Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A super-resolution algorithm for enhancement of flash lidar data: flight test results

This paper describes the results of a 3D super-resolution algorithm applied to the range data obtained from a recent Flash Lidar helicopter flight test. The flight test was conducted by the NASA’s Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) project over a simulated lunar terrain facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center. ALHAT is developing the technology for safe autonomous landing on the surface of celestial bodies: Moon, Mars, asteroids. One of the test objectives was to verify the ability of 3D super-resolution technique to generate high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and to determine time resolved relative positions and orientations of the vehicle. 3D super-resolution algorithm was developed earlier and tested in computational modeling, and laboratory experiments, and in a few dynamic experiments using a moving truck. Prior to the helicopter flight test campaign, a 100mX100m hazard field was constructed having most of the relevant extraterrestrial hazard: slopes, rocks, and craters with different sizes. Data were collected during the flight and then processed by the super-resolution code. The detailed DEM of the hazard field was constructed using independent measurement to be used for comparison. ALHAT navigation system data were used to verify abilities of super-resolution method to provide accurate relative navigation information. Namely, the 6 degree of freedom state vector of the instrument as a function of time was restored from super-resolution data. The results of comparisons show that the super-resolution method can construct high quality DEMs and allows for identifying hazards like rocks and craters within the accordance of ALHAT requirements.
A fast algebraic reconstruction method for inverse problem

An accelerated Kaczmarz algorithm with projection adjustment (KAPA ) and its randomized version (RKAPA) have been proposed in this paper. At each iteration of KAPA, an inertial term is added to make further adjustment on the projective solution on the hyperplane of Kaczmarz algorithm (KA) to accelerate the convergence. Numerical simulations have been conducted. The efficiency of KAPA and RKAPA have been well demonstrated by the simulation results.
Lagrangian formalism for the Rayleigh-Taylor instability.

A new formulation of the Lagrangian equations for the evolution of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in inviscid incompressible fluids is presented. A set of exact coupled-mode equations which govern the evolution of the velocity field and the nonlinear motion of the surface is derived. Unlike the traditional Eulerian mode expansion, which requires an infinitely growing number of modes at the nonlinear stage, the present expansion coverages very rapidly. The use of the formalism for analyzing the nonlinear stage of the instability is demonstrated by analytical and numerical solutions. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society. }
Genetic and environmental influences on binge eating in the absence of compensatory behaviors: a population-based twin study.

OBJECTIVE The current study explores the extent to which genetic and environmental factors influence liability to binge eating in the absence of compensatory behaviors (BE) in a population-based sample of twins. METHOD Questionnaire data on 8,045 same-sex and opposite-sex twins, aged 18-31 years, from a Norwegian twin registry were used to assess BE during the last 6 months. RESULTS The best-fitting biometrical model suggested that the heritability of BE was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.50). Individual environmental factors accounted for the rest of the variance (59%; 95% CI: 0.50-0.69). No significant sex differences were found, but the statistical power to detect such effects was low. Shared environmental influences on the liability to BE in males could not be ruled out. DISCUSSION The findings indicate significant additive genetic influences on BE, supporting the validity of the core features of binge eating disorder as a diagnostic category.
Criminality in men with major mental disorder with and without comorbid substance abuse

Abstract Violent and criminal behavior in the mentally ill remains an issue of major importance and in this context the role of comorbid substance abuse must be addressed. Data on criminal behavior in 282 men with schizophrenia and 261 men with affective disorder were studied. Samples of patients with and without additional substance abuse were compared. Also, non‐abusing patients from both diagnostic groups were compared with matched controls from the general population. Substance abuse was found in half of all men in both groups of major mental disorders, and substance abusers had twice as high a probability of having a criminal record. However, compared with the matched sample from the general population, violent criminality was increased in schizophrenic patients without comorbid substance abuse, and patients with affective disorders without substance abuse had a higher probability of committing crimes against property. Men with major mental disorder have an increased probability of becoming criminal even when there is no comorbid substance abuse.
Porcine lingual taste buds: A quantitative study

Taste buds on the pig tongue have been neither studied in detail nor quantified. We have counted the numbers of fungiform and vallate papillae, estimated their taste bud densities, and computed numbers of taste buds per volume of papilla on porcine tongue. Pig was chosen for this work because it is an omnivorous animal, and is one of the better models for study of nutrition‐related problems in omnivorous human beings.
Validation of an instrument to assess the homecare competency of the family caregiver of a person with chronic disease.

