to give priority to long-run investments as to better exploit revenues from large-scale extraction of natural capital. Establishing a wealth fund at the regional sub-national level is a novel approach that can be applied to other resource-rich regions in the world. I label the fund as the Basilicata Wealth Fund (BWF). The BWF would be a regionally owned investment fund, however independently administered from national authorities (for instance, as an independent legal entity under the jurisdiction of the Bank of Italy). In addition, the paper posits a transparent and clear-cut spending fiscal rule in order to let regional authorities use the resource revenues to finance economic policy. The clear advantage from the BWF would be the stronger focus on long-run economic development and the higher accountability, hence avoiding misuse of resource revenues for myopic fiscal spending.
Believing is seeing: laypeople's views of future socio-economic and climate change in England and in Italy

Cross-cultural studies are particularly relevant in the context of climate change, given its pervasive character and the growing demand for climate change mitigation at both global and local levels. This paper reports on findings from comparative cross-cultural mixed-methods research eliciting perceptions of the future among citizens in Norwich (UK) and Rome (Italy). The paper explores how individuals at the two locations interpret socio-economic and climate scenarios, and how they relate environmental change to human behavior. Attitude segmentation was found to be similar in both localities. Although most participants in both locations realized the benefits of a future centered on sustainable resource use and societal welfare, individuals' attitudes and considerations about the future were not largely influenced by the scenarios. Discussions revealed that the credibility of the projections depended on individuals' prior beliefs and their trust in the science portrayed.
Gabapentin is effective in treating nocturnal painful spasms in multiple sclerosis

In-patients with MS nocturnal spasms (NPS) occur frequently, primarily during the night and may influence the ability to and/or quality of sleep. We enrolled in an open label trial with GBP (up to 600 mg/day) 24 MS patients with NPS. We obtained patient reports of subjective discomfort at pre-treatment and following 2- (T1) and 8 weeks (T2), utilizing a 3-point analogue scale. Twenty of the 22 patients who completed the study reported resolution or amelioration of discomfort. Clinical improvement occurred 1-5 days following initial treatment. Three patients experienced adverse effects but completed the minimal follow-up period (2 weeks). Two patient dropped out of the study due to no compliance or adverse effects. A very low dose of GBP may be effective treatment for MS patients with NPS who may benefit from rapid improvement of discomfort with minimal risk of adverse effects.
Regulatory mechanisms of periodontal regeneration

The periodontal ligament, located between the cementum and the alveolar bone, has a width ranging from 0.15 to 0.38 mm. Regeneration and homeostasis of the periodontal ligament are highly significant functions in relation to periodontal therapy, tooth transplantation or replantation, and orthodontic tooth movement. The purpose of this review is to discuss the regulatory mechanisms of regenerative and homeostatic functions in the periodontal ligament based on currently published studies and also on our own experimental data. We consider the capability of the ligament tissue to promote or to suppress calcification in connection with bone and cementum formation and the maintenance of the periodontal ligament space. Also discussed are the involvement of the periodontal ligament tissue in the regenerative ability, cell proliferation, growth and differentiation factors, extracellular matrix proteins, homeostatic phenomena, function of Malassez epithelial rests, tooth movement, or occlusal loading. Regulatory mechanisms for regeneration and homeostasis of the periodontal ligament are hypothetically proposed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:491–502, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Remote State Estimation With Communication Costs for First-Order LTI Systems

Consider a first order linear time-invariant discrete time system driven by process noise, a pre-processor that accepts causal measurements of the state of the system, and a state estimator. The pre-processor and the state estimator are not co-located, and, at every time-step, the pre-processor transmits either a real number or a free symbol to the estimator. We seek the pre-processor and the estimator that jointly minimize a cost that combines two terms; the expected squared state estimation error and a communication cost. In our formulation, the transmission of a real number from the pre-processor to the estimator incurs a positive cost while free symbols induce zero cost. This paper proves analytically that a symmetric threshold policy at the pre-processor and a Kalman-like filter at the estimator, which updates its estimate linearly in the presence of free symbols, are jointly optimal for our problem.
Personal ICT Ensembles and Ubiquitous Information Systems Environments: Key Issues and Research Implications

