Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Daily evolution of atmospheric gas pollutants vertical profile in a coastal mediterranean area

In this work we present a tomographic-like methodology for the retrieval of the vertical profile of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) in the boundary layer from ground based remote sensing measurements. A set of NO2 and O3 slant column densities at different elevation angles can be obtained with the Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) technique used in the multiple axis configuration. Measurements have been carried out in the Presidential Estate at Castel Porziano (Rome) using this technique, in the frame of a programme started in 1994 for studying and monitoring the Estate's environment, in the period from September to November 2006. The retrieval of information on the vertical profile of a trace gas obtained from slant column density DOAS measurements requires: (1) the simulation of the radiative transfer in the atmosphere for Air Mass Factor (AMF) calculation concerning the target trace gases; (2) the application of inversion schemes to derive the vertical profile of the gas pollutants under interest using the AMF matrix as the kernel of the inversion algorithm. In this paper the first retrieved vertical profiles of NO2 and O3 and their time evolution during the day are presented and discussed.
Functional interaction between DNA‐PKcs and telomerase in telomere length maintenance

DNA‐PKcs is the catalytic subunit of the DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK) complex that functions in the non‐homologous end‐joining of double‐strand breaks, and it has been shown previously to have a role in telomere capping. In particular, DNA‐PKcs deficiency leads to chromosome fusions involving telomeres produced by leading‐strand synthesis. Here, by generating mice doubly deficient in DNA‐PKcs and telomerase (Terc−/−/DNA‐PKcs−/−), we demonstrate that DNA‐PKcs also has a fundamental role in telomere length maintenance. In particular, Terc−/−/DNA‐PKcs−/− mice displayed an accelerated rate of telomere shortening when compared with Terc−/− controls, suggesting a functional interaction between both activities in maintaining telomere length. In addition, we also provide direct demonstration that DNA‐PKcs is essential for both end‐to‐end fusions and apoptosis triggered by critically short telomeres. Our data predict that, in telomerase‐deficient cells, i.e. human somatic cells, DNA‐PKcs abrogation may lead to a faster rate of telomere degradation and cell cycle arrest in the absence of increased apoptosis and/or fusion of telomere‐exhausted chromosomes. These results suggest a critical role of DNA‐PKcs in both cancer and aging.
Microwave photonics with Josephson junction arrays: Negative refraction index and entanglement through disorder

We study different architectures for a photonic crystal in the microwave regime based on superconducting transmission lines interrupted by Josephson junctions, both in one and two dimensions. A study of the scattering properties of a single junction in the line shows that the junction behaves as a perfect mirror when the photon frequency matches the Josephson plasma frequency. We generalize our calculations to periodic arrangements of junctions, demonstrating that they can be used for tunable band engineering, forming what we call a quantum circuit crystal. Two applications are discussed in detail. In a two-dimensional structure we demonstrate the phenomenon of negative refraction. We finish by studying the creation of stationary entanglement between two superconducting qubits interacting through a disordered media.
Blur hit-miss transform and its use in document image pattern detection

The usefulness of the hit-miss transform (HMT) and related transforms for pattern matching in document image applications is examined. Although the HMT is sensitive to the types of noise found in scanned images, including both boundary and random noise, a simple extension, the blur HMT, is relatively robust. The noise immunity of the blur HMT derives from its ability to treat both types of noise together, and to remove them by appropriate dilations. In analogy with the Hausdorff metric for the distance between two sets, metric generalizations for special cases of the blur HMT are derived. Whereas Hausdorff uses both directions of the directed distances between two sets, a metric derived from a special case of the blur HMT uses just one direction of the directed distances between foreground and background components of two sets. For both foreground and background, the template is always the first of the directed sets. A less restrictive metric generalization, where the disjoint foreground and background components of the template need not be set complements, is also derived. For images with a random component of noise, the blur HMT is sensitive only to the size of the noise, whereas Hausdorff matching is sensitive to its location. It is also shown how these metric functions can be derived from the distance functions of the foreground and background of an image, using dilation by the appropriate templates. The blur HMT is implemented efficiently with Boolean image operations. The FG and BG images are dilated with structuring elements that depend on image noise and pattern variability, and the results are then eroded with templates derived from patterns to be matched. Subsampling the patterns on a regular grid can improve speed and maintain match quality, and examples are given that indicate how to explore the parameter space. The blur HMT can be used as a fast heuristic to avoid more expensive integer-based matching techniques. Truncated matches give the same result as full erosions and are much faster.
Maternal factors and infant and child mortality in Bangladesh