OBJECTIVE This work sought to develop, validate, and determine the reliability of an instrument on Competency in Homecare of the family caregiver of an individual with chronic disease. METHODOLOGY The test validation study was carried out in the following phases: 1) literature review; 2) analysis of results of programs to help family caregivers in Latin America; 3) exploration of the classification of nursing results (NOC) related to the family caregiver and discharge; 4) proposal of an instrument of care competence; and 5) psychometric tests: apparent validity with 25 family caregivers of individuals with chronic disease and six experts in the area; construct validity and reliability through internal consistency with 311 family caregivers of chronic patients. RESULTS The instrument on homecare competency of the family caregiver of an individual with chronic disease (CUIDAR, for the term in Spanish) has 60 items that inquire on six categories: knowledge, uniqueness, instrumentation, enjoyment of life, anticipation and relationships, and social interaction. The apparent validity evidences clarity, coherence, sufficiency, and relevance of the scale. With the factor analysis six components were obtained through the Varimax rotation in which most of the items are associated according to the categories proposed. The reliability (internal consistency) reported a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96. CONCLUSION The Homecare Competency instrument permits assessing the capacity of a family caregiver to care for an individual with chronic disease, proving valid and reliable for the Colombian context.
The measurement of ubiquitin and ubiquitinated proteins

Ubiquitination of key cellular proteins involved in signal transduction, gene transcription and cell‐cycle regulation usually condemns those proteins to proteasomal or lysosomal degradation. Additionally, cycles of reversible ubiquitination regulate the function of certain proteins in a manner analogous to phosphorylation. In this short review we describe the current methodology for measuring ubiquitin and ubiquitination, provide examples which illustrate how various techniques have been used to study protein ubiquination, alert the readers of pitfalls to avoid, and offer guidelines to investigators newly interested in this novel post‐translational protein modification.
Adaptive Fuzzy Strong Tracking Extended Kalman Filtering for GPS Navigation

The well-known extended Kalman filter (EKF) has been widely applied to the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation processing. The adaptive algorithm has been one of the approaches to prevent the divergence problem of the EKF when precise knowledge on the system models are not available. One of the adaptive methods is called the strong tracking Kalman filter (STKF), which is essentially a nonlinear smoother algorithm that employs suboptimal multiple fading factors, in which the softening factors are involved. Traditional approach for selecting the softening factors heavily relies on personal experience or computer simulation. In order to resolve this shortcoming, a novel scheme called the adaptive fuzzy strong tracking Kalman filter (AFSTKF) is carried out. In the AFSTKF, the fuzzy logic reasoning system based on the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) model is incorporated into the STKF. By monitoring the degree of divergence (DOD) parameters based on the innovation information, the fuzzy logic adaptive system (FLAS) is designed for dynamically adjusting the softening factor according to the change in vehicle dynamics. GPS navigation processing using the AFSTKF will be simulated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The performance of the proposed scheme will be assessed and compared with those of conventional EKF and STKF
Cerebral functional magnetic resonance imaging of vestibular, auditory, and nociceptive areas during galvanic stimulation

Cerebral activation was investigated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) during galvanic stimulation of the mastoid in 6 normal volunteers. Cutaneous stimulation at the neck C4–5 level served as a control. During mastoid stimulation, bilateral vestibular activation occurred in the posterior insula (parietoinsular vestibular cortex, PIVC), the transverse temporal (Heschl's) gyrus, and thalamic pulvinar. The cutaneous pain elicited by galvanic stimulation caused bilateral activity of the medial part of the insula and the anterior median thalamus. Thus, galvanic stimulation at the mastoid level activates cortical areas of three different sensory systems in the insulathalamic region, the vestibular, the auditory, and the nociceptive systems.
Bacteriocins and phages produced by Serratia marcescens.

