Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pseudopodial features and feeding behavior of living nassellarians Eucyrtidium hexagonatum Haeckel, Pterocorys zancleus (Müler) and Dictyocodon prometheus Haeckel

ABSTRACT Light microscopic studies, using both video imaging and normal camera, were made on living nassellarian radiolarians Eucyrtidium hexagonatum Haeckel, Pterocorys zancleus (Müler) and Dictyocodon prometheus Haeckel from the East China Sea off Okinawa Island, Japan. Continuous and careful observations revealed pseudopodial activity related mostly to feeding behavior. The results are presented in detail with the definition of 11 descriptive terms for nassellarian pseudopodia. Among them, terminal projections (TP) extending as straight projections from the aperture of the shell body and forming a conical structure (terminal cone: TC) and axial projections (XP) prolonged outward from the center of the aperture and proximally surrounded by TP are used for feeding. Although there are some minor differences, feeding activities of the three species can be subdivided into the following three cyclic phases; Phase 1 characterized by gradual extension of TP and XP from the aperture, Phase 2 marked by an abrupt withdrawal of TP and XP toward the aperture to engulf captured prey, and Phase 3 during which entangled TP used for capturing prey are completely retracted into the aperture. These lines of evidence suggest that the shell aperture plays the same role of a feeding apparatus as does a mouth. Interestingly, XP of E. hexagonatum sometimes shows abnormal branching, fusion and separation, which is different from the spumellarian axoflagellum.
Early Ordovician U‐Pb metamorphic ages of the eclogite‐bearing Seve Nappes, Northern Scandinavian Caledonides

ABSTRACT Eclogite‐grade metamorphism of the Seve Nappe Complex (SNC) in Norrbotten, Sweden, records the attempted subduction of the Baltic continental margin during the early Palaeozoic evolution of the Iapetus Ocean. Metamorphic titanite sampled from several calcsilicate gneisses of the SNC in Norrbotten occurs as part of a prograde, eclogite facies metamorphic mineral assemblage and yields concordant to nearly concordant U/Pb ages of 500–475 Ma. Later structural disruption of these rocks occurred during the Siluro‐Devonian Scandian phase of the Caledonide orogeny, but the U/Pb systematics show no evidence of a second generation (metamorphic or recrystallized) of titanite, or of post‐Early Ordovician disturbance through Pb loss. Hence the U/Pb ages are believed to record the time of prograde mineral growth during eclogite facies metamorphism of the SNC.
CAD-guided automated nanoassembly using atomic force microscopy-based nonrobotics

Nanoassembly using atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a promising technique for nanomanufacturing. Most AFM-based nanoassembly schemes are implemented either manually using haptic devices or in an interactive way between the users and the atomic force microscope images. These schemes are time consuming and inefficient. Therefore, the computer-aided design (CAD)-guided automated nanoassembly using AFM is desirable for nanomanufacturing. In this paper, a general framework for CAD-guided automated nanoassembly using AFM is developed. Based on the CAD model of a nanostructure, the manipulation paths for both nanoparticles and nanorods are generated automatically. A local scanning method is developed to compensate for the random drift that may cause the failure of the nanoassembly. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed general framework can be employed to manufacture nanostructures efficiently. The research work opens a door to the CAD-guided automated nanomanufacturing using AFM. Note to Practitioners-Atomic force microscope (AFM)-based nanoassembly will lead to potential breakthroughs in manufacturing new revolutionary industrial products because many potential nanostructures and nanodevices are asymmetric, which cannot be manufactured using self-assembly only. In order to increase the efficiency and accuracy of AFM-based nanoassembly, automated computer-aided-design (CAD)-guided nanoassembly is desirable to manufacture nanostructures and nanodevices. Based on the CAD model, the environment model and the model of the nanoobjects, collision-free paths are generated to control the AFM tip to manipulate nanoobjects. A local scanning method is developed to obtain the actual position of each nanoobject to compensate for the random drift. Since the building materials of nanostructures and nanodevices may include nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, etc., automated path planning algorithms are developed for both nanoparticles and nanorods. The experimental results show that the developed general framework can be used to manufacture nanostructures more efficiently.
Approximate solutions to second order parabolic equations II: time-dependent coefficients

We consider second order parabolic equations with coefficients that vary both in space and in time (non-autonomous). We derive closedform approximations to the associated fundamental solution by extending the Dyson-Taylor commutator method that we recently established for autonomous equations. We establish error bounds in Sobolev spaces and show that by including enough terms, our approximation can be proven to be accurate to arbitrary high order in the short-time limit. We show how our method extends to give an approximation of the solution for any fixed time and within any given tolerance. Some applications to option pricing are presented. In particular, we perform several numerical tests, and specifically include results on Stochastic Volatility models.
St. Venant-Exner Equations for Near-Critical and Transcritical Flows

