Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Method for Lunar Obstacle Detection Based on Multi-scale Morphology Transformation

Lunar obstacle detection is the key technique for Lunar lander landing, the main step to detect obstacles is to separate and extract the obstacle regions. This paper puts forward a watershed method based on multi-scale mathematical morphology operation to separate the obstacles of the lunar. The method put up multi-scale open and close operator to morphological gradient image, and wipe off the local valley produced by noise and quantification error of the gradient image. The experiment proves that using watershed transformation adopting the method to process the image can wipe off the local valley produced by over-segmentation and separate the dark edge efficiently, in other words, detect the obstacles of the lunar. The effect is much better than the process of the traditional watershed transformation.
Moving the gender agenda or stirring chicken's entrails? Where next for feminist methodologies in accounting?

Purpose – The paper critiques recent research on gender and accounting to explore how feminist methodology can move on and radicalise the gender agenda in the accounting context. Design/methodology/approach – After examining current research on gender and accounting, the paper explores the nature of feminist methodology and its relation to epistemology. It explores three inter-related tenets of feminist methodology in detail: Power and Politics, Subjectivity and Reflexivity. Findings – The paper suggests that much research in the accounting is concerned with gender-as-a-variable, rather than being distinctly feminist, thus missing the opportunity to radicalise the agenda. It makes suggestions for how a feminist approach to methodology could be applied to the accounting context. Originality/value – The paper calls for a wider application of a feminist approach to accounting research and where this might be applied. Keywords – feminism, methodology, epistemology, gender, accounting, power, reflexivity, subjectivity Paper type – conceptual paper
Seniors as volunteers: an international perspective on policy

The purpose of the paper is to describe and contrast public policies regarding the participation of older people in volunteer work in three countries: the United States, Australia and the Netherlands. Data were collected in 1997–1998 through analysis of policy documents and through 50 interviews with researchers, policy makers and volunteer co-ordinators. The study found considerable differences between the three countries in the provision of government policies and programmes for senior volunteering. It was concluded that such differences could be explained in the context of the definition of seniors' social participation employed by policy-makers in each country.
The Mincle ligand trehalose dibehenate differentially modulates M1‐like and M2‐like macrophage phenotype and function via Syk signaling

Macrophages play a significant role in the progression of diseases, such as cancer, making them a target for immune‐modulating agents. Trehalose dibehenate (TDB) is known to activate M1‐like macrophages via Mincle, however, the effect of TDB on M2‐like macrophages, which are found in the tumor microenvironment, has not been studied.
Development of a Biosafety Enhanced and Immunogenic Salmonella Enteritidis Ghost Using an Antibiotic Resistance Gene Free Plasmid Carrying a Bacteriophage Lysis System

In the development of genetically inactivated bacterial vaccines, plasmid retention often requires the antibiotic resistance gene markers, the presence of which can cause the potential biosafety hazards such as the horizontal spread of resistance genes. The new lysis plasmid was constructed by utilizing the approach of balanced-lethal systems based on auxotrophic gene Aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (asd). The PhiX174 lysis gene E and λPR37-cI857 temperature-sensitive regulatory system was cloned in the asd gene positive plasmid and this novel approach allowed the production of antibiotic resistance marker free Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) ghost. The immunogenic potential of the biosafety enhanced antibiotic resistance gene free S. Enteritidis ghost was evaluated in chickens by employing the prime-boost vaccination strategy using a combination of oral and intramuscular routes. A total of 75 two-week-old chickens were equally divided into five groups: group A (non-immunized control), group B (intramuscularly primed and boosted), group C (primed intramuscularly and boosted orally), group D (primed and boosted orally), and group E (primed orally and boosted intramuscularly). Chickens from all immunized groups demonstrated significant increases in plasma IgG, intestinal secretory IgA levels, and antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferative response. After a virulent S. Enteritidis challenge, all immunized groups showed fewer gross lesions and decreased bacterial recovery from organs in comparison with the non-immunized control group. Among the immunized chickens, groups B and D chickens showed optimized protection, indicating that the prime-booster immunization with the ghost via intramuscular or oral route is efficient. Taken together, our results demonstrate that an antibiotic resistance gene free lysis plasmid was successfully constructed and utilized for production of safety enhanced S. Enteritidis ghost, which can be used as a safe and effective vaccine against virulent S. Enteritidis infections.
Testing the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept: a study with Chinese vocational students