SUMMARY: One hundred and thirty-nine strains of Serratia marcescens were investigated for bacteriocin and phage production. Two types of bacteriocins were detected. Group A were all active on serratias and were produced by 71 strains. Some of these bacteriocins also attacked Salmonella, Escherichia and Aerobacter strains. They were produced spontaneously in broth, and higher titres were produced by induction with ultraviolet (u.v.) radiation. These bacteriocins are divided into eight subgroups by their spectrum of activity and resistant mutants of indicator strains. Group B bacteriocins are not active on serratias. Their action is restricted to escherichias, hafnias and aerobacters. Mutant bacteria resistant to any one of these B agents are resistant to all other B bacteriocins. The B agents are serologically similar and are produced in broth by 54 strains. They are produced spontaneously and higher titres are produced after u.v. induction. With one exception the B bacteriocins may be identical. Thirty-five strains produced both types of bacteriocins. The A bacteriocins are resistant to chloroform, trypsin and the proteolytic enzymes of certain organisms, are heat-stable and non-dialysable. Group B bacteriocins are heat-labile, non-dialysable and inactivated by chloroform and the above enzymes. Agents A and B differ from colicins. Thirty-seven of the strains were lysogenic for Serratia species and 19 of the phages productively lysed Salmonella species. Although overlaps did occur it was always possible to distinguish the bacteriocins from the corresponding temperate phage produced by a strain, by means of their spectra of activity.
Dissociation Chemistry of Gas Molecules on Carbon Nanotubes—Applications to Chemical Sensing

It is well known in the literature that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) interact weakly with many gas molecules like H<sub>2</sub>O, O<sub>2</sub>, CO, NH<sub>3</sub>, H<sub>2</sub> and NO<sub>2,</sub> to name a few. Exposure to NO<sub>2</sub>, O<sub>2</sub> and NH<sub>3</sub> significantly affects the electrical conductance of a single wall nanotube (SWNT). These can be explained using a simple charge transfer picture, which results in the observed changes in the hole conduction of the tubes. It is also known that pure SWNTs only weakly interact with these molecules. We have recently investigated (Andzelm , 2006) how common defects in CNTs [Stone-Wales (SW), monovacancy, and interstitial] influence the chemisorption of NH<sub>3</sub>. This paper is a continuation of our previous work. Here, we further investigate, via density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the effects of SW defects on the adsorption/dissociation of and O<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>O. We also study the diffusion of adsorbed oxygen atoms on the nanotube surface in the vicinity of the SW defect, as well as the dissociation of in the presence of adsorbed oxygen atoms.
Novel point mutations in the dystrophin gene

Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) type muscular dystrophies are allelic X‐linked recessive disorders caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. About 65% of the cases are caused by deletions, while 5–10% are duplications. The remaining 30% of affected individuals may have smaller mutations (point mutations or small deletions/insertions) which cannot be identified by current diagnostic screening strategies. In order to look for pathogenic small mutations in the dystrophin gene, we have screened the 18 exons located in the hot spot region of this gene through two different single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) conditions. Five different pathogenic mutations were identified in 6 out of 192 DMD/BMD patients without detectable deletions: 2 nonsense, 1 bp insertion, 1 bp deletion and 1 intronic. Except for the intronic change, which alters a splice site, all the others cause a premature stop codon. In addition, 8 apparently neutral changes were identified. However, interestingly, one of them was not identified in 195 normal chromosomes, although it was previously described in a DMD patient from a different population. The possibility that this mutation may be pathogenic is discussed. Except for two neutral changes, all the others are apparently here described for the first time. Hum Mutat 10:217–222, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Personality and Defense Mechanisms in Late Adulthood