Summary Multivariate analysis of the effects of maternal age at birth, birth order and the preceding birth interval on mortality risks in early childhood, using data from the Bangladesh Fertility Survey, 1975–76, confirms that the length of the preceding birth interval is the most influential single factor. But the lower mortality risks among infants and children of educated mothers are due neither to the age at which childbearing was initiated nor to the spacing between births.
The impossible coincidence. A single‐species model for the origins of modern human behavior in Europe

Few topics in palaeoanthropology have generated more recent debate than the nature and causes of the remarkable transformation in human behavioral patterns that marked the transition from the Middle to the Upper Paleolithic in Europe. 1–11 Those of us who have argued for an effective technological and cultural “revolution” at this point in the Paleolithic sequence have emphasized three main dimensions 1 , 2 , 9 , 11–14 : the wide range of different aspects of behavior that appear to have been affected (Fig. 1); the relative speed and abruptness with which most of these changes can be documented in the archeological records from the different regions of Europe; and the potentially profound social and cognitive implications of many of the innovations involved. Most striking of all in this context is the abrupt appearance and proliferation of various forms of perforated animal teeth, shells, beads, and other personal ornaments, and the even more dramatic eruption of remarkably varied and sophisticated forms of art, ranging from representations of male and female sex organs, through the highly stylized animal and combined animal‐human figures from southern Germany, to the striking wall paintings of the Chauvet Cave. 8 , 15–18 One might add to this the similar proliferation of more enigmatic but potentially equally significant abstract “notation” systems on bone and ivory artifacts. 19 To describe the Upper Paleolithic revolution in Europe as reflecting preeminently an explosion in explicitly symbolic behavior and expression is in no sense an exaggeration, as most prehistorians would now agree. We are probably on safe ground in assuming that symbolic behavior and expression of this level of complexity would be inconceivable in the absence of highly structured language systems and brains closely similar, if not identical to, our own. 5 , 17 , 20–28 .
Compositional, Functional and Sensory Characteristics of Selected Mexican Cheeses

The aim of this study was to describe the compositional, functional and sensory properties of six traditional Mexican cheeses: Panela, Oaxaca, Manchego, Manchego Botanero, Tenate, and Morral. A total of 50 cheeses were analysed. Relevant compositional parameters including pH, aw, proximate composition, NaCl, sugars, lactic and acetic acids, mineral contents, free-amino acid nitrogen, fat acid degree value and total fatty acids were determined. In addition, colour and texture profile analyses of unmelted cheeses and their meltability were investigated. Furthermore, other 30 cheeses were used for a descriptive sensory analysis. Properties of cheeses were described, compared between each cheese, and related to their respective making processes.
A meta-analysis of mycorrhizal responses to nitrogen, phosphorus, and atmospheric CO2 in field studies.

• Numerous field studies have measured mycorrhizal dynamics under additions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or atmospheric CO2 to test the hypothesis that plants should invest in mycorrhizal fungi when soil nutrients are limiting. • Here meta-analyses were used to integrate nutrient responses across independent field-based studies. Responses were compared between ecto- and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and among fertilizer types, methods of measurement, biomes, and lead investigators. Relationships between degree of response and study length, fertilization rates, total amounts of nutrients applied, and numbers of replicates were also tested. • Across studies, mycorrhizal abundance decreased 15% under N fertilization and 32% under P fertilization. Elevated CO2 elicited a 47% increase. Nitrogen effects varied significantly among studies, and P effects varied significantly among lead investigators. Most other factors did not affect mycorrhizal responses. • These results support the plant investment hypothesis, and suggest that global standing stocks of mycorrhizal fungi may increase substantially under elevated CO2 but decline moderately under P additions. Effects of N deposition may be difficult to predict for individual ecosystems, with a slightly negative influence overall.
CA 19-9 tumor marker: is it reliable? A case report in a patient with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies affecting mankind. At the time of diagnosis, only 20% of patients are considered eligible for surgery and approximately one half of these patients undergo successful resection. For patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease, the median survival time is less than 1 year.1-4 Thus, it is crucial to diagnose or detect the recurrence of pancreatic cancer at its early stage. Serum or tissue tumor markers have been proposed for use in clinical practice in order to predict prognosis, monitor response to treatment, and help detect recurrence. Among such markers, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is the most widely investigated. However, because CA 19-9 may be an imprecise or insufficient indicator of disease progression, treatment decisions should not be based solely on an increase of CA 19-9 levels. Here we present a case of a patient whose fluctuating levels of CA 19-9 did not reflect recurrent pancreatic malignancy.
Maximum Radiated Power Density From Electrically Large Sources—Comparing Probability Theory and Measurements

The unintentionally radiated power density from electrically large electronic equipment shows a strong directional dependence. The polarization of the emitted field is also a priori unknown. Time and economy makes it prohibitive to measure all orientations of the equipment. A simple probability model has been proposed to quantify the magnitude of the effect: the power received by a measurement antenna is exponentially distributed. We verify that simple model by measurements.
Emerging extra-intestinal infections with Aeromonas hydrophila in coastal region of southern Karnataka.

