Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nearly-Optimal Dynamic Programming and Behavioral Rules

The standard dynamic programming approach to exact optimization of sequential decision problems is extended to allow near-optimal optimization. A nearly-optimal solution is a probabilistic decision rule that satisfies a modified Bellman equation. The existence of a solution to this equation is proven. Every such solution defines a behavioral rule. Conversely, given any behavioral rule, there exists a dynamic programming problem for which the behavioral rule is a nearly-optimal solution. In light of this equivalence result, we argue economics can and should dispense with the optimization interpretation of behavior.
On Iterative Feedback CDC 02-INV 0402 Tuning for non-minimum phase plants ∗

The Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) is a data-based method for the tuning of restrictedcomplexity controllers. In the classical formulation, the IFT aims at minimizing a certain model-reference criterion in which the reference-model is chosen by the user. This minimization is based on signal information only. In this paper we formulate a new criterion for the IFT method. In the new criterion some freedom is given to the reference-model in order to let it reproduce the features of the unknown plant (i.e. the delay and non-minimum phase zeros) which the controller should not attempt to change. It is shown that using the new criterion corresponds to giving more emphasis to the placement of the closed loop poles.
Space-Surface Bistatic SAR Image Formation Algorithms

This paper presents algorithms designed for a subclass of bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BSAR) called space-surface BSAR (SS-BSAR). Two SS-BSAR configurations are considered. The first one assumes a stationary, spaceborne transmitter and a moving airborne receiver. The second case is the generalized SS-BSAR configuration, where the transmitter is nonstationary. The transmitter and receiver have essentially different flight paths and velocities. For each configuration under investigation, the characteristics of the corresponding SS-BSAR received signal are examined first. Then, each proposed algorithm is derived analytically, and verified via simulation.
Spectroscopy of neutron-rich nickel isotopes: Experimental results and microscopic interpretation.

The spectroscopy of neutron-rich isotopes of /sup 67/Ni and /sup 68/Ni is studied using the quasi-elastic transfer reactions (/sup 14/C,/sup 16/O) and (/sup 14/C,/sup 17/O) on a /sup 70/Zn mass separated target. The structure of these exotic nuclei is investigated in the framework of a microscopic collective model based on the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory. Gogny's two-body effective interaction is used. Collective excited states of /sup 68/Ni are obtained by solving the Bohr Hamiltonian in which inertia parameters are calculated in the cranking approximation. Spin and parity assignments to observed excited levels are suggested on the basis of information deduced from this analysis. This assignment is further checked by comparing measured angular distributions to predictions. Predictions of the level structure of /sup 70/Ni and /sup 78/Ni isotopes are given. A more precise test of the 0/sup +/ wave functions is provided by the calculation of monopole operator of the 0/sub 1//sup +/. -->. 0/sub 2//sup +/ transition in /sup 68/Ni. An impressive agreement is obtained between the measured and calculated half-life.
Identification of tumor-initiating cells in a highly aggressive brain tumor using promoter activity of nucleostemin

Controversy remains over whether the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory applies to all tumors. To determine whether cells within a highly aggressive solid tumor are stochastically or hierarchically organized, we combined a reporter system where the nucleostemin (NS) promoter drives GFP expression (termed NS-GFP) with a mouse brain tumor model induced by retroviral Ras expression on a p16Ink4a/p19Arf-deficient background. The NS-GFP system allowed us to monitor the differentiation process of normal neural stem/precursor cells by analyzing GFP fluorescence intensity. In tumor-bearing mice, despite the very high frequency of tumorigenic cells, we successfully identified the NS-GFP+ cells as tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs). The clonal studies conclusively established that phenotypical heterogeneity can exist among the cells comprising a genetically homogeneous tumor, suggesting that this aggressive brain tumor follows the CSC model. Detailed analyses of the NS-GFP+ brain tumor cells revealed that T-ICs showed activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met, which functions in tumor invasiveness. Thus, the NS-GFP system provides a powerful tool to elucidate stem cell biology in normal and malignant tissues.
Partial sequence of the asexually expressed SU rRNA gene of Plasmodium vivax.

