Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flexible triangular formation keeping of marine robotic vehicles using range measurements.

This paper addresses the problem of keeping an autonomous marine vehicle in a moving triangular formation by regulating its position with respect to two leader vehicles. The follower vehicle has no prior knowledge of the path described by the leaders but has access to their heading angle and is able to measure inter-vehicle ranges. It is assumed that the distance between the leaders is constant and known. A control strategy is adopted that generates speed and heading commands so as to drive suitably defined along track and cross track errors to zero. The commands are used as input to local inner loops for yaw and speed control. The paper describes the algorithms derived for range-based control and assesses their performance in simulations using realistic models of the vehicles involved. Tests with three autonomous marine vehicles equipped with acoustic modems and ranging devices allow for the evaluation of the performance of the algorithms in a real-world situation.
Impaired inflammatory response and increased oxidative stress and neurodegeneration after brain injury in interleukin‐6‐deficient mice

In order to determine the role of the neuropoietic cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) during the first 3 weeks after a focal brain injury, we examined the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and neuronal survival in normal and interleukin‐6‐deficient (knockout, IL‐6KO) mice subjected to a cortical freeze lesion. In normal mice, the brain injury was followed by reactive astrogliosis and recruitment of macrophages from 1 day postlesion (dpl), peaking at 3–10 dpl, and by 20 dpl the transient immunoreactions were decreased, and a glial scar was present. In IL‐6KO mice, the reactive astrogliosis and recruitment of macrophages were decreased throughout the experimental period. The expression of the antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic factors metallothionein I+II (MT‐I+II) was increased prominently by the freeze lesion, but this response was significantly reduced in the IL‐6 KO mice. By contrast, the expression of the antioxidants Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn‐SOD), Mn‐SOD, and catalase remained unaffected by the IL‐6 deficiency. The lesioned mice showed increased oxidative stress, as judged by malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrotyrosine (NITT) levels and by formation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). IL‐6KO mice showed higher levels of MDA, NITT, and iNOS than did normal mice. Concomitantly, in IL‐6KO mice the number of apoptotic neurons was significantly increased as judged by TUNEL staining, and regeneration of the tissue was delayed relative to normal mice. The changes in neuronal tissue damage and in brain regeneration observed in IL‐6KO mice are likely caused by the IL‐6‐dependent decrease in MT‐I+II expression, indicating IL‐6 and MT‐I+II as neuroprotective factors during brain injury. GLIA 32:271–285, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The timing of exposure of mononuclear phagocytes to recombinant interferon γ and recombinant tumor necrosis factor α alters interactions with Nocardia asteroides

Nocardia asteroides modulates phagocyte function and grows within macrophages. Because interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) have been shown to activate macrophages to kill a variety of microorganisms, the effects of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α on the activation of murine macrophages and human monocytes to kill nocardiae were studied. It was found that macrophages or monocytes treated with either IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, or lipopolysaccharide as a secondary signal did not demonstrate increased microbicidal activity against N. asteroides even though these phagocytes were effective at killing the fungus Coccidioides immitis and the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Preincubation of phagocytes for 24 h with these compounds resulted in an enhancement of nocardial growth. In contrast, coincubation of these factors with the nocardiae and mononuclear cells during phagocytosis resulted in inhibition of nocardial growth even though this bacterium was not killed. Therefore, the specific timing of the exposure of the phagocyte in vitro to IFN‐γ or TNF‐α has a significant effect on its ability to alter nocardial growth.
Cirrhotic nodules: association between MR imaging signal intensity and intranodular blood supply.

PURPOSE To retrospectively determine whether there is a relationship between the intranodular blood supply evaluated at computed tomography (CT) during arterial portography (CTAP) and CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging signal intensity of nodules associated with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Neither institutional review board approval nor informed consent was required for retrospective reviews of medical records and images. One hundred fourteen hepatocellular nodules 10 mm or greater in largest diameter in 58 patients (39 men, 19 women; mean age, 61 years) with cirrhosis were evaluated at CTAP, CTHA, and MR imaging. The CTAP and CTHA nodule findings were divided into three main types: Type A nodules were isoattenuating at CTAP and hypoattenuating at CTHA; type B nodules, slightly hypoattenuating at CTAP and hypoattenuating at CTHA; and type C nodules, strongly hypoattenuating at CTAP and hyperattenuating at CTHA. The relationships between the CTAP and CTHA findings and the MR imaging signal intensity among these nodules were analyzed by using the chi(2) test. RESULTS On T1-weighted MR images, 27 (63%) of 43 type A nodules were hyperintense, nine (39%) of 23 type B nodules were isointense, and 19 (48%) of 40 type C nodules were hypointense; differences were not significant. On T2-weighted MR images, 31 (72%) of 43 type A nodules were hypointense (P < .05), 12 (52%) of 23 type B nodules were isointense, and 34 (85%) of 40 type C nodules were hyperintense (P < .05). CONCLUSION There was a significant association between intranodular blood supply and nodule signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images. However, study findings did not show whether the blood itself (ie, blood volume or blood flow amount) directly influenced the signal intensity.
Iron and Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis

Increased iron deposition might be implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent development of MRI enabled to determine brain iron levels in a quantitative manner, which has put more interest on studying the role of iron in MS. Evidence for abnormal iron homeostasis in MS comes also from analyses of iron and iron-related proteins in CSF and blood and postmortem MS brain sections. However, it is not yet clear if iron accumulation is implicated in MS pathology or merely reflects an epiphenomenon. Further interest has been generated by the idea of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency that might be associated with brain iron accumulation due to a reduction in venous outflow, but its existence and etiologic role in MS are currently controversially debated. In future studies, combined approaches applying quantitative MRI together with CSF and serum analyses of iron and iron-related proteins in a clinical followup setting might help to elucidate the implication of iron accumulation in MS.
A population‐based study elicits a reverse correlation between age and overall survival in elderly patients with rectal carcinoma receiving adjuvant chemotherapy

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer‐related death globally. This population‐based study aimed to explore the predictive factors that affected the overall survival of rectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery using a Cox proportional hazards modeling approach. A total of 619 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery were enrolled between October 2006 and May 2013. Clinical characteristics of the patients were compared among the groups and potential prognostic factors were analyzed using the spss program, version 19.0. Patients aged ≥ 70 years have distinctive characteristics such as lager tumour size (≥ 5 cm), damaged micturition and higher incidence of diabetes compared to younger and middle‐aged patients. Male gender, tumour size (≥ 5 cm), poor differentiation, later stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, damaged micturition, hypertension or diabetes are associated with a worse prognosis for rectal cancer patients (P < 0.05). However, smoking is a favourable factor to the patients (P = 0.018). Age of ≥ 70 years is an independent prognostic factor for patients with rectal cancer after surgery (P = 0.000) and elderly patients with Stage II and III disease receiving adjuvant chemotherapy show a favourable prognosis. The elderly patients who suffered from diabetes receiving adjuvant chemotherapy have a poor prognosis. Further prospective and large population studies are warranted to confirm the findings of this study.
Embryo Relinquishment for Family Building: How Should it be Conceptualised?

This article discusses two competing conceptualisations of the relinquishment of unused cryopreserved embryos for family building, as either ‘embryo donation’ or ‘embryo adoption’. The evidence on how embryo relinquishment is conceptualised, and the views, experiences, and perceptions of fertility patients with unused cryopreserved embryos, are examined by reviewing 41 English-language research papers published between 1995 and 2010 located by means of an extensive search of electronic databases and other sources. The article then formulates proposals for a multi-model approach to embryo relinquishment for family building that reflects individual choice and the diversity of contemporary cultures and communities and facilitates access to information about their genetic origins by individuals conceived as a result of embryo relinquishment.
stu Black Holes Unveiled

The general solutions of the radial attractor flow equations for extremal black holes, both for non-BPS with non-vanishing central charge Z and for Z = 0, are obtained for the so-called stu model, the minimal rank-3 N = 2 symmetric supergravity in d = 4 space-time dimensions. Comparisons with previous results, as well as the fake supergravity (first order) formalism and an analysis of the BPS bound all along the non-BPS attractor flows and of the marginal stability of corresponding D-brane configurations, are given.
Comparison of Nomograms With Other Methods for Predicting Outcomes in Prostate Cancer: A Critical Analysis of the Literature

Purpose: Accurate estimates of risk are essential for physicians if they are to recommend a specific management to patients with prostate cancer. Accurate risk estimates are also required for clinical trial design, to ensure homogeneous patient groups. Because there is more than one model available for prediction of most outcomes, model comparisons are necessary for selection of the best model. We describe the criteria based on which to judge predictive tools, describe the limitations of current predictive tools, and compare the different predictive methodologies that have been used in the prostate cancer literature. Experimental Design: Using MEDLINE, a literature search was done on prostate cancer decision aids from January 1966 to July 2007. Results: The decision aids consist of nomograms, risk groupings, artificial neural networks, probability tables, and classification and regression tree analyses. The following considerations need to be applied when the qualities of predictive models are assessed: predictive accuracy (internal or ideally external validation), calibration (i.e., performance according to risk level or in specific patient subgroups), generalizability (reproducibility and transportability), and level of complexity relative to established models, to assess whether the new model offers advantages relative to available alternatives. Studies comparing decision aids have shown that nomograms outperform the other methodologies. Conclusions: Nomograms provide superior individualized disease-related risk estimations that facilitate management-related decisions. Of currently available prediction tools, the nomograms have the highest accuracy and the best discriminating characteristics for predicting outcomes in prostate cancer patients.
Kinetics of In Vivo Elimination of Suicide Gene-Expressing T Cells Affects Engraftment, Graft-versus-Host Disease, and Graft-versus-Leukemia after Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation1