BACKGROUND Aeromonas species are gram-negative rods usually isolated from the gastrointestinal tract. They have been occasionally reported as a cause of extra-intestinal infections such as cellulitis, cholangitis, necrotizing fascitis, meningitis, bacteremia, or peritonitis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. AIM To determine the role and possible pathogenesis of Aeromonas in extra-intestinal infections. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Retrospective analysis carried out at Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Karnataka in the months of January and February 2007. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical manifestations and management of eight cases of extra-intestinal infections caused by A. hydrophila , from the south Karnataka coastal region were reviewed. The isolates were identified with the help of biochemical tests using standard guidelines. RESULTS All patients acquired Aeromonas infections in the community. Five (62.5%) had underlying illnesses, such as liver disease, diabetes mellitus or malignancy. Five (62.5%) had polymicrobial infections, and three (37.5%) were complicated with bacteremia. These included three patients with ulcers or abscess over the lower leg, two with cellulitis due to snake bite and one each with pelvic inflammatory disease, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and pneumonia. A. hydrophila was found to be a causative agent of pelvic inflammatory disease or cellulitis following sea snake bite, and such a clinical scenario has not been previously described. Seven patients survived the illness. CONCLUSIONS Isolation of A. hydrophila from extra-intestinal specimens demands utmost clinical and microbiological vigilance in diagnosis, since the organism can cause serious infections among immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent individuals.
Immortalization of human fibroblasts transformed by origin-defective simian virus 40

Simian virus 40 (SV40)-mediated transformation of human diploid fibroblasts has provided an effective experimental system for studies of both "senescence" in cell culture and carcinogenesis. Previous interpretations may have been complicated, however, by the semipermissive virus-cell interaction. In earlier studies, we previously demonstrated that the human diploid fibroblast line HS74 can be efficiently transformed by DNA from replication-defective mutants of SV40 containing a deletion in the viral origin for DNA synthesis (SVori-). In the current study, we found that such SVori- transformants show a significantly increased life span in culture, as compared with either HS74 or an independent transformant containing an intact viral genome, but they nonetheless undergo senescence. We have clonally isolated six immortalized derivatives of one such transformant (SV/HF-5). Growth studies indicate that the immortalized cell lines do not invariably grow better than SV/HF-5 or HS74. Genetic studies involving karyotypic analysis and Southern analysis of integrated viral sequences demonstrated both random and nonrandom alterations. All immortalized derivatives conserved one of the two copies of SV40 sequences which expressed a truncated T antigen. These cloned SV40-transformed cell lines, pre- and postimmortalization, should be useful in defining molecular changes associated with immortalization.
Studies of mammary carcinoma induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene administration.

The experimental production of mammary tumors by administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene was confirmed. Light microscopic examination of the multiple tumors thus produced showed different histological patterns in the same animal, although all tumors behaved similarly and none metastasized. Both epithelial and myoepithelial cells participated in tumor formation; the stroma also participated actively in tumor formation and growth. Unlike the case in human myoepithelial carcinoma of the breast, the enzyme alkaline phosphatase continued to be reactive on the plasma membrane of the proliferating myoepithelial cells. It is suggested that the lack of metastasis is related to several factors, all of which need further study. These factors include the simultaneous proliferation of myoepithelial and epithelial cells, the persistence of alkaline phosphatase on the plasma membrane of myoepithelial cells, and the infiltration of the tumor by mast cells.
Contexto de violencia de género en Honduras en el quinquenio 2008-2012

The object is to analyze the context of gender violence in Honduras in the quinquennium of 208-2012, enquire about the women cases that denounce violence situation, in that way is seem to determine the incidence of the aggression and violent murders of women, making a relationship with the culture of patriarchal model that still going in Honduras society; finally examine the institutional answer deal at the woman national politic on the axis of violence, the agreement of national legislation and international treats subscribe to Honduras against the prevention and eradication of women violence. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5377/pdac.v9i0. 1307 Revista Poblacion y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes Vol.9 2013: 67-77
Limited Hepatic Resection Effective for Selected Cirrhotic Patients with Primary Liver Cancer

