Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myocardial uptake of 99mTc-tetrofosmin, sestamibi, and 201Tl in a model of acute coronary reperfusion.

BACKGROUND To investigate whether tetrofosmin uptake is affected by myocardial viability as has been noted for 201Tl and sestamibi, we analyzed the initial and delayed distribution patterns of tetrofosmin in a rat coronary artery occlusion-reperfusion model. METHODS AND RESULTS Animals were intubated and ventilated, and their arterial pressures were monitored. A left thoracotomy was performed. After 1-hour occlusion and 1-hour reperfusion of a major branch of the circumflex artery, 201Tl and either tetrofosmin or sestamibi were injected intravenously. Radiolabeled microspheres were used to document the area at risk and reperfusion. Five minutes or 1 hour after administration of the diffusible tracers, the animals were killed. Tracer distribution was determined by use of segmental tissue analysis, and tissue viability was determined by use of histochemical staining. Both the initial and delayed retention of tetrofosmin were sensitive to myocardial viability, as shown by significantly lower uptake (30 +/- 14%) and retention (24 +/- 12%) of tetrofosmin in the nonviable segments compared with the viable segments. In addition, the initial myocardial distribution of tetrofosmin was similar to that noted for 201Tl, but after 1 hour of tracer circulation, the tetrofosmin tissue distribution appeared unchanged compared with the initial regional blood flow distribution. This is in direct contrast to our present observations of significant 201Tl redistribution and some changes in sestamibi distribution as well. CONCLUSIONS The clinical implication of these observations suggests that initial and delayed imaging after tetrofosmin administration would reflect both the initial regional blood flow pattern and myocardial viability.
IDENTIFYING THE VISUAL INFORMATION AND PROCESSES UNDERLYING EXPERT JUDGEMENTS OF DECEPTIVE INTENT

The aims of the current research programme were, first, to examine expertise effects with regard to anticipation skill and the perception of deceptive movement, and, second, to examine how knowledge of the probability of behavioural events influences anticipation performance and visual search behaviour. In addition, this thesis sought to test the predictions of attentional control theory (ACT) in examining how anxiety affects the influence of top-down probability information on anticipation skill and visual search behaviour. In Chapter 3, skill-based differences in anticipation and decision making were examined using judgement accuracy and confidence ratings. High-skilled soccer players demonstrated superior anticipatory performance and were less susceptible to deception compared with low-skilled players. In Chapters 4 and 5 Posner’s spatial cueing paradigm was adapted to examine the influence of top-down probability information on anticipation skill and visual search behaviour. High-skilled participants were found to be more accurate and demonstrate more efficient visual search behaviour compared to low-skilled participants. However, findings demonstrated that both groups benefited from the provision of probability information, and performance was moderated by the degree of certainty conveyed through the probability information. In Chapter 6, the same anticipation task and process tracing measures were used to examine the effects of heightened anxiety on the processing of probability and visual information. The findings supported the predictions of ACT, as the influence of top-down information was suppressed during high-pressure conditions, owing to an increased influence of the stimulus-driven attentional control system. The series of studies in this thesis are the first to explore the influence of top-down probability information on anticipation performance and the perception of deception. Study 4 is also the first to test the predictions of ACT regarding the processing of (top-down)
Application of next generation sequencing to human gene fusion detection: computational tools, features and perspectives

Gene fusions are important genomic events in human cancer because their fusion gene products can drive the development of cancer and thus are potential prognostic tools or therapeutic targets in anti-cancer treatment. Major advancements have been made in computational approaches for fusion gene discovery over the past 3 years due to improvements and widespread applications of high-throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. To identify fusions from NGS data, existing methods typically leverage the strengths of both sequencing technologies and computational strategies. In this article, we review the NGS and computational features of existing methods for fusion gene detection and suggest directions for future development.
Optimal invariance via receding horizon control