In order to extend previous research on the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept (i.e. its domain-specific structure and separation into competence and affect components), the present study tests its generalisability among vocational students from mainland China. A Chinese version of self-description questionnaire I was administered to Year 1 secondary vocational students in three academic years (2006, 2007, 2008; N = 1053) measuring the self-concepts in Chinese (native language), English (non-native language), math and general school. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that models separating competence and affect components within each domain fitted better than pure domain-specific models. This pattern was consistent across the subsamples of students studying in the three academic years. Thus, the present findings support the generalisability of the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept to Chinese vocational students and to students’ native and non-native languages. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for self-concept research and practice are discussed.
Cloning and differentiation-induced expression of a murine serotonin1A receptor in a septal cell line

A neuronal cell model endogenously expressing the 5-HT1A receptor, in which to study the function and regulation of this gene, has yet to be identified. We examined murine SN-48 cells, a septum x neuroblastoma fusion cell line that proliferates in a nondifferentiated state but can be induced to differentiate into neurofilament-positive cells following 24–96 hr treatment with 10 microM retinoic acid in low serum. Northern blot analysis demonstrated the presence of a single 10.9 kilobase (kb) 5-HT1A receptor RNA species in differentiated SN-48 cells, which was not detected in undifferentiated SN-48 cells. The presence of receptor RNA in differentiated SN-48 cells correlated with the appearance of functional responses (i.e., pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of cAMP accumulation) to 5-HT1A agonists in differentiated but not in undifferentiated cells. In order to verify that the large 10.9 kb RNA species in SN-48 cells truly corresponded to the mouse 5-HT1A receptor RNA, a cDNA fragment from differentiated SN-48 cells was used to clone the corresponding mouse brain cDNA. The 2.4 kb cDNA contained a single open reading frame that displayed high (> 85% predicted amino acid identity) homology to the human and rat 5-HT1A receptor genes. When transfected into receptor-negative Ltk- cells, this cDNA was found to direct expression of a murine 5-HT1A receptor. Thus, we conclude that upon differentiation SN-48 cells express RNA encoding functional 5-HT1A receptors. The SN-48 septal cells will provide a useful cellular model system for investigating aspects of neuronal differentiation leading to the development of sensitivity to serotonergic input.
Rosenau's adaptive behaviour approach – a critique

With the widespread usage of systems analysis in political science over the last twenty years it is axiomatic that the problem of adaptation has been a recurring theme in the literature. At the level of the individual political system this concern has been germane to the work of Easton, the structural functionalists and the developmental/modernization writers. In International Politics writing, the problem of adaptation is central to both the applications of systems theory, at whatever level of analysis (for example Kaplan, Rosecrance at the systemic level, and Hanrieder and Modelski at the state level) and the less overtly theoretical works which still emphasize the importance of a state adapting to its environment.
Seven degrees of separation in mobile ad hoc networks

We present an architecture that enables the sharing of information among mobile, wireless, collaborating hosts that are intermittently connected to the Internet. Participants in the system obtain data objects from Internet-connected servers, cache them and exchange them with others who are interested in them. The system exploits the fact that there is a high locality of information access within a geographic area. It aims to increase the data availability to participants with lost connectivity to the Internet. We investigate how user mobility and query patterns affect data dissemination in such an environment. We discuss the main components of the system and possible applications. Finally, we present simulation results that show that the ad hoc networks can be very effective in distributing popular information.
Androgen receptor heterogeneity in human prostatic carcinomas visualized by immunohistochemistry

Expression of the human androgen receptor was examined in 26 primary prostatic carcinomas by immunohistochemical staining with a polyclonal antibody reactive with the N‐terminal domain of the human androgen receptor. Eighteen carcinomas showed homogeneous staining for the androgen receptor, whereas in seven cases a considerable heterogeneity in expression of the receptor was found. In one case, only a very limited number of immunoreactive tumour cells were detected. Comparison of androgen receptor expression with the tumour grading score, according to the MD Anderson grading system, revealed that the proportion of immunostained tumour cells and—to a lesser extent—the intensity of immunostaining were decreased in the more aggressive (grade III) tumours. The use of immunohistochemistry for detection of expression of androgen rereptor in prostatic carcinomas may become a new and sensitive method for predicting prostatic tumour behaviour under hormonal therapy and prognosis.
Evidence for tissue diffusion limitation of VO2max in normal humans.