The solution of the St. Venant-Exner equations as a model for bed evolution is studied under conditions when the Froude number, F, approaches unity, and the quasi-steady model becomes singular. It is confirmed that the strict criterion for critical flow, the vanishing of a water surface disturbance celerity, is not met, yet the direction of propagation of a bed wave aparently changes depending on whether F>1 or F 1, is also investigated, and the solution exhibits an apparently different behavior than cases where the flow is everywhere sub- or supercritical, but can be understood as a hybrid of the latter cases.
Accuracy of binary black hole waveform models for aligned-spin binaries

Coalescing binary black holes are among the primary science targets for second generation ground-based gravitational wave detectors. Reliable gravitational waveform models are central to detection of such systems and subsequent parameter estimation. This paper performs a comprehensive analysis of the accuracy of recent waveform models for binary black holes with aligned spins, utilizing a new set of 84 high-accuracy numerical relativity simulations. Our analysis covers comparable mass binaries (mass-ratio 1≤q≤3), and samples independently both black hole spins up to a dimensionless spin magnitude of 0.9 for equal-mass binaries and 0.85 for unequal mass binaries. Furthermore, we focus on the high-mass regime (total mass ≳50M⊙). The two most recent waveform models considered (PhenomD and SEOBNRv2) both perform very well for signal detection, losing less than 0.5% of the recoverable signal-to-noise ratio ρ, except that SEOBNRv2’s efficiency drops slightly for both black hole spins aligned at large magnitude. For parameter estimation, modeling inaccuracies of the SEOBNRv2 model are found to be smaller than systematic uncertainties for moderately strong GW events up to roughly ρ≲15. PhenomD’s modeling errors are found to be smaller than SEOBNRv2’s, and are generally irrelevant for ρ≲20. Both models’ accuracy deteriorates with increased mass ratio, and when at least one black hole spin is large and aligned. The SEOBNRv2 model shows a pronounced disagreement with the numerical relativity simulation in the merger phase, for unequal masses and simultaneously both black hole spins very large and aligned. Two older waveform models (PhenomC and SEOBNRv1) are found to be distinctly less accurate than the more recent PhenomD and SEOBNRv2 models. Finally, we quantify the bias expected from all four waveform models during parameter estimation for several recovered binary parameters: chirp mass, mass ratio, and effective spin.
DEM corrected ERS-1 SAR data for snow monitoring

Abstract This paper presents the results from a study on the use of ERS-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for snow parameter extraction in mountainous areas. Eight ERS-1 SAR data set and data from four field measurements from the Kvikne area in south Norway have been available. The data have been acquired during the snow melt period from April until June 1992. The SAR data have been calibrated and geocoded using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, and analysed in terms of evaluating the relationship between the backscattering coefficient σ0, and snow conditions. A decrease in σ0 of ∼3 dB between dry and wet snow has been observed, which indicates that ERS-1 SAR data can be used for monitoring the extent of wet snow cover. Significant differences between σ0 as a function of local incidence angle for ascending and descending passes have been observed. These differences are likely to be explained by differences in snow properties. For the dry snow cover we have an indication of the volume scattering effects.
Multifractal representation of breaking waves on the ocean surface

It is established for the first time that the spatial distribution of breaking waves on the ocean surface is a multifractal process. This result is based on an analysis of airborne visible and near-infrared imagery of the ocean surface under a limited range of wind speed and fetch. A detailed study of the optical spectra of the images and the cumulative probability structure of the prevalent background shows that the lower-intensity reflective areas follow a Rayleigh probability distribution. By contrast, the higher-intensity pixels associated with the scattered light from foam and breaking waves demonstrate scaling characteristics in both the optical spectra and the cumulative probability distributions. It is demonstrated that the degree to which the whitecaps are singularities on a dark background is described by a Lipschitz exponent α, which uniquely tags each breaking wave. This identification process, called “fractal” or “singularity filtering”, leads to a critical condition αc = 1 tentatively associated with the crossover from active entraining whitecaps to passively dissipating foam. The multifractal representation associated with the degree of singularity is simply a restatement that the imagery is composed of a continuum of sets, where each set consists of those breaking waves at a particular phase in their existence. The fractal spectrum of the image above a threshold is shown to be representable by a fractal generator. Physically, the fractal generator models the energy exchange in a breaking wave field as a flux of energy input from the atmosphere to the wave field cascaded over scales of the order of a kilometer to meters. If the energy flux is further parameterized in terms of the receiving area, an assumption similar to closure techniques used in classical turbulence models, the empirical results symmetrically span Phillips's basic arguments for the energy flux terms controlling a wind-driven sea.
SOUR graphs for efficient completion