Suicide gene therapy is one approach being evaluated for the control of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We recently constructed a novel chimeric suicide gene in which the entire coding region of HSV thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) was fused in-frame to the extracellular and transmembrane domains of human CD34 (ΔCD34-tk). ΔCD34-tk is an attractive candidate as a suicide gene in man because of the ensured expression of HSV-tk in all selected cells and the ability to rapidly and efficiently purify gene-modified cells using clinically approved CD34 immunoselection techniques. In this study we assessed the efficacy of the ΔCD34-tk suicide gene in the absence of extended ex vivo manipulation by generating transgenic animals that express ΔCD34-tk in the peripheral and thymic T cell compartments using the CD2 locus control region. We found that ΔCD34-tk-expressing T cells could be purified to near homogeneity by CD34 immunoselection and selectively eliminated ex vivo and in vivo when exposed to low concentrations of GCV. The optimal time to administer GCV after allogeneic BMT with ΔCD34-tk-expressing transgenic T cells was dependent on the intensity of the conditioning regimen, the leukemic status of the recipient, and the dose and timing of T cell infusion. Importantly, we used a controlled graft-vs-host reaction to promote alloengraftment in sublethally irradiated mice and provide a graft-vs-leukemia effect in recipients administered a delayed infusion of ΔCD34-tk-expressing T cells. This murine model demonstrates the potential usefulness of ΔCD34-tk-expressing T cells to control GVHD, promote alloengraftment, and provide a graft-vs-leukemia effect in man.
An Intelligent Personal Assistant for Task and Time Management

We describe an intelligent personal assistant that has been developed to aid a busy knowledge worker in managing time commitments and performing tasks. The design of the system was motivated by the complementary objectives of (1) relieving the user of routine tasks, thus allowing her to focus on tasks that critically require human problem-solving skills, and (2) intervening in situations where cognitive overload leads to oversights or mistakes by the user. The system draws on a diverse set of AI technologies that are linked within a Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) agent system. Although the system provides a number of automated functions, the overall framework is highly user centric in its support for human needs, responsiveness to human inputs, and adaptivity to user working style and preferences.
Plants of the Genus Zingiber as Source of Antimicrobial Agents: from Tradition to Pharmacy

Plants of the genus Zingiber (Family Zingiberaceae) are widely used throughout the world 51 as food and medicinal plants. They represent very popular herbal remedies in various traditional 52 healing systems; in particular, rhizome of Zingiber spp. plants has a long history of ethnobotanical 53 uses because of a plethora of curative properties. Antimicrobial activity of rhizome essential oil has 54 been extensively confirmed in vitro and attributed to its chemical components, mainly consisting in 55 monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as α-zingiberene, ar-curcumene, β-bisabolene 56 and β-sesquiphellandrene. In addition, gingerols have been identified as the major active 57 components in the fresh rhizome, whereas shogaols, dehydrated gingerol derivatives, are the 58 predominant pungent constituents in dried rhizome. Zingiber spp. may thus represent a promising 59 and innovative source of natural alternatives to chemical food preservatives. This approach would 60 meet the increasing concern of consumers aware of the potential health risks associated with the 61 conventional antimicrobial agents in food. This narrative review aims providing a literature 62 overview on Zingiber spp. plants, their cultivation, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and 63 biological activities. 64
Mentoring the Statutory Child Protection Manager—A Strategy for Promoting Proactive, Outcome Focused Management

Few child protection managers come to their roles with the management knowledge, skills and training to prepare them for the challenge of frontline child protection management. Without ongoing developmental support, it is likely that many will struggle, a number will leave their organisations, and critical child protection outcomes, such as increased child safety and wellbeing, will not be achieved. This paper reports on a 10‐month mentoring programme provided as part of a larger research project focused on promoting outcome‐focused management in statutory child protection area offices in Queensland, Australia. The 14 mentoring participants reported significant benefits of mentoring, with many experiencing fundamental shifts in their management approach. The research has important implications for social work education in terms of better providing for the educational needs of child protection managers.
Approaches to Music Notation: The printed score as a mediator of meaning in Western tonal tradition