We recently found [at approximately 90% maximal O2 consumption (VO2max)] that as inspiratory PO2 (PIO2) was reduced, VO2 and mixed venous PO2 (PVO2) fell together along a straight line through the origin, suggesting tissue diffusion limitation of VO2max. To extend these observations to VO2max and directly examine effluent venous blood from muscle, six normal men cycled at VO2max while breathing air, 15% O2 and 12% O2 in random order on a single day. From femoral venous, mixed venous, and radial arterial samples, we measured PO2, PCO2, pH, and lactate and computed mean muscle capillary PO2 by Bohr integration between arterial (PaO2) and femoral venous PO2 (PfvO2). VO2 and CO2 production (VCO2) were measured by expired gas analysis, VO2max averaged 61.5 +/- 6.2 (air), 48.6 +/- 4.8 (15% O2), and 38.1 +/- 4.1 (12% O2) ml.kg-1.min-1. Corresponding values were 16.8 +/- 5.6, 14.4 +/- 5.0, and 12.0 +/- 5.0 Torr for PfVO2; 23.6 +/- 3.2, 19.1 +/- 4.2, and 16.2 +/- 3.5 Torr for PVO2; and 38.5 +/- 5.4, 30.3 +/- 4.1, and 24.5 +/- 3.6 Torr for muscle capillary PO2 (PmCO2). Each of the PO2 variables was linearly related to VO2max (r = 0.99 each), with an intercept not different from the origin. Similar results were obtained when the subjects were pushed to a work load 30 W higher to ensure that VO2max had been achieved. By extending our prior observations 1) to maximum VO2 and 2) by direct sampling of femoral venous blood, we conclude that tissue diffusion limitation of VO2max may be present in normal humans. In addition, since PVO2, PfVO2, and PmCO2 all linearly relate to VO2max, we suggest that whichever of these is most readily obtained is acceptable for further evaluation of the hypothesis.
From Dyadic Change to Changing Business Networks: An Analytical Framework

This paper investigates the dynamics of business networks. We distinguish between confined dyadic change and network change and show how change itself may be incremental or radical, using the punctuated equilibrium model of change. The concept of the critical event is introduced to highlight radical change. We propose an analytical framework where the ideas of mechanism, nature and forces of change are integrated. Two circles of network change (incremental and radical) are presented and transfers from one circle to the other are discussed. We believe this conceptual elaboration may have significant implications for future network dynamic research
Downregulation of microRNA‐15b by hepatitis B virus X enhances hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation via fucosyltransferase 2‐induced Globo H expression

Globo H, a cancer‐associated carbohydrate antigen, is highly expressed in various types of cancers. However, the role of Globo H in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. In our study, we performed glycan microarray analysis of 134 human serum samples to explore anti‐Globo H antibody changes and found that Globo H is upregulated in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐positive HCC. Similarly, immunohistochemistry showed that Globo H expression was higher in tumors compared to normal tissues. In addition, fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2), the main synthetic enzyme of Globo H, was also increased in HCC cells overexpressing HBV X protein (HBX). HBX plays an important role in promoting cell proliferation and may be related to increased levels of FUT2 and Globo H. Furthermore, using microRNA profiling, we observed that microRNA‐15b (miR‐15b) was downregulated in patients with HCC and confirmed association of FUT2 expression with expression of its product, Globo H. Therefore, our results suggest that HBX suppressed the expression of miR‐15b, which directly targeted FUT2 and then increased levels of Globo H to enhance HCC cell proliferation. Additionally, proliferation of HBX‐overexpressing HCC cells was significantly inhibited by treatment with Globo H antibody in vitro. In xenograft animal experiments, we found that overexpression of miR‐15b effectively suppressed tumor growth. The newly identified HBX/miR‐15b/FUT2/Globo H axis suggests one possible molecular mechanism of HCC cell proliferation and represents a new potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Nucleotide sequence of the jaagsiekte retrovirus, an exogenous and endogenous type D and B retrovirus of sheep and goats

The complete genome of the jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), the suspected etiological agent of ovine pulmonary carcinoma, has been cloned from viral particles secreted in lung exudates of affected animals and sequenced. The genome is 7,462 nucleotides long and exhibits a genetic organization characteristic of the type B and D oncoviruses. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of JSRV proteins with those of other retrovirus proteins and phylogenetic studies suggest that JSRV diverged from its type B and D lineage after the type B mouse mammary tumor virus but before the type D oncoviruses captured the env gene of a reticuloendotheliosislike virus. Southern blot studies show that closely related sequences are present in sheep and goat normal genomic DNA, indicating that JSRV could be endogenous in ovine and caprine species.
Essai d'estimation des naissances de la population algérienne depuis 1891