We analyze the performance of receding horizon controllers for the problem of keeping the state of a system within a given admissible set while minimizing an averaged functional. This problem does not satisfy the usual conditions needed for the analysis of receding horizon schemes. We give conditions under which approximate optimal performance can be guaranteed without imposing terminal constraints and illustrate our results by means of two numerical examples.
Non-destructive models for leaf area determination in canola

The leaf is a very important structure of the plants, since it allows gas exchanges and the transformation of light energy into chemical energy. This study aimed to generate and test mathematical models for leaf area estimation in canola based on leaf dimensions. Two experiments were conducted with canola in 2014, in which leaves were collected in different phenological stages with different sizes and shapes. Subsequently, leaf length, width and area were measured (with automatic meter) in 606 leaves, which included 371 ovate and 235 lanceolate leaves. The models were generated using length, width and length versus width as independent variables and leaf area as dependent variable. The models were validated using a group of leaves different from those used to generate the models. A total of 27 models were obtained and those with best statistics and higher simplicity were selected. The polynomial model LA = 0.88735 W2 + 0.93503 W and the power model LA = 1.1282 W1.9396 can be used for both types of leaves and have high accuracy in the estimation of canola leaf area.
Fault Estimation and Tolerant Control for Fuzzy Stochastic Systems

This paper deals with the problem of fault estimation and fault-tolerant control for Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy stochastic systems with sensor failures, where the system under consideration contains Itô-type stochastic disturbances. A new robust observer technique is presented to obtain the estimates of the system states and the sensor faults simultaneously, and a fuzzy fault-tolerant control scheme is developed to guarantee the closed-loop system to be exponentially stable in mean square. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of admissible controllers, and it is shown that the reachability of the sliding-mode dynamics can be guaranteed under the proposed control techniques. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the theoretic results obtained.
An approach for time‐dependent bone modeling and remodeling—application: A preliminary remodeling simulation

In a companion paper, we presented a time‐dependent theory for bone modeling and remodeling in response to a daily loading history. This paper represents a preliminary attempt to use the theory to determine the distribution of bone density within the adult proximal femur under an assumed normal loading history. Subsequent functional adaptation of the internal structure due to changes in the loading history are then determined. Throughout this preliminary study, the external geometry of the proximal femur is considered to be fixed, i.e., changes in the external shape are neither stimulated nor allowed. Linear and trilinear (dead‐zone nonlinearity) rate remodeling laws were compared. Computer emulations using two‐dimensional finite element models were successful in creating a normal‐appearing distribution of bone tissue when remodeling was initiated from a solid structure of homogeneous bone density. Subsequent reduction in the loading history caused regional bone atrophy. Reinstatement of the normal loading history caused a generalized increase in bone mass but resulted in a slightly different bone distribution than was calculated for a constant loading history. These results demonstrate the utility of the remodeling theory and are consistent with the hypothesis that similar stress‐related phenomena are responsible for both normal morphogenesis and functional adaptiation in response to changes in the bone loading.
Tiempo de reacción: del cronoscopio a la teoría de ondas

Reaction Time: from Chro noscope to Wave Theory. In this work we present a procedure to analyse reaction time data. The procedure is derived from the functional model prop osed by Bon net and others (Bonn et and Link, 19 98; Bonnet and Dresp, 2001) which in it's turn was developed from ideas stemming fro m the Wave Theory of difference and similarity proposed by Link (1992). The aim of this procedu re is to separate sensorial from d ecisio nal components in a behavioural response. Using data o btained from an experiment in which we measu red reaction time to motio n onset, we show th e u sefulness of th e p rocedure and we discuss the th eoretical imp lications and p ossible applicatio ns that can be derived from the ability to discriminate sensorial from decisional components in reaction time responses.
The Topology of Bulges in the Long Stem of the Flavivirus 3′ Stem-Loop Is a Major Determinant of RNA Replication Competence