We evaluated in retrospect the applicability of limited hepatic resection in cases of primary liver cancer in cirrhotic patients. According to the severity of impaired liver function, 37 patients underwent limited resection, and for 13, standard major hepatic resection was done. The mortality rate in case of limited resection was 10.8%, and the rate in case of massive excision was 15.4%. One, two- and five-year survival rates of limited operation were 79.9, 60.3, and 32.6%, respectively. After standard resection, the rates were 78.7, 67.5, and 22.5%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the mortality and survival rates between the two groups. These results indicate that, for the patient with a small liver cancer, and poor liver function, the limited procedure leads to a comparatively longer survival. This limited resection can be selectively used to treat cancer associated with cirrhosis and encapsulated tumors. For the preoperative evaluation, hepatic arteriograms aid in patient selection.
Posttranscriptional Regulation of IL-10 Gene Expression Through Sequences in the 3′-Untranslated Region1

IL-10 is an 18-kDa immunoregulatory cytokine the transcription of which is controlled by the ubiquitously expressed transcription factors Sp1 and Sp3. Although many cell types express IL-10 mRNA, not all make detectable amounts of protein, and levels of protein expression vary enormously. We show here that much of this variation can be accounted for by posttranscriptional mechanisms. Multiple copies of potential mRNA destabilizing motifs AUUUA and related sequences can be found to the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of IL-10 mRNA distributed through three potential regulatory regions. Evidence of RNA-destabilizing activities in all three regions was deduced from luciferase reporter assays. The half-life of RNA containing the 3′-UTR of IL-10 mRNA was quite short in both nonstimulated (t1/2 = 1 h), and PMA-stimulated EL-4 cell (t1/2 = 3 h). In contrast, the half-life of RNA lacking the 3′-UTR was much longer (t1/2 = >12 h) whether cells were stimulated or not. This suggests that many cells are poised to secrete IL-10 and will do so if they receive appropriate posttranscriptional signals.
Predictors of Postoperative Wound Necrosis Following Primary Wound Closure of Open Ankle Fractures

Background: Most open malleolar ankle fracture wounds can be closed primarily after meticulous debridement. However, the development of wound necrosis following operative treatment of open malleolar ankle fractures can have catastrophic consequences. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors predisposing to postoperative wound necrosis following primary wound closure of open malleolar ankle fractures. Methods: A total of 137 patients with open malleolar ankle fractures were identified. The open fracture wound was primarily closed in 110 of 137 (80%) patients, and postoperative wound necrosis occurred in 18 (16%) of these patients. These patients were compared to the open fracture patients without wound necrosis. Twenty possible risk factors for the development of wound necrosis were studied with logistic regression analysis. Results: The variables that were independently associated with an increased risk for postoperative wound necrosis included ASA class ≥2, Gustilo grade III open injury, and the use of pulsatile lavage at index surgery. Conclusions: Our study showed that ASA class ≥2, Gustilo grade III open injury, and the use of pulsatile lavage at index surgery were the most important factors predisposing to postoperative wound necrosis following primary wound closure of open malleolar ankle fractures. The findings warrant a further study specifically comparing primary and delayed wound closure in patients with Gustilo grade III open malleolar ankle fractures and different ASA classes. Also, the role of pulsatile lavage should be re-evaluated. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Relationships of power: implications for interprofessional education

Interprofessional education (IPE) is considered a key mechanism in enhancing communication and practice among health care providers, optimizing participation in clinical decision making and improving the delivery of care. An important, though under-explored, factor connected to this form of education is the unequal power relations that exist between the health and the social care professions. Drawing on data from the evaluation of a large multi-site IPE initiative, we use Witz's model of professional closure (1992) to explore the perspectives and the experiences of participants and the power relations between them. A subset of interviews with a range of different professionals (n = 25) were inductively analyzed to generate emerging themes related to perceptions of professional closure and power. Findings from this work highlight how professionals' views of interprofessional interactions, behaviours and attitudes tend to either reinforce or attempt to restructure traditional power relationships within the context of an IPE initiative.
A robust diacritics restoration system using unreliable raw text data

Statistical language models are utilized in many speech processing algorithms, e.g., automatic speech recognition (ASR). Such a model is created from a text corpus, but many of the text corpora for Romanian are unreliable with respect to the use of diacritic marks, i.e., diacritics are either partially or completely missing, resulting in low quality language models. We present a methodology for restoring diacritic marks to an unreliable text corpus, which requires no text resources apart from the corpus itself. The proposed methodology (i) identifies sections of the input corpus which are correct with respect to the use of diacritics, (ii) utilizes these sections to train a diacritics restoration system (DRS), and (iii) utilizes the DRS to correct the remaining sections of the corpus. We compare the DRS trained at (ii) with state-of-the-art systems, and observe up to 12% improvement with regard to the correctness of diacritic restoration. Furthermore, we utilize our methodology to create improved language models for the ASR system developed by the SpeeD laboratory, and demonstrate a decrease of 14% in perplexity and a 20% reduction of the out-of-vocabulary rate as a result.