Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy budget above a high-elevation subalpine forest in complex topography

Components of the energy budget were measured above a subalpine coniferous forest over two complete annual cycles. Sensible and latent heat fluxes were measured by eddy covariance. Bowen ratios ranged from 0.7 to 2.5 in the summer (June–September) depending upon the availability of soil water, but were considerably higher ( ∼3–6) during winter (December–March). Energy budget closure averaged better than 84% on a half-hourly basis in both seasons with slightly greater closure during the winter months. The energy budget showed a dependence on friction velocity ( u∗), approaching complete closure at u∗ values greater than 1 m s −1. The dependence of budget closure on u∗ explained why energy balance was slightly better in the winter as opposed to summer, since numerous periods of high turbulence occur in winter. It also explained the lower degree of energy closure ( ∼10% less) during easterly upslope flow since these periods were characterized by low wind speeds ( U < 4 m s−1) and friction velocities ( u∗ < 0.5 m s−1). Co-spectral analysis suggests a shift of flux density towards higher frequencies under conditions where closure was obtained. It is suggested that low frequency contributions to the flux and advection were responsible for the lack of day-time energy budget closure. These effects were reduced at high friction velocities observed at our site. Our ability to close the energy budget at night was also highly dependent on friction velocity, approaching near closure ( ∼90%) atu∗ values between 0.7 and 1.1 m s −1. Below this range, the airflow within the canopy becomes decoupled with the flow above. Above this range, insufficient temperature resolution of the sonic anemometer obscured the small temperature fluctuations, rendering measurements intractable. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Intake on Oxidative Stress and Dyslipidemia Markers in Human and Animal Models

In the last 40 or 50 years mankind, particularly in the western world, has modified its diet to include a reduced amount of fruits and vegetables, while increasing its intake of processed foods with a high content in fats and simple carbohydrates. This change has brought on consequences such as the development of a vast array of conditions like the metabolic syndrome (also known as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome), which is known to include dyslipidemia and oxidative stress among other physiologic disturbances, and be itself a risk factor for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). On the other hand, studies suggest that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can have a positive impact on dyslipidemia and oxidative stress markers, as well as other components of the metabolic syndrome. These positive effects are mediated mainly by the antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E), carotenoids, polyphenols and other important phytochemicals.
Point defects in ZrO/sub 2/ high-/spl kappa/ gate oxide

This paper presents calculations of the electrical energy levels of the main point defects in ZrO/sub 2/, the oxygen vacancy and the oxygen interstitial. The levels are aligned to those of the Si channel using the known band offsets. The oxygen vacancy gives an energy level in the Si gap or just above the gap, depending on its charge state. This is the main electrically active defect and trap in ZrO/sub 2/ films. The oxygen interstitial gives levels just above the oxide valence band, and the neutral interstitial also gives a level near the Si conduction band.
The effect of vasectomy on the activity of prostatic RNA polymerase in rats.

Vasoligation in rats reduces the level of activity of the ventral prostate RNA polymerase and labeled testosterone infused along the vasa is preferentially taken up by the prostate and seminal vesicles. The implication is that there is normally a passage of androgenic material from the testes along the vas deferentia that can enter prostatic tissue and influence its androgen-dependent enzymes. (Authors Modified)
Online Word of Mouth and Product Quality Disagreement

Studies of online word of mouth have frequently posited ― but never systematically conceptualized and explored ― that the level of disagreement between existing product reviews can impact the volume and the valence of future reviews. In this study we develop a theoretical framework of disagreement in online WOM and test our predictions in a dataset of nearly 300,000 online reviews for 425 movies over three years. This framework highlights that rather than thinking of disagreement as dispersion of opinions around a mean, high levels of disagreement can be better conceptualized as opposing opinion poles. Such a conceptualization has important implications for how disagreement can be measured and how results can be interpreted. We theoretically develop, validate, and apply a novel statistical measure of disagreement that can be used alongside existing alternative approaches such as standard deviation. We find that only high levels of disagreement ― with opposing opinion poles ― influence future reviews while simple dispersion does not. We show that high levels of disagreement among previously posted reviews lead to more future product reviews, a relationship that is moderated by informational content such that higher informational content amplifies the effect. Further, we show that increased disagreement leads to future reviews of lower valence. Our findings highlight that an important role for research on big data in information systems is to examine how existing measurement approaches and interpretations can be improved by fully leveraging the richness that digital trace data offers.
Measurement of Ventilation and Respiratory Mechanics during Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment in Infants