We report here the partial sequence of the asexually expressed SU rRNA gene from the human pathogen Plasmodium vivax. The sequence is derived from a Hind III genomic DNA clone isolated by screening with radiolabelled insert of the corresponding gene fron P. berghei. The justification for the publication of a partial gene sequence lies in the fact that P. vivax can only be propagated for research purposes in chimpanzees, consequently DNA from this source is extremely rare. The coding region shown here is 1612 bp in length and ends at a conserved Hind III site which is located just 3' of the stem loop 41 to De Wachter's nomenclature
When the Traditional Justice System is the Best Suited Approach to Conflict Management: The Acholi Mato Oput, Joseph Kony, and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) In Uganda

The majority of Acholi recognize that most combatants in the Lord ' s Resistance Army (LRA) were fo rcibly abducted and have themselves been victims. This creates a moral empathy with the perpetrators and an acknowledgement that the formal justice system is not sufficiently nuanced to make the necessary distinctions between legal and moral gu ilt . This has generated a remarkable commitment to reconciliation and a peacefu l settlement of the conflict rather than calling for retribution against the perpetrators of serious abuses. The Acholi religious, cultural. and local government leaders have advocated for traditionally-based ritual processes for war-related justice, reconciliation, and reintegration, particularly mato oput, the ritual climax of an Acholi justice process bringing reconciliation in the wake of a homicide within the community
Allocation and Scheduling of Precedence-Related Periodic Tasks

This paper discusses a static algorithm for allocating and scheduling components of periodic tasks across sites in distributed systems. Besides dealing with the periodicity constraints, (which have been the sole concern of many previous algorithms), this algorithm handles precedence, communication, as well as replication requirements of subtasks of the tasks. The algorithm determines the allocation of subtasks of periodic tasks to sites, the scheduled start times of subtasks allocated to a site, and the schedule for communication along the communication channel(s). Simulation results show that the heuristics and search techniques incorporated in the algorithm are very effective. >
Common colds on Tristan da Cunha

SUMMARY Eight epidemics of respiratory disease have been observed among islanders of Tristan da Cunha. They seem to be initiated by the arrival of ships and transmission seemed to occur as a result of close human contact but could not always be traced. Islanders suffered from less colds than those in less isolated communities.
Precise regulation of multiple output voltages in a dc-dc converter

A new dc-dc converter is presented to perform the precise regulation of multiple output voltages, which is composed of the cascade connection circuit of the improved forward type multiple-output converter and the step-down type single-output converters. In the conventional multiple-output converter using cross regulation, the steady-state errors in the cross regulated outputs cannot be made smaller than some values for the change of the load even if the proportional gain of the feedback controller is increased. Also, in the multiple-output converters with additional switches, which are connected in series with the diode rectifiers in each cross regulated output unit, it is difficult to perform the precise regulation of multiple outputs for the large change of each load. On the other hand, by the method presented here, the satisfactory regulation performance can be achieved easily for the conditions of no load to full load. The steady-state and the dynamic characteristics are clarified through the equivalent circuits, and also it is demonstrated experimentally that this converter has a sufficiently high conversion efficiency.
México: ¿fragilidad financiera o crisis estructural?

Las debilidades en el sector bancario privatizado fueron un factor fundamental en la crisis de 1994-1995. Una elite rapaz impulso la adquisicion de prestamos para financiar un consumo conspicuo y actividades especulativas. El conocimiento privilegiado de algunos grupos acerca de esta debilidad influyo en la fuga de capitales de 1994, lo que forzo una devaluacion del peso. El gobierno manteniendo la politica de libre mercado implanto un plan masivo de rescate bancario que costo una cantidad superior a los ingresos obtenidos por la privatizacion bancaria durante 1991-1992. En 1996 el gobierno habia re-nacionalizado la mitad de la banca privatizada
The MODIS fire products

