Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of open water dynamics with ENVISAT ASAR in support of land surface modelling at high latitudes

Abstract. Wetlands are generally accepted as being the largest but least well quantified single source of methane (CH4). The extent of wetland or inundation is a key factor controlling methane emissions, both in nature and in the parameterisations used in large-scale land surface and climate models. Satellite-derived datasets of wetland extent are available on the global scale, but the resolution is rather coarse (>25 km). The purpose of the present study is to assess the capability of active microwave sensors to derive inundation dynamics for use in land surface and climate models of the boreal and tundra environments. The focus is on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operating in C-band since, among microwave systems, it has comparably high spatial resolution and data availability, and long-term continuity is expected. C-band data from ENVISAT ASAR (Advanced SAR) operating in wide swath mode (150 m resolution) were investigated and an automated detection procedure for deriving open water fraction has been developed. More than 4000 samples (single acquisitions tiled onto 0.5° grid cells) have been analysed for July and August in 2007 and 2008 for a study region in Western Siberia. Simple classification algorithms were applied and found to be robust when the water surface was smooth. Modification of input parameters results in differences below 1 % open water fraction. The major issue to address was the frequent occurrence of waves due to wind and precipitation, which reduces the separability of the water class from other land cover classes. Statistical measures of the backscatter distribution were applied in order to retrieve suitable classification data. The Pearson correlation between each sample dataset and a location specific representation of the bimodal distribution was used. On average only 40 % of acquisitions allow a separation of the open water class. Although satellite data are available every 2–3 days over the Western Siberian study region, the irregular acquisition intervals and periods of unsuitable weather suggest that an update interval of 10 days is more realistic for this domain. SAR data availability is currently limited. Future satellite missions, however, which aim for operational services (such as Sentinel-1 with its C-band SAR instrument), may provide the basis for inundation monitoring for land surface and climate modelling applications.
Technical Perspective: Computing with the crowd

of human computation, since we can now express human computation in a programming language, we can next develop a model of human computation analogous to the PRAM. 2 This would, in turn, allow us to develop a theory of complexity for human computation to help us understand what problems are easy and difficult for humans to solve. Developing these theories might help us scale up AutoMan, which is currently designed to solve microtasks, in terms of complexity to solve bigger tasks and workflows. Taking a broader and more inter-disciplinary perspective, one can view a company as a computational device that combines the human computation of its employees with the machine computation of the company's computers. A better theoretical and empirical understanding of human computation could allow the field of computer science to inform how best to architect and organize companies for greater accuracy and efficiency. Whether or not AutoMan proves revolutionary as a programming language, it is important as an idea because it provides a " computational lens " 4 on the science of crowdsourcing, human computation, and the study of group problem solving. COMPUTER SCIENCE IS primarily focused on computation using microprocessors or CPUs. However, the recent rise in the popularity of crowdsourcing platforms, like Amazon's Mechanical Turk, provides another computational device—the crowd. Crowdsourcing is the act of outsourcing a job to an undefined group of people, known as the crowd, through an open call. 3 Crowdsourcing platforms are online labor markets where employers can post jobs and workers can do jobs for pay, but they can also be viewed as distributed computational systems where the workers are the CPUs and will perform computations for pay. In other words, crowdsourcing platforms provide a way to execute computation with humans. In a traditional computational system when a programmer wants to compute something, they interact with a CPU through an API defined by an operating system. But in a crowdsourcing environment, when a programmer wants to compute something, they interact with a human through an API defined by a crowdsourcing platform. Why might one want to do computation with humans? There are a variety of problems that are easy for humans but difficult for machines. Humans have pattern-matching skills and linguistic-recognition skills that machines have been unable to match as of yet. For example, FoldIt 1 is a system where people search for the natural configuration of proteins and their results …
Cd, Pb AND ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES OF MYTELLA STRIGATA (PELECYPODA: MYTILIDAE) OF SIX COASTAL LAGOONS OF NW MEXICO

Los contenidos de Cd y Pb de los tejidos blandos de los mejillones de mangle Mytella strigata colectados en 1996, en seis lagunas costeras del noroeste de Mexico variaron entre 0.73 y 1.9 µg g-l y entre 8.3 y 17.1 µg g-l, respectivamente; los valores de DDD variaron entre 4.5 y 119 ng g-l los de DDE desde menos del limite de deteccion (<DL) hasta 205 ng g-l y el DDT vario entre <DL hasta 4.1 ng g-l con los valores mas altos en las lagunas cercanas a zonas de agricultura intensiva, que se encuentran en la parte central y septentrional del estado de Sinaloa. El intervalo de las concentraciones de HCB fue de <DL hasta 695 ng g-l y los valores mayores se midieron en las lagunas meridionales, en areas de agricultura extensiva y menos mecanizada. Los valores de Pb superaron los limites aceptables para el consumo humano, mientras que los restantes no alcanzaron niveles preocupantes para la salud humana o ambiental, pero indican una tendencia al aumento en comparacion con estudios realizados con anterioridad.
Spinal microglial activation in rat models of neuropathic and osteoarthritic pain: An autoradiographic study using [3H]PK11195