ABSTRACT All flavivirus genomes contain a 3′terminal stem-loop secondary structure (3′SL) formed by the most downstream ∼100 nucleotides (nt) of the viral RNA. The 3′SL is required for virus replication and has been shown to bind both virus-coded and cellular proteins. Results of the present study using an infectious DNA for WN virus strain 956 initially demonstrated that the dengue virus serotype 2 (DEN2) 3′SL nucleotide sequence could not substitute for that of the WN 3′SL to support WN genome replication. To determine what WN virus-specific 3′SL nucleotide sequences were required for WN virus replication, WN virus 3′SL nucleotide sequences were selectively deleted and replaced by analogous segments of the DEN2 3′SL nucleotide sequence such that the overall 3′SL secondary structure was not disrupted. Top and bottom portions of the WN virus 3′SL were defined according to previous studies (J. L. Blackwell and M. A. Brinton, J. Virol. 71:6433-6444, 1997; L. Zeng, L., B. Falgout, and L. Markoff, J. Virol. 72:7510-7522, 1998). A bulge in the top portion of the long stem of the WN 3′SL was essential for replication of mutant WN RNAs, and replication-defective RNAs failed to produce negative strands in transfected cells. Introduction of a second bulge into the bottom portion of the long stem of the wild-type WN 3′SL markedly enhanced the replication competence of WN virus in mosquito cells but had no effect on replication in mammalian cells. This second bulge was identified as a host cell-specific enhancer of flavivirus replication. Results suggested that bulges and their topological location within the long stem of the 3′SL are primary determinants of replication competence for flavivirus genomes.
Modelling the Influence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Antigen Stability and Dose on the Bovine Immune Response

Foot and mouth disease virus causes a livestock disease of significant global socio-economic importance. Advances in its control and eradication depend critically on improvements in vaccine efficacy, which can be best achieved by better understanding the complex within-host immunodynamic response to inoculation. We present a detailed and empirically parametrised dynamical mathematical model of the hypothesised immune response in cattle, and explore its behaviour with reference to a variety of experimental observations relating to foot and mouth immunology. The model system is able to qualitatively account for the observed responses during in-vivo experiments, and we use it to gain insight into the incompletely understood effect of single and repeat inoculations of differing dosage using vaccine formulations of different structural stability.
Wearable tactile device using mechanical and electrical stimulation for fingertip interaction with virtual world

We developed “Finger Glove for Augmented Reality” (FinGAR), which combines electrical and mechanical stimulation to selectively stimulate skin sensory mechanoreceptors and provide tactile feedback of virtual objects. A DC motor provides high-frequency vibration and shear deformation to the whole finger, and an array of electrodes provide pressure and low-frequency vibration with high spatial resolution. FinGAR devices are attached to the thumb, index finger and middle finger. It is lightweight, simple in mechanism, easy to wear, and does not disturb the natural movements of the hand. All of these attributes are necessary for a general-purpose virtual reality system. User study was conducted to evaluate its ability to reproduce sensations of four tactile dimensions: macro roughness, friction, fine roughness and hardness. Result indicated that skin deformation and cathodic stimulation affect macro roughness and hardness, whereas high-frequency vibration and anodic stimulation affect friction and fine roughness.
Computer-Aided Learning for People with Autism – a Framework for Research and Development

There is good evidence that computer-aided learning is well accepted by students with autism and is of great potential benefit to them. Despite the potential, however, the field remains relatively unexplored. This paper therefore proposes a framework for further research and development in the field of computer-aided learning for students with autism. The framework is based around the core deficiencies of autism, namely a social impairment, a communication impairment, rigidity and inflexibility in thinking and a theory of mind deficit. Proposals for computer-aided learning systems for each of these areas are put forward, and our current development work outlined.
Vote/Veto Classification, Ensemble Clustering and Sequence Classification for Author Identification