Fire products are now available from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) including the only current global daily active fire product. This paper describes the algorithm, the products and the associated validation activities. High-resolution ASTER data, which are acquired simultaneously with MODIS, provide a unique opportunity for MODIS validation. Results are presented from a preliminary active fire validation study in Africa. The prototype MODIS burned area product is described, and an example is given for southern Africa of how this product can be used in modeling pyrogenic emissions. The MODIS Fire Rapid Response System and a webbased mapping system for enhanced distribution are described and the next steps for the MODIS fire products are outlined. D 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
The Continuum of Dental Caries—Evidence for a Dynamic Disease Process

The eventual outcome of dental caries is determined by the dynamic balance between pathological factors that lead to demineralization and protective factors that lead to remineralization. Pathological factors include acidogenic bacteria, inhibition of salivary function, and frequency of ingestion of fermentable carbohydrates. Protective factors include salivary flow, numerous salivary components, antibacterials (both natural and applied), fluoride from extrinsic sources, and selected dietary components. Intervention in the caries process can occur at any stage, either naturally or by the insertion of some procedure or treatment. Dental caries covers the continuum from the first atomic level of demineralization, through the initial enamel or root lesion, through dentinal involvement, to eventual cavitation. The dynamic balance between demineralization and remineralization determines the end result. The disease is reversible, if detected early enough. Since demineralization can be quantified at early stages, before frank cavitation, intervention methods can be tested by short-term clinical trials.
Methylation of the Tumor Suppressor Gene RUNX3 in Human Gastric Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS RUNX3 (PEBP2alphaC/CBFA3/AML2) is a novel tumor suppressor gene in the human gastric carcinoma. The aims of this study were to determine the methylation of RUNX3 promoter and the association between RUNX3 methylation and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with gastric carcinoma. METHODS Seventy-nine patients with gastric carcinoma were studied prospectively from April 2005 to May 2007. The methylations of RUNX3 promoter on the gastric carcinoma specimens and the corresponding nonneoplastic mucosa were evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Comparison of the results with the clinicopathological characteristics identified RUNX3 monoallelic methylation in 32.9% (26/79) of the gastric carcinoma patients and in 11.4% (9/79) of those with nonneoplastic mucosa (p=0.053). The monoallelic methylated gastric carcinoma specimens predominantly consisted of well- and moderately differentiated carcinomas (44.7%), with the unmethylated group constituting 22.0% of them (p=0.031). Among the 48 patients (60.8%) who underwent gastrectomy, there was no correlation between the two groups with regard to Lauren's classification (p=0.235), depth of invasion (p=0.990), nodal status (p=0.601), stage (p=0.900), lymphatic invasion (p=0.537), and vascular invasion (p=0.815). CONCLUSIONS Methylation of the tumor suppressor gene RUNX3 might be one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma.
Prevention of allergy by a recombinant multi‐allergen vaccine with reduced IgE binding and preserved T cell epitopes

Novel approaches for the prevention of allergy are required, because of the inevitably increasing prevalence of allergic diseases during the last 30 years. Here, a recombinant chimeric protein, which comprises the whole amino acid sequences of three bee venom major allergens has been engineered and used in prevention of bee venom sensitization in mice. Phospholipase A2 (Api m 1), hyaluronidase (Api m 2) and melittin (Api m 3) fragments with overlapping amino acids were assembled in a different order in the Api m (1/2/3) chimeric protein, which preserved entire T cell epitopes, whereas B cell epitopes of all three allergens were abrogated. Accordingly, IgE cross‐linking leading to mast cell and basophil mediator release was profoundly reduced in humans. Supporting these findings, the Api m (1/2/3) induced 100 to 1000 times less type‐1 skin test reactivity in allergic patients. Treatment of mice with Api m (1/2/3) led to a significant reduction of specific IgE development towards native allergen, representing a protective vaccine effect in vivo. These results demonstrate a novel prototype of a preventive allergy vaccine, which preserves the entire T cell epitope repertoire, but bypasses induction of IgE against native allergen, and side effects related to mast cell/basophil IgE FcϵRI cross‐linking in sensitized individuals.
A Three-Component Enzyme System Catalyzes the O Demethylation of the Herbicide Dicamba in Pseudomonas maltophilia DI-6