Résumé Le mouvement de la population musulmane algérienne est resté longtemps très mal connu et controversé, du fait du sous -enregistrement des naissances et des décès. Les travaux de M. Breil, après la guerre, avec des méthodes modernes, avaient déjà permis d'avancer la question. Reprenant ces travaux et les prolongeant, le Docteur J. N. Biraben trace un historique de la question et reconstitue le mouvement de la population depuis 189i.
Abandono de tratamento na psicoterapia psicanalítica: em busca de definição

OBJECTIVES: This article aims to review the definitions of treatment dropout in psychotherapy literature, discuss the difficulty of defining dropout in various psychotherapeutic approaches, reflect on the criteria used in different definitions and propose a dropout definition for psychoanalytical psychotherapy. METHOD: A review of articles on treatment dropout involving different psychotherapeutic modalities was conducted in the following databases: SciELO, Lilacs, Medline and PsycINFO. RESULTS AND DISCUSS: Definitions of treatment dropout are presented in three figures and divided by the theoretical framework of the psychotherapeutic process. Criteria used in definitions are discussed. CONCLUSION: In order to build a standardized definition of psychoanalytical psychotherapy dropout, three definition categories for termination of psychotherapy are proposed, based on the critical discussion of the reviewed literature.
Characteristic and synthetic approach of molecularly imprinted polymer

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) exhibiting high selectivity and affinity tothe predetermined molecule (template) are now seeing a fast growing research. However,optimization of the imprinted products is difficult due to the fact that there are manyvariables to consider, some or all of which can potentially impact upon the chemical,morphological and molecular recognition properties of the imprinted materials. This reviewpresent a summary of the principal synthetic considerations pertaining to good practice in thepolymerization aspects of molecular imprinting, and is primarily aimed at researcher familiarwith molecular imprinting methods but with little or no prior experience in polymersynthesis. The synthesis, characteristic, effect of molecular recognition and differentpreparation methods of MIP in recent few years are discussed in this review, unsolvedproblems and possible developments of MIP were also been briefly discussed.
Neuroethology of releasing mechanisms: Prey-catching in toads

Abstract “Sign stimuli” elicit specific patterns of behavior when an organism's motivation is appropriate. In the toad, visually released prey-catching involves orienting toward the prey, approaching, fixating, and snapping. For these action patterns to be selected and released, the prey must be recognized and localized in space. Toads discriminate prey from nonprey by certain spatiotemporal stimulus features. The stimulus-response relations are mediated by innate releasing mechanisms (RMs) with recognition properties partly modifiable by experience. Striato-pretecto-tectal connectivity determines the RM's recognition and localization properties, whereas medialpallio-thalamo-tectal circuitry makes the system sensitive to changes in internal state and to prior history of exposure to stimuli. RMs encode the diverse stimulus conditions referring to the same prey object through different combinations of “specialized” tectal neurons, involving cells selectively tuned to prey features. The prey-selective neurons express the outcome of information processing in functional units consisting of interconnected cells. Excitatory and inhibitory interactions among feature-sensitive tectal and pretectal neurons specify the perceptual operations involved in distinguishing the prey from its background, selecting its features, and discriminating it from predators. Other connections indicate stimulus location. The results of these analyses are transmitted by specialized neurons projecting from the tectum to bulbar/spinal motor systems, providing a sensorimotor interface. Specific combinations of such projective neurons – mediating feature- and space-related messages – form “command releasing systems” that activate corresponding motor pattern generators for appropriate prey-catching action patterns.
Interplay: The Method and Potential of a Cognitive Scientific Approach to Theatre

This essay argues that cognitive linguistics—conceptual blending theory (CBT) in particular—links language, cognition, and the body in ways that impact practical and theoretical issues in performance. An unpacking of the first sentence of Richard III demonstrates the use of CBT as a tool in dramaturgical or textual analysis. Through an analysis of a casting choice in Michael Almereyda's Hamlet, the essay argues that CBT provides a way to understand what is meant when theatre scholars or practitioners say that one thing "works" and another does not. The embodied interplay between actor/character and spectator is illuminated by research on mirror neurons. The author argues that mimesis is better understood as occurring between actor and spectator, rather than actor and character. Finally, the essay re-imagines what constitutes character—and its relationship to actor—in light of research on phantom limbs.
On energy estimates for electro-diffusion equations arising in semiconductor technology

The design of modern semiconductor devices requires the numerical simulation of basic fabrication steps. We investigate some electrooreactionndiiusion equations which describe the redistribution of charged dopants and point defects in semiconductor structures and which the simulations should be based on. Especially, we are interested in pair diiusion models. We present new results concerned with the existence of steady states and with the asymptotic behaviour of solutions which are obtained by estimates of the corresponding free energy and dissipation functionals.