ABSTRACT. A new method has been evaluated for measuring ventilation and lung mechanics in spontaneously breathing infants by means of a face chamber. Airway flow is measured with a pneumotachograph inserted between the face chamber and a stable pressure source. Oesophageal pressure is measured via a water‐filled oesophageal catheter. The method is suitable for use in conjunction with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in neonatal intensive care. A flat frequency response curve up to 15 Hz for the two measuring systems (i.e., airway flow and oesophageal pressure), and a time shift between the two respective signals of less than 2 msec are prerequisites for correct evaluation of respiratory mechanics. In preterm infants with chest distortion, the inhomogeneity of pleural pressure affects the significance of resistance and compliance values, as calculated from oesophageal pressure. Supra‐diaphragmatic pressure variations reflect the resistive and elastic load on the diaphragm exerted by the lungs and thorax. Thus, oesophageal pressure is still useful in studies of respiratory mechanics in preterm infants.
Novel mutations in the CYP4V2 gene associated with Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy.

PURPOSE Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy (BCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of retinal degeneration characterized by small glittering crystals in the corneal limbus, posterior pole of the eye, and circulating lymphocytes. Recently mutations in a new gene CYP4V2, encoding a protein belonging to a novel member of the cytochrome P450 family, have been identified as the cause of BCD. To further characterize the role of CYP4V2 in BCD, mutation screening has been undertaken in a cohort of affected patients with BCD from China. METHODS Eight unrelated families, including 14 patients and 18 unaffected relatives, and 10 sporadic patients were examined clinically. Fifty normal Chinese individuals served as control subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood of all participants. The coding region (including the intron-exon boundary) of CYP4V2 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were analyzed using direct sequencing and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). RESULTS Fundus examination revealed clinical features of BCD with many small, yellowish-sparkling crystals at the posterior pole of the fundus. Sequencing of CYP4V2 identified nine (5 missense, 1 nonsense, 2 deletion, and 1 point A-->G transversion in the splice acceptor site) mutations in 8 families and 9 independent patients. Five of these mutations are novel. CONCLUSIONS Our finding expands the spectrum of CYP4V2 mutations causing BCD, and further confirms the role of CYP4V2 in the pathogenesis of BCD.
Computed Tomography Findings Predicting Invasiveness of Thymoma

Purpose: To identify preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings associated with thymoma invasiveness before surgical resection and with clinical outcome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed CT scans of 99 patients with thymoma surgically treated at our institution between September 1999 and April 2010. Chest CT findings documented were size, volume, and heterogeneity of primary tumor; abutment of mediastinal vessels; and presence of calcifications, lobulation, infiltration of fat surrounding tumor, adjacent pulmonary changes, adenopathy, and pleural nodularity. Results: Our study group consisted of 53 (54%) men and 46 (46%) women, age 18–79 years (mean: 53.2 years). Masaoka pathologic stages were stage I for 10 (10%), stage II for 48 (48%), stage III for 21 (21%), and stage IV for 20 (20%). The median radiologic tumor size was 7 cm (range: 2.5–21 cm). A multivariable logistic regression model showed that primary tumors with prechemotherapy radiologic tumor size ≥7 cm (odds ratio [OR]: 3.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–8.67, p = 0.02), a lobulated tumor contour (OR: 8.20, 95% CI: 1.63–41.35, p = 0.01), and infiltration of surrounding fat (OR: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.45–9.78, p = 0.007) were more likely to have stage III or IV disease. Cox's proportional hazard model showed that the presence of pulmonary nodules on staging CT was the only imaging parameter associated with shorter progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 4.93, 95% CI: 1.60–15.17, p = 0.005) and overall survival (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The primary tumor CT imaging features can differentiate between stage I/II and stage III/IV disease and, thus, help identify patients more likely to benefit from neoadjuvant therapy.
Ramiprilat increases bradykinin outflow from isolated hearts of rat