Microglia serve as macrophage‐like cells in the central nervous system, and activation of microglial cells in the spinal cord may contribute to ongoing pain following peripheral trauma or nerve injury. Following pronociceptive stimulation, activated microglia exhibit increased expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR)/translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO).
Complications of Thyroid Gland Surgery $

(UWX÷UXO (UWDú , MD Thyroid operations still have a high risk of complications. The complications and association with the type of operation were evaluated prospectively in 88 patients. Seventy-nine of them were operated on for primary, 6 of them for secondary and 3 of them for thyroid cancer. Bilateral thyroidectomy was performed in 69 patients and 19 patients had unilateral thyroidectomy. The only permanent palsy of RLN occured in a patient with thyroid malignancy following total thyroidectomy. In the 8 RLN nonidentified patients, 2 RLN injury occurred. Only 1 RLN injury occurred out of 80 RLN identified patients (p <0.01). Transient hypocalcemic patients were operated on bilaterally. Only one hypertrophic wound scar developed and no hemorrhage or wound infection occurred in all patients. RLN injury rate was 3.41% and hypocalcemia rate was 4.42% in our study. This study indicated that lower incidence of complication can be achieved by the identification of RLN and parathyroid glands during the operation by the experienced surgeons. [Journal of Turgut Özal Medical Center 1997;4(1):80-83]
An update on the pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to an updated evidence-based drug treatment algorithm to be employed in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive review and classified according to the type of patients enrolled, the quality of the study design and the invasiveness, availability and complexity of the therapeutic approach. When ineffective, therapeutic trials with first-line strategies (such as the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and venlafaxine) should be followed by treatment approaches such as clomipramine, augmentation with antipsychotics or pindolol, SSRI megadoses or cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapeutic strategies are expected to help most patients with OCD. Additional approaches include intravenous clomipramine, oral morphine, ‘heroic drug strategies’, deep brain stimulation and functional neurosurgery. Independent studies are urgently needed to help identify the most promising drug treatment sequences for OCD.
NR4A2 mutations are rare among European patients with familial Parkinson's disease

Four genes and six gene loci (PARK1–10) have been implicated in inherited forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). While the dominant forms appear to be very rare, recessively inherited types, such as parkin-associated PD, occur much more frequently. Recently, two recurrent heterozygous mutations in exon 1 of the NR4A2 gene, that encodes a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily essential for the differentiation of nigral dopaminergic neurons, have been found in 10 of 107 (9.3%) individuals with familial PD of European origin. Eight of the ten individuals carried the same mutation. Mode of inheritance appeared autosomal dominant in at least 8 of 10 cases, suggesting that NR4A2 mutations may be a relatively frequent finding among patients with dominantly inherited PD. To evaluate the role of NR4A2 in our own European PD population with a positive family history (FH), we tested 50 PD patients with at least one first-degree relative affected with PD for sequence changes in exon 1 of NR4A2. Thirty-five of the 50 patients represent a subgroup of a previously described cohort of 111 community-derived PD patients and were selected for this study based on positive FH and absence of parkin mutations (see reference 3 for detailed clinical and genetic findings). The remaining 15 familial PD cases were referred to our movement disorders clinic. Polymerase chain reaction products of exon 1 of NR4A2 (305bp, spanning both known mutations) were directly sequenced. All cases (27 women 23 men; mean age at onset 41.8 11.5 years) fulfilled the current diagnostic criteria for idiopathic PD, except for the presence of a positive FH. Surprisingly, we did not detect either of the two known recurrent, nor any other mutation in the 100 alleles of our series. Our data suggest that NR4A2 mutations are less frequent than previously assumed, even if evidence for a common founder is considered in three of the European families described by Le et al. Supporting this notion, none of the recently published large genome scans for PD genes demonstrated linkage to the NR4A2 region, and references herein while two of them showed linkage to the parkin region and subsequently identified parkin mutations. In this context, the linkage study by Scott et al. is of particular interest, since it included many extended pedigrees rather than sibling pairs only, and is thus more likely to identify genes with dominantly acting mutations. In conclusion, mutations in exon 1 of NR4A2 are not a major disease cause in European patients with familial PD.
Pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime in newborn infants

The pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime were determined in newborn infants who were 1 to 7 days of age. Mean peak serum concentrations of 116 and 132 micrograms/ml were observed at completion of a 10-min intravenous infusion of 50 mg of cefotaxime per kg in low and average birth weight infants, respectively. The mean elimination half-lives were 4.6 and 3.4 h and rates of clearance from serum were 23 and 44 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. A dosage schedule for cefotaxime in newborn infants is presented.
Low profile, directive and ultra wideband antenna on a high impedance surface

This paper describes a directive and ultra wideband antenna with a thickness of λ/20 at the lowest operating frequency. The low profile of the antenna is obtained by using a high impedance surface (HIS). In this article we explain the design of the antenna and of the high impedance surface, and then we describe how we optimize the radiating structure with the HIS. Radiation patterns are controlled by setting astutely resistive loads on the high impedance surface. This antenna operates from 3.2 GHz to 5 GHz with a broadside gain varying from 3.3dB to 9.35 dB. It can be used for UWB applications in European regulation context.
Nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa expresses alginate in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis and in a mouse model.

BACKGROUND In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), lung infection with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains overexpressing the exopolysaccaride alginate is preceded by colonization with nonmucoid strains. We investigated the kinetics, impact of environmental signals, and genetics of P. aeruginosa alginate expression in a mouse model and in patients with CF. METHODS Using indirect immunofluorescence, microarray technology and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, we assessed alginate gene expression during aerobic and anaerobic growth of the nonmucoid strain PAO1 in vitro, in a mouse lung-infection model and in sputum specimens from patients with CF infected with nonmucoid or mucoid P. aeruginosa strains. RESULTS Anaerobic conditions increased the transcription of alginate genes in vitro and in murine lungs within 24 h. Alginate production by PAO1 in murine lungs and by nonmucoid P. aeruginosa strains in patients with CF was reversible after in vitro culture under aerobic conditions. A subpopulation of P. aeruginosa clones revealing stable alginate production was detected in murine lungs 2 weeks after infection. CONCLUSIONS Anaerobiosis and lung infection rapidly induce alginate production by gene regulation in nonmucoid P. aeruginosa. This trait may contribute to early persistence, leading to chronic P. aeruginosa infection once stable mucoid strains are generated.
Food patterns, inflammation markers and incidence of cardiovascular disease: the Malmö Diet and Cancer study

Abstract. Hlebowicz J, Persson M, Gullberg B, Sonestedt E, Wallström P, Drake I, Nilsson J, Hedblad B, Wirfält E (Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden). Food patterns, inflammation markers and incidence of cardiovascular disease: the Malmö Diet and Cancer study. J Intern Med 2011; 270: 365–376.
The Effect of Steady Dyadic Opposition Forces on a Cooperative Point-Following Task

Previous papers have investigated human-human cooperative point-following, bimanual tasks, and human-robotic interactions on cooperative tasks. In this paper, we investigate human-human cooperative point-following with an additional component of matching set forces through a variety of paths. We wanted to find out how this additional component affected users’ ability to follow the target, while also determining new challenges caused by this additional component. The results showed that the force requirement made it more difficult than expected to follow slower, simpler paths. Faster paths were affected less. We also found that higher forces were found to be more difficult and that it took time for subjects to adjust to new target forces.
An Introduction to Optimal Control with an Application in Disease Modeling

This paper serves as an introduction to the theory of optimal control applied to systems of ordinary differential equations with emphasis on disease models. We outline the steps in formulating an optimal control problem and derive necessary conditions. Several simple examples provide detailed methodology in characterizing the optimal control through use of Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. An SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Recovered) model with control acting as a rate of vaccination is presented and an optimal control problem is formulated to include an isoperimetric constraint on the vaccine supply. Numerical results illustrate how such a constraint alters the optimal vaccination schedule and its effect on the population.
Inteferon gamma and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor augment the antifungal activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes against Scedosporium spp.: comparison with Aspergillus spp.