Objective: Current understanding of the use of psychological defense mechanisms (DMs) in older adults is limited. This study set out to examine individual differences in DMs and Cloninger's biosocial model of personality in two age groups (50—64, 65—93), as well as their influence on health. Methods: A Japanese community sample (N = 330) completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125), the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results: Across age groups, psychological well-being was related to lower levels of harm avoidance and higher levels of self-directedness. In addition, older age was related to decreases in reward dependence, cooperativeness, and increases in self-transcendence, DMs of isolation, denial, and splitting. Discussion: An Age × Gender interaction revealed that men and women varied in their pattern of age differences for some specific DMs. Results further suggest that image-distortion defense may function to compensate resource loss.
Plasmid R16 ArdA Protein Preferentially Targets Restriction Activity of the Type I Restriction-Modification System EcoKI

ABSTRACT The ArdA antirestriction protein of the IncB plasmid R16 selectively inhibited the restriction activity of EcoKI, leaving significant levels of modification activity under conditions in which restriction was almost completely prevented. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that ArdA functions in bacterial conjugation to allow an unmodified plasmid to evade restriction in the recipient bacterium and yet acquire cognate modification.
Estimating the Probability of Emigration from Individual-Specific Data: The Case of Italy in the Early Twentieth Century 1

This article develops a method for estimating the probability of emigration conditional on the observed characteristics of individuals. In addition, it is shown how to calculate the mean, standard error, and confidence intervals of the conditional probability of emigration given a random sample of emigrants. The technique is illustrated by providing statistically consistent estimates of the probability an Italian would emigrate to the United States in 1901 and 1911, conditional on personal attributes.
A 5.25-GHz Low Noise Amplifier for WMAN Applications in a 0.18-&#956;m CMOS Technology

A 5.25-GHz low noise amplifier (LNA), has been proposed for use in a receiver architecture for IEEE802.16a WMAN. The targeted frequency band is the un-licensed band U-Nll 5 GHz. The amplifier provides voltage gain of 16 dB with a noise figure of only 1.8 dB, the IIP3 is +2-dBm and the reverse isolation is about -15 dB. Using a 0. 18μm CMOS process, the LNA dissipates 7.8 mW from a 1.8V supply voltage. In this paper, we present an analysis of the LNA architecture, including the effects of induced gate noise in MOS devices.
A spatiotemporal synthetic NDVI generation model for agricultural fields

Although Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has ever been one of the widely used indices for remote sensing based agricultural analysis, its non-periodic and asynchronous availability in terms of phenological phase of the vegetation restricts applicability in precision farming. In this study we proposed a new model that generates spatiotemporal synthetic NDVI data that can be used on parcel level analysis. Continuous time fractional vegetation cover (FVC) measurement from spatially distributed agricultural observation network and asynchronous multi-temporal NDVI data from high resolution remote sensing satellite images are used in an adaptive manner. High resolution satellite images are needed to create NDVI time series and to detect changes at parcel resolution. The disadvantages of having too few images for a given season could be overcome by carrying out additional ground measurements. Spectral measurements are laborious and prone to errors and thus automatic measurements have to be performed. In studies like Kastens et all or Calera et all, it has been demonstrated the linear relation between NDVI and Leaf Area Index (LAI) and also between NDVI and plant cover. In this paper we generated parcel based continuous synthetic NDVI time series using instant NDVI values computed from satellite images together with continuously recorded digital images of parcels. The model capturing the linear relationship between NDVI and FVC was initiated using the oldest dated satellite image. As new satellite images are obtained, the model and estimated values are updated to increase accuracy of generated synthetic NDVIs. The mean absolute error of the predicted synthetic NDVI values with respect to actual parcel NDVI obtained from Spot5 images is at most 0.05 which represent only 7% of total NDVI.
The Plant Zinc Finger Protein ZPT2–2 Has a Unique Mode of DNA Interaction*