To establish that bradykinin is formed in the heart we measured bradykinin in the venous effluent from rat isolated hearts perfused with Krebs‐Henseleit buffer. In addition, we examined the effect on bradykinin outflow of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, ramiprilat. From rat isolated normoxic hearts a bradykinin outflow of 0.85 ± 0.1 ng ml−1 perfusate g−1 wet weight was measured. Perfusion with ramiprilat increased the bradykinin concentration to 2.8 ± 0.3 ng ml−1 perfusate g−1 wet weight. During ischaemia bradykinin outflow maximally increased 8.2 fold to 7.0 ± 0.5 ng ml−1 perfusate g−1, and in ramiprilat‐perfused hearts 5.8 fold to 16.0 ± 1.8 ng ml−1 perfusate g−1. In the reperfusion period bradykinin outflow normalized to values measured in the respective pre‐ischaemic period.
Batch Reinforcement Learning - An Application to a Controllable Semi-active Suspension System

The design problem of optimal comfort-oriented semi-active suspension has been addressed with different standard techniques which failed to come out with an optimal strategy because the system is hard non-linear and the solution is too complex to be found analytically. In this work, we aimed at solving such complex problem by applying Batch Reinforcement Learning (BRL), that is an artificial intelligence technique that approximates the solution of optimal control problems without knowing the system dynamics. Recently, a quasi optimal strategy for semi-active suspension has been designed and proposed: the Mixed SH-ADD algorithm, which the strategy designed in this paper is compared to. We show that an accurately tuned BRL provides a policy able to guarantee the overall best performance.
Evaluation of fumonisin biomarkers in a cross-sectional study with two high-risk populations in China

Levels of serum and urinary sphinganine (Sa) and sphingosine (So), the Sa/So ratio, and urinary-free fumonisin B1 (FB1) were determined in a cross-sectional study consisting of 43 adults in Huaian and 34 adults in Fusui, China. Home-produced corn had 100% contamination with FB1. There were 93.0% (40/43) of Huaian subjects and 52.9% (18/34) of Fusui subjects with daily FB1 intakes greater than 2 µg kg−1 body weight, which showed a significant difference (p < 0.01). Levels of sphinganine and sphingosine and the Sa/So ratio were not correlated with levels of dietary exposure. The median level of the serum Sa/So ratio in Huaian subjects (0.41, range = 0.14–0.85) was significantly lower than that in Fusui subjects (0.78, range = 0.57–1.08) (p < 0.01). The median level of the urinary Sa/So ratio was also significantly lower in Huaian subjects (0.31, range = 0.08–1.33) than in Fusui subjects (0.57, range = 0.03–2.52) (p < 0.01). Urinary-free FB1 was detected in 83.7% (36/43) of Huaian samples and in 82.4% (28/34) of Fusui urine samples (p > 0.05). However, the median level of urinary-free FB1 in Huaian subjects, 3.91 (range = 0.06–253.61) ng mg−1 creatinine, was significantly higher than 0.39 (range = 0.01–3.72) ng mg−1 creatinine found in Fusui subjects (p < 0.01). These results suggest that urinary-free FB1 may be a potential biomarker for human fumonisin exposure, while further validation is needed in human epidemiological and intervention studies.
Depression in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis Patients