The Author Identification task for PAN 2012 consisted of three dif- ferent sub-tasks: traditional authorship attribution, authorship clustering and sex- ual predator identification. We developed three machine learning approaches for these tasks. For the two authorship related tasks we created various sets of fea- ture spaces, where individual differences in writing styles are assumed to surface in just a subset of these spaces. The challenge there was to combine these fea- ture spaces to enable the machine learning algorithms to detect these differences across multiple feature spaces. In the case of authorship attribution we combined the results of multiple base classifiers by following a supervised vote/veto meta classifier approach. For the intrinsic plagiarism/authorship clustering subtask we used an unsupervised ensemble clustering approach in order to combine infor- mation from several feature spaces. In the sexual predator identification task we applied a supervised sequence classification approach to uncover temporal pat- terns within chat conversations by categorizing not only the offending messages, but also the reactions to these offending messages.
Stress temperatures and quantitative variation in Drosophila melanogaster

Using an isofemale line analysis, we analysed the consequences of extreme rearing temperatures for genetic variation in quantitative characters in Drosophila melanogaster. Three types of characters were used: life history (viability and developmental time), body size (thorax length and wing length) and meristic (number of sternopleural chaetae and number of arista branches). Phenotypic variation significantly increased under stress conditions in all morphological characters studied; for viability, it increased at the low stress temperature. Genetic variation, measured by the coefficient of intraclass correlation, was generally higher at both low and high stress temperatures for thorax length and sternopleural chaeta number. For wing length and viability, genetic variation was higher at the low extreme temperature. No consistent trend was found for genetic variation in arista branch number and developmental time. Our results agree with the hypothesis that genetic variation is increased in stressful environments. A possible mechanism underlying this phenomenon is briefly discussed.
Berlin, Ontario, in the Age of the ABC

Between 1890 and 1910, the town of Berlin, Ontario, adopted special-purpose bodies, such as water commissions and park boards, with enthusiasm. Why did Berlin’s civic leaders respond to these institutions so enthusiastically? This paper suggests that internal diffusion, fuelled by an argument about municipal capacity, was at work in Berlin at the time. The paper also critically examines two alternative explanations for the town’s enthusiasm, one grounded in Wilsonian reform, and the other in elite self-insulation.
Assimilation of Polysaccharides and Glucose by Major Bacterial Groups in the Delaware Estuary

ABSTRACT The contribution of major bacterial groups to the assimilation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and glucose in the Delaware Estuary was assessed using microautoradiography and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Bacterial groups contributed to EPS and glucose assimilation in part according to their distribution in the estuary. Abundance of the phylogenetic groups explained 35% and 55% of the variation in EPS and glucose assimilation, respectively. Actinobacteria contributed 70% to glucose assimilation in freshwater, while Alphaproteobacteria assimilated 60% of this compound in saline water. In contrast, various bacterial groups dominated the assimilation of EPS. Actinobacteria and Betaproteobacteria contributed the most in the freshwater section, whereas Cytophaga-like bacteria and Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria participated in EPS assimilation in the lower part of the estuary. In addition, we examined the fraction of bacteria in each group that assimilated glucose or EPS. Overall, the fraction of bacteria in all groups that assimilated glucose was higher than the fraction that assimilated EPS (15 to 30% versus 5 to 20%, respectively). We found no correlation between the relative abundance of a group in the estuary and the fraction of bacteria actively assimilating glucose or EPS; the more active groups were often less abundant. Our results imply that the bacterial community in the Delaware Estuary is not controlled solely by “bottom-up” factors such as dissolved organic matter.
Challenging the Context: Perception, Polity, and Power

The Art Institute of Chicago opened its new Kraft General Foods Education Center in 1992. Its inaugural gallery exhibition, ART INSIDE OUT: Exploring Art and Culture Through Time, was designed to help visitors explore the historical and cultural context of twelve works of art. “Contextual areas” are provided for six of them. They employ models, replicas, artwork, art materials and tools as well as interpretive panels and interactive computer installations to enable visitors to fully comprehend and appreciate the immediate world from which each work emerged. the six other works are contextualized by interactive computer installations.
Feeding and grazing management for dairy cattle: opportunities for improved production.