In this exploratory, qualitative study, selected young musicians' ways of taking musical meaning from notation were investigated. A socio-cultural theoretical perspective was applied, which means that relations between traditions and individuals were especially accounted for. From the results of the study, conclusions on functions of the printed score as a mediator of musical meaning were drawn, and a theory of instrumental training was developed. Two main approaches to music notation were found: a REPRODUCTIVE and an EXPLORATIVE APPROACH. In the REPRODUCTIVE APPROACH, the function of the printed score is that of an explicitly normative document, which prescribes how to play, and through which the performance is to be assessed. In the EXPLORATIVE APPROACH, the function is that of an invitation to seek out implicit meaning according to the musicians' individual judgement, within a frame of agreed understanding in Western tonal music that they share with the composer. The conclusion was drawn, that strategies for coping with music notation, used in early levels of instrumental education, might strongly influence musicians in the long term, however skilled and experienced they may be. Teaching methods based on a REPRODUCTIVE APPROACH to the printed score may even prevent professional musicians from applying musical understanding developed later. Based on these results, a theory of instrumental teaching was developed, meaning that teacher's attitudes towards students, as well as towards music notation, might either support or obstruct students' development.
Analysis of Mutual Coupling Effects on Channel Capacity of MIMO Systems

A study of the capacity of MIMO systems is presented, with particular emphasis on the analysis of mutual coupling effects on the radiation patterns based on method of moments and influence on the channel capacity of MIMO systems with ray tracing technique. It is shown that mutual coupling may lead to a distortion of the radiation pattern of each element compared with the isolated one. When inter-element spacing is less than 0.4 lambda in the receiver side, mutual coupling effects can improve the channel capacity of MIMO systems.
Peer support groups: fostering a deeper approach to learning through critical reflection on practice

Twenty part‐time first year foundation degree students and two tutors in an English higher education institution engaged in an internally funded collaborative action research project. We explored the establishment of peer support groups to support students’ reflection on practice, based on the 10 principles of reflective practice described by Ghaye and Ghaye in 1998. Over 10 weeks the tutor and students engaged in weekly peer group discussions focusing on students’ developmental understanding and use of each principle. As participant observer over six weeks I noted and reflected upon incidents that had relevance to the investigation. The students kept group reflective records and the module tutor wrote an informal diary record of her perceptions of the broader impact of the peer group sessions over time. We all engaged in weekly discussions about the initiative. Regular peer group activities appeared to support deeper learning approaches and an increase in students’ reflective capacity.
Bisexuality and Family: Narratives of Silence, Solace, and Strength

This article examines the constellation of factors that come to bear in the family domain for bisexually desiring, behaving, or identifying individuals. Specifically, it interrogates the prevailing conditions that hinder or encourage disclosure of bisexuality and the consequences of such action. It argues that the family is uniquely situated at the interface of private and public domains of sociality, and, thus, negotiation of sexuality is herein constructed through the articulation of the “the family closet. ” Analysis draws on doctoral research that investigated the sociological nexus of sex, gender, and bisexuality in an Australian sample. Data collected via 47 in-depth interviews comprised a sex-/gender-diverse cohort including men and women, as well as transgender, cross-dressing, genderqueer, and intersex individuals. From this diversity of narratives the family environ emerged as a primary locus of personal and social challenge. Case studies taken from the data demonstrate how disclosure of bisexuality to family of origin was a selective process predicated by a range of sociocultural considerations such as religion, geographical location, and dominant discourses of gender and sexuality. These narratives foreground a spectrum of family responses spanning total estrangement, silence and/or denial, tentative acknowledgement, or complete acceptance and support. Whether encountered as sites of negative resistance or positive acceptance, respondents’ stories illuminate the capacity to forge strategies of coping, resilience, and empowerment. A theoretical framework informed by the nomadic philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari is deployed in order to explain these findings.
Algorithm fusion to improve detection of lung cancer on chest radiographs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show an efficient method for the detection of signs of early lung cancer. Various image processing algorithms are presented for different types of lesions, and a scheme is proposed for the combination of results.Design/methodology/approach – A computer aided detection (CAD) scheme was developed for detection of lung cancer. It enables different lesion enhancer algorithms, sensitive to specific lesion subtypes, to be used simultaneously. Three image processing algorithms are presented for the detection of small nodules, large ones, and infiltrated areas. The outputs are merged, the false detection rate is reduced with four separated support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. The classifier input comes from a feature selection algorithm selecting from various textural and geometric features. A total of 761 images were used for testing, including the database of the Japanese Society of Radiological Technology (JSRT). Findings – The fusion of algorithms reduced false po.