Depression is the most common psychiatric condition in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), but there are few studies that analyzed this condition in patients in different phases of disease. This article aims to evaluated depression in CKD patients, comparing patients in different phases of disease. Methods: We evaluated 134 patients with CKD submitted to conservative ambulatory treatment, and 36 patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD). To evaluate depression, we used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Depression Inventory—SF (BDI-SF), a subscale that allows evaluate only the cognitive aspects of depression. Functional capacity was evaluated using the Karnofsky Performance Scale, and clinical and sociodemographic variables were also investigated. Results: Using BDI, depression was identified in 37.3% of patients in conservative treatment and in 41.6% in HD patients (p > 0.05). This percentage reduced when the BDI-SF was used, to 11.1% in conservative CKD patients and 13.8% in HD patients (p > 0.05). Depression was associated with marital status, professional activity, income, comorbidities and functional capacity. Discussion: We observed high prevalence of depression in patients with CKD undergoing conservative or hemodialysis treatment. Depression was associated with some clinical and sociodemografic variables and with functional capacity.
Second-order sliding mode control of a platoon of vehicles

This paper presents the design of a longitudinal control system for a platoon of vehicles. The synthesis of an automatic vehicle following system is an important aspect of an automated highway system design. The main objectives of the control of a platoon of vehicles are the increment of the exploitation of the road capacity and the improvement of passengers' safety and comfort. The proposed control system is designed relying on a non-linear vehicle model. The chosen control methodology is second-order sliding mode control. This choice is motivated by the well-known robustness features of the sliding mode control approach, which are particularly appropriate dealing with the automotive context. Moreover, the proposed approach produces a considerable reduction of the chattering phenomenon, which can determine undesired mechanical wear in the actuators. The individual vehicle stability and platoon stability are guaranteed by the proposed control system. This latter is tested in simulation considering a platoon of three vehicles in a stop-and-go traffic situation.
Hierarchical loop detection for mobile outdoor robots

Loop closing is a fundamental part of 3D simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) that can greatly enhance the quality of long-term mapping. It is essential for the creation of globally consistent maps. Conceptually, loop closing is divided into detection and optimization. Recent approaches depend on a single sensor to recognize previously visited places in the loop detection stage. In this study, we combine data of multiple sensors such as GPS, vision, and laser range data to enhance detection results in repetitively changing environments that are not sufficiently explained by a single sensor. We present a fast and robust hierarchical loop detection algorithm for outdoor robots to achieve a reliable environment representation even if one or more sensors fail.
Polarization tunable microstrip patch antenna for polarization loss compensation

Polarization loss of wireless communication system is caused by a mismatch of polarization between incident wave and receiving antenna. In order to compensate a polarization loss of circular polarization system, tunable circular polarization antenna is proposed. The polarization of the proposed antenna is tuned by using a reflection type phase shifter on sequential rotation feed (SRF) microstrip array. The axial ratio of polarization can be converted up to 3.7 dB for two orthogonal tilt angles in 9.5 GHz. Thus, polarization loss factor (PLF) is compensated by polarization matching.
Loyola University Chicago Loyola eCommons Information Systems and Operations Management : Faculty Publications & Other Works Quinlan School of Business 2013 Enabling Greater Access to Home Meal Delivery

Non-profit organizations like the Meals On Wheels (MOW) association of America prepare and deliver meals, typically daily, to approximately one million homebound citizens in the United States alone. However, many MOW agencies are facing a steadily increasing number of clients requesting meal service without an increase in resources (either financial or human). One strategy for accommodating these requests is to deliver multiple (frozen) meals at a time and thus make fewer deliveries. However, many of the stakeholders (funders, volunteers, meal recipients) value the relationships that are developed by having a client receive daily deliveries from the same volunteer. Further, meal recipients may be concerned with the quality of food delivered through a frozen meal. In this paper, we develop a method for introducing consolidation into home meal delivery while minimizing operational disruptions and maintaining client satisfaction. With an extensive computational study, the savings associated with various levels and types of disruptions are detailed.
Quantification of atherosclerotic plaque composition in cholesterol-fed rabbits with 50-MHz acoustic microscopy.