An enzyme activity which converts dicamba (2-methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid) to 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid in vitro has been detected in cell lysates of Pseudomonas maltophilia DI-6. Phenyl-Sepharose column chromatography of a partially purified lysate resulted in the separation of this enzyme into three separate protein components tentatively identified as an oxygenase, a ferredoxin, and a reductase. The activity of dicamba O-demethylase was dependent on oxygen and required NADH and Mg(sup2+).
Implementation of a Virtual Training Simulator Based on 360° Multi-View Human Action Recognition

Virtual training has received a considerable amount of research attention in recent years due to its potential for use in a variety of applications, such as virtual military training, virtual emergency evacuation, and virtual firefighting. To provide a trainee with an interactive training environment, human action recognition methods have been introduced as a major component of virtual training simulators. Wearable motion capture suit-based human action recognition has been widely used for virtual training, although it may distract the trainee. In this paper, we present a virtual training simulator based on 360° multi-view human action recognition using multiple Kinect sensors that provides an immersive environment for the trainee without the need to wear devices. To this end, the proposed simulator contains coordinate system transformation, front-view Kinect sensor tracking, multi-skeleton fusion, skeleton normalization, orientation compensation, feature extraction, and classifier modules. Virtual military training is presented as a potential application of the proposed simulator. To train and test it, a database consisting of 25 military training actions was constructed. In the test, the proposed simulator provided an excellent, natural training environment in terms of frame-by-frame classification accuracy, action-by-action classification accuracy, and observational latency.
Percutaneous Retroperitoneal Splenorenal Shunt: An Alternative to Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt?

We read with great interest the article by Pulitano et al describing, for the first time, the use of percutaneous retroperitoneal splenorenal shunt (PRESS) in humans (1). In their article, PRESS was performed successfully in two patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction after liver transplantation. These two cases demonstrated that PRESS has the potential to become an effective and safe alternative to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension.
High-power Femtosecond Diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF Laser

We demonstrate a diode-pumped CnLiSAF laser (Fig. 1) with a cw output power of 1.4 W (Fig. 2), a total mode-locked output powet of 500 mW at a pulse width of 110 fs and 340 mW at a pulse width of 50 fs (Fig. 3).
Linked Genes for Calmodulin and E2 Ubiquitin‐Conjugating Enzyme in Trichomonas vaginalis

ABSTRACT In searching the genomes of early‐diverging protists to study whether the possession of calmodulin is ancestral to all eukaryotes, the gene for calmodulin was identified in Trichomonas vaginalis. This flagellate is a member of the Parabasalia, one of the earliest lineages of recognized eukaryotes to have diverged. This sequence was used to isolate a homologous 1.250‐kb fragment from the T. vaginalis genome by inverse polymerase chain reaction. This fragment was also completely sequenced and shown to contain the 3′ end of the single‐copy calmodulin gene and the 3′ end of a gene encoding a protein with high similarity to E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzymes, a family which has previously only been identified in animals, plants, and fungi. Phylogenetic analysis of 50 members of the E2 family distinguishes at least nine separate subfamilies one of which includes the T. vaginalis E2‐homologue and an uncharacterized gene from yeast chromosome XII.
The effect of tryptophan depletion on brain activation measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging during the Stroop test in healthy subjects.

We investigated the role of serotonin in cognitive activation of the frontal cortex. The serotonergic system was affected by the administration of an amino acids mixture without tryptophan (tryptophan depletion). In a placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over study with 20 healthy volunteers, we tested the hypothesis that a tryptophan (serotonin) decrease affects the activation of prefrontal cortex by the Stroop test. Cognitive brain activation was evaluated by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Tryptophan depletion decreased the plasma tryptophan level up to 90 % for five hours after the tryptophan-free drink had been consumed when compared with the same mixture with tryptophan (p? 0.0001). Tryptophan depletion did not affect the Stroop test performance. We compared fMRI activation in both conditions (tryptophan depletion and placebo) with plasma tryptophan levels as the covariates. The tryptophan depletion increased the activation (fMRI signal) in the bilateral mediofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The present findings allow the postulate that serotonergic medial forebrain and cingulum bundle pathways play a role in the activity of cortical structures involved in Stroop test processing.
Induction of zonal and egg plasma membrane blocks to sperm penetration in mouse eggs with cortical granule exudate.