We introduce a data structure called \emphSOUR graphs and present an efficient Knuth-Bendix completion procedure based on it. \emphSOUR graphs allow for a maximal structure sharing of terms in rewriting systems. The term representation is a dag representation, except that edges are labelled with equational constraints and variable renamings. The rewrite rules correspond to rewrite edges, the unification problems to unification edges. The Critical Pair and Simplification inferences are recognized as patterns in the graph and are performed as local graph transformations. Our algorithm avoids duplicating term structure while performing inferences, which causes exponential behavior in the standard procedure. This approach gives a basis to design other completion algorithms, such as goal-oriented completion, concurrent completion and group completion procedures.
Internal inconsistencies in dispersion-dominated models that incorporate chemical and microbial kinetics

Current understanding of transport processes in aquifers is limited by lack of precise point chemical concentration measurements. Recently, however, some careful measurements of vertical chemical concentration profiles have been made at several locations around the world that appear to support a consistent picture concerning the persistence of large vertical concentration gradients in aquifers and, by implication, the existence of very small vertical transverse dispersivities. These data were obtained in aquifers supporting microbial activity. Data analysis using a mathematical model which considers microbial degradation coupled to nutrient and oxygen transport indicates that a vertical transverse dispersivity on the order of 0.1 cm or less is consistent with the concentration gradients that were measured. The existence of such large gradients and low dispersivities is not consistent with the use of two-dimensional vertically averaged (areal) models as currently applied, especially if one is interested in the development of transport models with predictive capability beyond that associated with standard calibration and extrapolation. Even three-dimensional models with large vertical transverse dispersivities compared to those measured will produce results inconsistent with measurements. Microbial-chemical activity is very sensitive to concentration distributions. Smearing of the oxygen profile can result in the prediction of aerobic activity where, in fact, none exists.
Spatio-temporal variation in the prevalence of trematodes in the bivalve Perumytilus purpuratus

Perumytilus purpuratus is an abundant bivalve located in the intertidal rocky zone of South America that has been considered as a key species of the ecosystem. There are few studies of the host-parasite relationship of this bivalve; thus, this research aims to analyse the spatial and temporal variation in the prevalence of trematodes in P. purpuratus. Bivalves were collected from three localities (El Tabo, Las Cruces and Montemar) of central Chile (33°S, 71°W) during different seasons of 2010. The bivalves were also collected every metre, from the lowest to the highest level of the intertidal rocky zone, to determine the parasite distribution within the localities. Three species of trematodes as sporocyst stages were found: Prosorhynchoides carvajali, Proctoeces sp. and an undetermined fellodistomid species. Of the 37,692 bivalve specimens collected, 2.68% were parasitised. The undetermined fellodistomid species was the most prevalent parasite observed (1.69%). There were little detected differences in the prevalence of some trematode species between seasons. The prevalence of P. carvajali varied between localities, being most prevalent at Montemar. The distribution of trematodes along the rocky zone within the localities was variable, with P. carvajali being more prevalent in the mid-lowest level of the intertidal zone and the undetermined fellodistomid species being more prevalent in the mid-highest level. Both the abundance of definitive hosts and the environmental conditions likely result in different levels of infection by trematodes in P. purpuratus between and within the localities.
The Effect of Exercising to Exhaustion at Different Intensities on Saliva Immunoglobulin A, Protein and Electrolyte Secretion

The quality and quantity of saliva may be important in defending against pathogens transmitted via the buccal cavity. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of cycling to exhaustion at moderate and high intensity on various salivary parameters and the time course of recovery. Eighteen male subjects of mixed physical fitness took part in the study. Subjects performed two bouts of exercise on separate occasions at least one week apart. Following an overnight fast, subjects cycled on an electrically braked cycle ergometer at a work rate equivalent to 80% VO2max until exhaustion. On another occasion they cycled on the same ergometer at 55% VO2max for 3 h or to fatigue (whichever was sooner). The order of the rides was randomised. Timed, unstimulated saliva samples were collected pre-exercise, during exercise, at cessation of exercise and at 1, 2.5, 5 and 24 h post-exercise. Saliva samples were analysed for IgA, total protein and osmolality. Saliva flow rate was significantly reduced by exercise (P < 0.01). Saliva IgA concentration, secretion rate and ratio to osmolality increased during exercise (P < 0.01). IgA to protein ratio did not change significantly during exercise. Since saliva protein secretion rate increased during exercise (P < 0.01) it appears that correcting for loss of saliva water by expressing IgA relative to protein is misleading. IgA secretion rate and IgA to osmolality ratio are more appropriate measures and neither parameter was lowered by exercise. The results of this study indicate that exercise may detrimentally affect the quantity of saliva produced, but not the quality of saliva. Furthermore, when exercise is to exhaustion, the intensity of the bout does not appear to influence the saliva response. Neither exercise protocol had any long term effect on saliva as all variables recovered within 1 h post-exercise.
Systemic Markers of Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidants in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