An adequate feed intake is an important prerequisite to realize high milk production in dairy cows, especially during grazing. The analysis of feed intake behaviour can assist in understanding variation in daily intake and in improving its prediction. Indeed, our results indicated that differences in feed intake behaviour were more pronounced when varying the type of roughage than when varying the type of concentrate. Dry matter intake (DMI) was reduced when a ration high in grass silage was fed, but milk production was only numericaly affected. Grazing management might result in increased herbage intake and higher intake of nutrients from herbage by improved nutritional composition of herbage. In the first grazing experiment, herbage DMI was indeed increased when allocating cows daily (1Da) to a new grazing plot compared to every four days (4D) allocation, but only when pasture mass on offer and sward surface height (SSH) were high. Grazing time increased numerically and ruminating time decreased between days in the 4D treatment, coinciding with differences in rumen fermentation characteristics and milk composition. Milk yield was greater in 1Da than in 4D, but milk fatty acid (FA) composition, potentially influencing human health, showed hardly any difference. In a subsequent experiment, herbage DMI was again greater when allocating twice daily (2D) compared to once daily (1Db), especially when SSH was high. Grazing behaviour was more equally distributed in 1Db than in 2D and milk yield was increased in 2D compared to 1Db at high SSH, but as before milk FA composition hardly differed between treatment. The last grazing experiment aimed to take advantage of the higher sugar contents of grass in the afternoon than in the morning. It showed that grazing behaviour and herbage intake were similar between morning (MA) and afternoon allocation (AA), but cows receiving a fresh plot in the afternoon had a longer evening meal than cows receiving a fresh plot in the morning. This, in combination with differences in diurnal chemical composition of the grass between treatments probably caused higher intake of sugars in AA, resulting in a higher milk fat content. However, milk production remained unaffected. In conclusion, the results of this thesis indicate that short-term feed intake behaviour is related to DMI and therefore may be a helpful tool in optimizing DMI and milk production in high-production dairy cows. Increased pasture allocation frequency improves intake and milk yield in grazing dairy cows, especially when offered SSH is high enough. In intensive stripgrazing systems, reallocation of dairy cows following afternoon milking instead of morning milking has no added value.
Hexamminecobalt(III)-induced condensation of calf thymus DNA: circular dichroism and hydration measurements

The interaction of hexamminecobalt(III), Co(NH(3))(6)(3+), with 160 and 3000-8000 bp length calf thymus DNA has been investigated by circular dichroism, acoustic and densimetric techniques. The acoustic titration curves of 160 bp DNA revealed three stages of interaction: (i) Co(NH(3))(6)(3+) binding up to the molar ratio [Co(NH(3))(6)(3+)]/[P] = 0.25, prior to DNA condensation; (ii) a condensation process between [Co(NH(3))(6)(3+)]/[P] = 0.25 and 0.30; and (iii) precipitation after [Co(NH(3))(6)(3+)]/[P] = 0.3. In the case of 3000-8000 bp DNA only two processes were observed: (i) binding up to [Co(NH(3))(6)(3+)]/[P] = 0.3; and (ii) precipitation after this point. In agreement with earlier observations, long DNA aggregates without changes in its B-form circular dichroism spectrum, while short DNA demonstrates a positive B-->Psi transition after [Co(NH(3))(6)(3+)]/[P] = 0.25. From ultrasonic and densimetric measurements the effects of Co(NH(3))(6)(3+) binding on volume and compressibility have been obtained. The binding of Co(NH(3))(6)(3+) to both short and long DNA is characterized by similar changes in volume and compressibility calculated per mole Co(NH(3))(6)(3+): DeltaV = 9 cm(3) mol(-1) and Deltakappa = 33 x 10(-4) cm(3) mol(-1) bar(-1). The positive sign of the parameters indicates dehydration, i.e. water release from Co(NH(3))(6)(3+) and the atomic groups of DNA. This extent of water displacement would be consistent with the formation of two direct, hydrogen bonded contacts between the cation and the phosphates of DNA.