Personal information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become commonplace. Today many people own, or have access to, a range of different computing and communication devices, information technologies, and services, which they incorporate into their everyday routines. Increasingly, these technologies impact the way that individuals work, socialize, and play. Workers are bringing their personal ICTs to the office, and organizations are tailoring their computing environments toward ubiquitous integration with personal ICTs. These developments are opening up new ways of working, but they also create new challenges for organizations in accommodating this “nonaffiliated” use as part of their information systems environments. In this article we propose a framework for analyzing the composition and impact of personal ICT ensembles. The framework is positioned as pre-theory that invites further development and empirical testing. We illustrate how the proposed framework could be applied to consider personal ICT use across the work/home context. Several implications stemming from the notion of a personal ICT ensemble are highlighted, including practical considerations for nonaffiliated use in organizations. We conclude with suggestions for further development of the proposed framework.
Ultrasound detection of white matter injury in very preterm neonates: practical implications

Aim Diffuse white matter injury is not well detected by cranial ultrasonography (CUS). The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to assess in very preterm neonates the predictive values of individual CUS abnormalities for white matter injury on MRI and neurological outcome; (2) to develop a strategy optimizing CUS detection of white matter injury.
An updated meta-analysis of the prognostic value of decreased E-cadherin expression in ovarian cancer

Decreased epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) expression is hypothesized to be related to poor prognosis of ovarian cancer, but the predictive value is still inconsistent. We conducted an updated meta-analysis with a total of 16 studies enrolling 1720 patients to estimate the prognostic value of decreased E-cadherin expression in ovarian cancer. Reduced expression of E-cadherin was significantly associated to poor overall survival (HR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.40–2.17) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.12–1.86) with a large heterogeneity for overall survival. In addition, we found that decreased expression of E-cadherin was significantly correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade (HR = 3.74, 95% CI: 2.24–6.23), E-cadherin membranous (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.01–2.14), pathologic grade (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.01–1.97), residual tumor size (HR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.99–3.72), and surgery (HR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.19–8.67). Our finding suggests that decreased E-cadherin expression may be a predictor of poor ovarian cancer prognosis.
Conjugates of ubiquitin cross-reactive protein distribute in a cytoskeletal pattern

Ubiquitin cross-reactive protein (UCRP), a 15-kDa interferon-induced protein, is a sequence homolog of ubiquitin that is covalently ligated to intracellular proteins in a parallel enzymatic reaction and is found at low levels within cultured cell lines and human tissues not exposed to interferon. Ubiquitin and UCRP ligation reactions apparently target distinct subsets of intracellular proteins, as judged from differences in the distributions of the respective adducts revealed on immunoblots. In this study, successive passages of the human lung carcinoma line A549 in the presence of neutralizing antibodies against alpha and beta interferons had no effect on the levels of either free or conjugated UCRP, indicating that these UCRP pools are constitutively present within uninduced cells and are thus not a consequence of autoinduction by low levels of secreted alpha/beta interferon. In an effort to identify potential targets for UCRP conjugation, the immunocytochemical distribution of UCRP was examined by using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies against recombinant polypeptide. UCRP distributes in a punctate cytoskeletal pattern that is resistant to extraction by nonionic detergents (e.g., Triton X-100) in both uninduced and interferon-treated A549 cells. The cytoskeletal pattern colocalizes with the intermediate filament network of epithelial and mesothelial cell lines. Immunoblots of parallel Triton X-100-insoluble cell extracts suggest that the cytoskeletal association largely results from the noncovalent association of UCRP conjugates with the intermediate filaments rather than direct ligation of the polypeptide to structural components of the filaments. A significant increase in the sequestration of UCRP adducts on intermediate filaments accompanies interferon induction. These results suggest that UCRP may serve as a trans-acting binding factor directing the association of ligated target proteins to intermediate filaments.