OBJECTIVES:The aim of the present study was to examine the systemic parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidants in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and investigate the relationship between these parameters and clinical and biochemical outcomes.METHODS:Fifty-one male patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (group I), 30 age-matched and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy male subjects, and 30 age-matched male patients with chronic viral hepatitis (group II) were enrolled in the study.RESULTS:Increased systemic levels of malondialdehyde and depletion of antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, CuZn-superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity were observed in group I. Coenzyme Q10 and CuZn-superoxide dismutase correlated negatively with increasing necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis. Body fat was negatively associated with plasma coenzyme Q10 levels, while an inverse association was found between plasma catalase levels and TG. However, LDL was positively associated with plasma malondialdehyde levels. CuZn-superoxide dismutase levels were negatively associated with glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. In addition, the levels of CuZn-superoxide dismutase correlated significantly in a negative manner with BMI.CONCLUSIONS:Our results concerning correlations suggest that disturbances in BMI, body fat, and lipid metabolism may contribute to altered oxidative status in NAFLD, and insulin resistance may be related to decreased antioxidants in NAFLD as well as products of lipid peroxidation. However, although our results suggest interesting correlations, this different mostly “weak” relationships must be taken with caution.
Colorectal carcinogenesis: Review of human and experimental animal studies

This review gives a comprehensive overview of cancer development and links it to the current understanding of tumorigenesis and malignant progression in colorectal cancer. The focus is on human and murine colorectal carcinogenesis and the histogenesis of this malignant disorder. A summary of a model of colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis (an AOM/DSS model) will also be presented. The earliest phases of colorectal oncogenesis occur in the normal mucosa, with a disorder of cell replication. The large majority of colorectal malignancies develop from an adenomatous polyp (adenoma). These can be defined as well-demarcated masses of epithelial dysplasia, with uncontrolled crypt cell proliferation. When neoplastic cells pass through the muscularis mucosa and infiltrate the submucosa, they are malignant. Carcinomas usually originate from pre-existing adenomas, but this does not imply that all polyps undergo malignant changes and does not exclude de novo oncogenesis. Besides adenomas, there are other types of pre-neoplasia, which include hyperplastic polyps, serrated adenomas, flat adenomas and dysplasia that occurs in the inflamed colon in associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Colorectal neoplasms cover a wide range of pre-malignant and malignant lesions, many of which can easily be removed during endoscopy if they are small. Colorectal neoplasms and/or pre-neoplasms can be prevented by interfering with the various steps of oncogenesis, which begins with uncontrolled epithelial cell replication, continues with the formation of adenomas and eventually evolves into malignancy. The knowledge described herein will help to reduce and prevent this malignancy, which is one of the most frequent neoplasms in some Western and developed countries.
The clinical utility of sonographic cervical length in the management of preterm parturition at 28–32 weeks of gestation

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cervical length measurement in early third trimester (28–32 weeks) as a predictor of preterm delivery (PTD), in women presenting with preterm parturition. Methods: Cervical length was measured prospectively, in singleton pregnancies at 28–32 weeks with preterm contractions (PTC). A multivariate linear regression model was performed to assess the association between cervical length and gestational age at delivery. Logistic regression analysis with PTD before 34 and 37 weeks of gestation as the outcome variable was performed to control for confounders. Results: Fifty-six women were included, mean gestational week at presentation and at delivery were 29.88 ± 1.13 and 37.05 ± 2.86, respectively. There was a direct association between short cervical length at admission and gestational week at delivery (p = 0.027). This association remained significant even after controlling for confounders. Short cervical length was significantly associated with PTD before 34 (p = 0.045) or 37 (p = 0.046) weeks of gestation. Conclusions: Third trimester cervical length measurement in patients with PTC is associated with gestational week at delivery, as well as PTD prior to 34 and 37 weeks of gestation. Therefore, examining cervical length is clinically valuable and probably cost-effective during early third trimester.
Scale and Orientation Invariance in Human Face Detection

Human face detection has always been an important problem for face, expression and gesture recognition. Though numerous attempts have been made to detect and localize faces, these approaches have made assumptions that restrict their extension to more general cases. In this research, we propose a feature-based face detection algorithm that can be easily extended to detect faces under diierent scale and orientation. Feature points are detected from the image using spatial lters and grouped into face candidates using geometric and gray level constraints. A probabilistic framework is then used to evaluate the likelihood of the candidate as a face. We provide results to support the validity of the approach, and show that the algorithm can indeed cope eeciently with faces at diierent scale and orientation.