To determine whether high-frequency ultrasound could distinguish normal from pathological vascular structure and to elucidate the determinants of ultrasonic backscatter in different layers of normal and atherosclerotic arteries, high-resolution acoustic microscopy at 50 MHz was used to characterize aortic plaque in six New Zealand White rabbits fed a 2% cholesterol diet for 3.5 months. Four rabbits were fed a standard diet for 3.5 months to provide normal control data. Segments of aortas were excised, fixed in formalin, opened longitudinally, and mounted flat for insonification. For each specimen, backscattered radio frequency (rf) data were acquired from 30 to 100 independent sites separated by 500 microns. Portions of rf data were gated from discrete layers of the vessel wall for computation of integrated backscatter. Results of histological and immunocytochemical analyses of vessel wall thickness and composition were compared with those of ultrasonic analysis. Normal aortas manifested prominent but homogeneous backscatter (average integrated backscatter, -28.5 +/- 2.9 dB) throughout the vessel wall, with no clear distinction between intimal and medial layers. The atherosclerotic aortas manifested substantially reduced integrated backscatter from the thickened intima (-47.5 +/- 3.2 dB, p < 0.0001) but relatively normal integrated backscatter from the media (-31.2 +/- 1.6 dB; p = NS versus normal aortas). The thickness of the media for both normal and atherosclerotic rabbits was approximately 300 microns. Histological characteristics of atherosclerotic aortas confirmed the presence of substantial intimal thickening, with prominent foam cell and lipid infiltration abutting a more normal medial layer. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Motion Analysis of In-pipe Robot Based on SMA Spring Actuator

The in-pipe robots play significant role for applications like inspection of pipes or wearing of cables and materials, etc. The paper deals with motion analysis of in-pipe robot, whose actuator is based on shape memory effect. At first, the principle of motion and design solution of experimental in-pipe robot is introduced. Then the mathematical model is establish by means of Newton´s mechanics. The robot using Baasic AtomPro 28-M is controlled in order to obtain autonomous of motion in the pipe. The robot can be used for pipes with circular section with diameters 10-15 mm. For real behavior determination the experiments was done and compared with mathematical model. In the conclusion the advantages and disadvantages of in-pipe robot using SMA spring – steel spring actuator are discussed.
A lunar landing safety estimation methodology using lidar acquired DEM

This paper presents a safety estimation methodology for soft landing explorations on the Moon. In our application we use digital elevation models (DEM) of given lunar terrain extracted from on-board lidars. Currently most landing safety analysis methods are based on topographical analysis which needs quite a lot of computation. Here we adopt a Monte-Carlo simulation method which doesn't need to identify complex lunar topographical characteristics and needs less computation. After developing lunar lander's collision detection model, lander gradient model, and lander aspect model, Monte-Carlo simulations of landing on given DEM are conducted iteratively. Safety estimation is implemented by analyzing corresponding simulation results using statistical analysis method. Simulation errors of this algorithm are also deduced and analyzed in this paper. Computer simulation results show that this method can provide valuable information to estimate landing safety of given terrain for lunar soft landing missions.
A Mammalian Helix-Loop-Helix Factor Structurally Related to the Product of Drosophila Proneural Gene atonal Is a Positive Transcriptional Regulator Expressed in the Developing Nervous System(*)

We report the molecular characterization of a mouse basic helix-loop-helix factor, designated MATH-1, structurally related to the product of the Drosophila proneural gene atonal. MATH-1 mRNA is first detected in the cranial ganglions and the dorsal part of the central nervous system on embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5). From E10.5 onward, prominent expression of MATH-1 continues in the dorsal part of the central nervous system but becomes restricted to the external granular layer of the cerebellum by E18 and is undetectable in the adult nervous system. MATH-1 activates E box-dependent transcription in collaboration with E47, but the activity is completely antagonized by the negative regulator of neurogenesis HES-1. These results suggest that MATH-1 may be a target of HES-1 and play a role in the differentiation of subsets of neural cells by activating E box-dependent transcription.