The contents of cortical granules (cortical granule exudate = CGE) were recovered from zona-free mouse eggs inseminated in vitro with capacitated epididymal spermatozoa. Preincubation of cumulus-free, zona-intact eggs in CGE led to reduced penetration levels upon insemination. This reduction was CGE concentration- and time-dependent and was susceptible to inhibition by soybean trypsin inhibitor and by p-aminobenzamidine. Control experiments eliminated active contributions from the sperm suspension used to elicit granule release. CGE was also active in reducing penetration of zona-free eggs. These results indicate that cortical granule contents are capable of modulating sperm penetration of mouse eggs at both the zona pellucida and at the egg plasma membrane.
Nutritional status of patients treated with radiotherapy as determined by subjective global assessment

Purpose The purpose of this prospective multi-institutional study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for treatment of head and neck, lung, or gastrointestinal cancer. Materials and Methods A total of 1,000 patients were enrolled in this study at seven different hospitals in Seoul, Korea between October 2009 and May 2010. The nutritional status of patients after receiving 3 weeks of RT was evaluated using subjective global assessment (SGA). The nutritional status of each patient was rated as well nourished (A), moderately malnourished (B), or severely malnourished (C). Results The mean age of patients in this study was 59.4 ± 11.9 years, and the male to female ratio was 7:3. According to the SGA results, 60.8%, 34.5%, and 4.7% of patients were classified as A, B, or C, respectively. The following criteria were significantly associated with malnutrition (SGA B or C; p < 0.001): loss of subcutaneous fat or muscle wasting (odds ratio [OR], 11.473); increased metabolic demand/stress (OR, 8.688); ankle, sacral edema, or ascites (OR, 3.234); and weight loss ≥5% (OR, 2.299). Conclusion SGA was applied successfully to assess the nutritional status of most patients. The prevalence of malnutrition in a radiation oncology department was 39.2%. The results of this study serve as a basis for implementation of nutrition intervention to patients being treated at radiation oncology departments.
Understanding and Auto-Adjusting Performance-Related Configurations

Modern software systems are often equipped with hundreds to thousands of configuration options, many of which greatly affect performance. Unfortunately, properly setting these configurations is challenging for developers due to the complex and dynamic nature of system workload and environment. In this paper, we first conduct an empirical study to understand performance-related configurations and the challenges of setting them in the real-world. Guided by our study, we design a systematic and general control-theoretic framework, SmartConf, to automatically set and dynamically adjust performance-related configurations to meet required operating constraints while optimizing other performance metrics. Evaluation shows that SmartConf is effective in solving real-world configuration problems, often providing better performance than even the best static configuration developers can choose under existing configuration systems.
Alkaline degradation of polyoma virus.

Summary Purified polyoma virus particles were degraded by exposure to carbonate + bicarbonate buffer, pH 10.5, at relatively low ionic strengths. The degradation was less when higher ionic strengths of the buffer were employed, i.e. 0.3 to 0.5m carbonate buffer. The degradation products were separated by caesium chloride density-gradient centrifugation and studied by infectivity, haemagglutination assays, and by electron microscopy. Electron microscopy demonstrated that treatment at pH 10.5 produced various stages of degradation, each stage dependent upon the ionic strength of the carbonate + bicarbonate solution. Polyoma particles were swollen when buffer of low ionic strength was used and, in addition, this swollen state allowed penetration of DNase. At slightly higher ionic strengths (0.1m-carbonate + bicarbonate buffer) the virus DNA was released from the polyoma virus coat and easily banded on caesium chloride gradients.