ZPT2–2 is a DNA-binding protein of petunia that contains two canonical TFIIIA-type zinc finger motifs separated by a long linker. We previously reported that ZPT2–2 bound to two separate AGT core sites, with each zinc finger making contact with each core site. Here we present our further characterization of ZPT2–2 by using selected and amplified binding sequence imprinting and surface plasmon resonance analyses; together, these assays revealed some unusual features of the interaction between ZPT2–2 and DNA. These experiments allowed us to conclude that 1) the optimal binding sequence for the N-terminal zinc finger is AGC(T), and that of the C-terminal one is CAGT; 2) multiple arrangements of the two core sites accommodate binding; and 3) the spacing between the two core sites affects the binding affinity. In light of these observations, we propose a new model for the DNA-ZPT2–2 interaction. Further, consistent with this model, a high affinity binding site for ZPT2–2 was found in the promoter region of theZPT2–2 gene. This site may serve as acis-element for the autoregulation of ZPT2–2gene expression.
Organ-Specific T Cell Receptor Repertoire in Target Organs of Murine Graft-Versus-Host After Transplantation Across Minor Histocompatibility Antigen Barriers

Background. Minor histocompatibility antigens (miHags) are recognized by alloreactive cytotoxic donor T lymphocytes and trigger potent immune reactions such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after major histocompatibility complex-matched transplantation. Our study focuses on tissue-specific T-cell responses to miHag-encoded peptides in GvHD target organs during the first 30 days in a murine transplant model. Methods. Complementarity determining region (CDR)3-size spectratyping was used to study T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires in recipient skin, liver, ileum, colon, spleen, and heart. Results. GvHD occurred as early as day 14 and was proven by histology in skin, liver, ileum, and colon. The heart was histologically not affected by GvHD but showed endomyocardial “quilty lesions. ” Two distinct patterns of TCR diversities could be identified. In skin, a restricted V&bgr; usage in combination with all J&bgr; segments contrasted with a complete V&bgr; repertoire in intestinal organs combined with a restricted J&bgr; usage. Interestingly, TCR repertoire in the heart was almost identical with intestinal CDR3-size patterns. Persisting clones were found in skin from day 9 to 30. In intestine and heart, identical sequences were obtained from several organs on day 14 and 21, but no persistence of CDR3 sequences could be observed. Conclusions. These results suggest that in the skin a limited number of persisting T cell clones maintains GvHD, whereas in the intestine, temporary expansions of different clones may fuel the process of GvHD. Strategies that eliminate tissue-specific T cells on the basis of their activational status rather than their V&bgr; expression but at the same time preserve a broad, overall TCR repertoire will help to increase the efficacy and safety of allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Hemodynamics during laparoscopic extra- and intraperitoneal insufflation. An experimental study.

BACKGROUND Total extraperitoneal laparoscopic surgery is an alternative to the laparoscopic transperitoneal route; however, its effects on hemodynamics have not been adequately studied. This experimental study compared the effects of intraperitoneal insufflation and extraperitoneal insufflation on hemodynamics and oxygen transport. METHODS Sixteen pigs were randomly assigned for intraperitoneal insufflation or extraperitoneal insufflation with 15 mmHg carbon dioxide. Hemodynamic and oxygen transport parameters were taken during an hour of insufflation and analyzed for statistical differences. RESULTS During extraperitoneal CO2 pneumoperitoneum central venous filling pressures (central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and mean pulmonary arterial pressure) and end-tidal CO2 increased slower but to a similar magnitude in comparison to intraperitoneal insufflation. Cardiac output and indices of oxygen consumption and oxygen delivery were equally affected by both types of insufflation. Arterial CO2 pressure increased significantly more during intraperitoneal insufflation. CONCLUSION The data from this study suggest that extraperitoneal insufflation might result in less cardiovascular impairment than intraperitoneal insufflation.