While Aspergillus spp. have been the most frequent filamentous fungi causing infections in immunocompromised patients, Scedosporium spp. are emerging as life-threatening pathogens. We studied the effects of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) alone or combined on the antifungal activities of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) against Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium prolificans. We paralleled these activities to those against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Incubation of PMN with IFN-gamma and GM-CSF for 22 h enhanced PMN-induced hyphal damage of both Aspergillus spp. and S. prolificans (p < 0.05) but not of S. apiospermum. However, hyphae of S. apiospermum were damaged significantly more after incubation with PMN that had been treated with IFN-gamma and GM-CSF for 2 h. In addition, incubation of PMN with GM-CSF for 2 h enhanced PMN oxidative burst measured as superoxide anion (O2-) production in response to nonopsonized hyphae of A. flavus and Scedosporium spp. (p < 0.05). In contrast, after 2 h, IFN-gamma and GM-CSF alone did not enhance PMN O2- in response to opsonized hyphae of A. flavus and Scedosporium spp. ; however, the combination of IFN-gamma and GM-CSF showed significant enhancement against these species. Thus, IFN-gamma and GM-CSF, particularly in combination, demonstrate a species- and time-dependent augmentation of PMN responses to Scedosporium spp.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Suppresses Differentiation and Increases Apoptosis of Osteoblasts From New Zealand Obese Mice.

BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a complex cluster of risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, is observed to be increasingly associated with periodontal disease. However, the fundamental contribution of periodontal bacteria to periodontal bone loss in patients with MetS remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis on differentiation of primary osteoblasts from New Zealand obese (NZO) mice, a model for MetS, compared with C57 Black 6 JAX (C57BL/6J) mice osteoblasts. METHODS Primary calvarial osteoblasts, isolated from 3-day-old NZO and control C57BL/6J mice, were stimulated with P. gingivalis. Proliferation was quantified by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation. Cell cycle and early and late apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Gene expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Twelve hours after P. gingivalis stimulation, NZO osteoblasts showed significantly decreased proliferation (P ≤0.01) with increased G2 cell cycle phase compared with normal osteoblasts. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated significant (P ≤0.01) increase of early apoptotic cells (annexin V positive) and late apoptosis (caspase 3 activity) in NZO cells compared with control cells at 3 and 6 hours after stimulation. No significant lactate dehydrogenase release was found after P. gingivalis stimulation. RT-PCR data showed significantly suppressed expression (P ≤0.01) of collagen 1, osteocalcin, and Runt-related transcription factor 2 in NZO cells compared with normal osteoblasts. CONCLUSIONS The present data demonstrate that P. gingivalis downregulates proliferation and promotes apoptosis in primary NZO osteoblasts, unlike C57BL/6J osteoblasts. Also, suppressed osteoblastic marker expression in NZO cells may contribute to pathogenesis of periodontitis, suggesting a similar process in patients with MetS.
A CPW fed microstrip patch quasi-optical amplifier array

A CPW fed microstrip patch quasi-optical power combining amplifier array is introduced. The amplifier array uses CPW fed patches for both input and output antennas. This structure is not only compatible with MMIC implementations but can also provide a greater bandwidth for the patch antennas. A 4/spl times/4 amplifier array was designed and fabricated at X-band. Theoretical and experimental results are presented.
The global state of cataract blindness

Purpose of review Cataracts are a significant cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. The present article reviews the literature and describes the current extent of cataracts globally, barriers to treatment, and recommendations for improving the treatment of cataracts. Recent findings Prevalence and absolute number of blind because of cataracts remain high, although rates are declining in many areas globally. The age-standardized prevalence of blindness in adults older than 50 remains highest in western sub-Saharan Africa, with a rate of 6.0%. The greatest declines in age-standardized blindness because of cataracts in adults older than 50 between 1990 and 2010 were in East Asia, tropical Latin America, and western Europe. Recent studies have largely found higher rates of cataracts in women than in men. A new simulator for training ophthalmologists in manual small-incision cataract surgery holds promise for the future. Summary The rates of cataract surgery are increasing and postoperative outcomes are improving worldwide, yet challenges to reducing the cataract burden further remain. Cost, an insufficient number of ophthalmologists, and low government funding remain significant barriers but investment in further eye care infrastructure and training of additional ophthalmologists would improve the current situation.
New Theory Cracks Open the Black Box of Deep Learning

Even as machines known as “deep neural networks” have learned to converse, drive cars, beat video games and Go champions, dream, paint pictures and help make scientific discoveries, they have also confounded their human creators, who never expected so-called “deep-learning” algorithms to work so well. No underlying principle has guided the design of these learning systems, other than vague inspiration drawn from the architecture of the brain (and no one really understands how that operates either).
First trimester intact hCG as an early marker of trisomy 21: a promise unrecognised?

An initial study of trisomy 21 cases showed that prior to 10 weeks, maternal serum levels of intact hCG in the early first trimester are lower than normal. Here we further study the levels prior to and after 10 weeks of gestation to further establish whether or not the intact hCG is effective as a very early screening marker.