Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An improved stiffness model for polyester mooring lines

The stiffness model of highly extensible polyester mooring lines is studied. Mooring lines are considered within coupled dynamic model of a moored fl oating object. In more detail, deepwater mooring with taut polyester mooring lines is observed. In this case mooring line is modelled as an extensible cable without bending and torsional stiffness. Movements are assumed to be three-dimensional, so it is necessary to examine large displacement model. In longitudinal strain calculation the material of the mooring line is considered as nonlinear. A large elongation value is examined within the stiffness model. Inertial forces of the mooring line are also considered. Hydrodynamic loads due to surrounding fl uid are taken into account with the Morison equation. Due to nonlinear properties of mooring lines calculations have to be done in time domain. On these assumptions, derivation of a mooring line fi nite element is presented for static and dynamic analysis. A fl oating object is modelled as a rigid body with six degrees of freedom and with small displacements assumption. Hydrodynamic coeffi cients are calculated in a specifi ed frequency domain; therefore, mapping from the frequency to the time domain is necessary. Comparison between the improved model developed in this paper and current equivalent model is done. A simple mooring line that can be analytically described was the base for comparison. The improved model achieved better agreement with the analytical result.
RAB11A Is Essential for Transport of the Influenza Virus Genome to the Plasma Membrane

ABSTRACT Influenza A virus assembly is a complex process that requires the intersection of pathways involved in transporting viral glycoproteins, the matrix protein, and viral genomes, incorporated in the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex, to plasma membrane sites of virion formation. Among these virion components, the mechanism of vRNP delivery is the most incompletely understood. Here, we reveal a functional relationship between the cellular Rab11 GTPase isoform, RAB11A, and vRNPs and show that RAB11A is indispensable for proper vRNP transport to the plasma membrane. Using an immunofluorescence-based assay with a monoclonal antibody that recognizes nucleoprotein in the form of vRNP, we demonstrate association between RAB11A and vRNPs at all stages of vRNP cytoplasmic transport. Abrogation of RAB11A expression through small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment or disruption of RAB11A function by overexpression of dominant negative or constitutively active proteins caused aberrant vRNP intracellular accumulation, retention in the perinuclear region, and lack of accumulation at the plasma membrane. Complex formation between RAB11A and vRNPs was further established biochemically. Our results uncover a critical host factor with an essential contribution to influenza virus genome delivery and reveal a potential role for RAB11A in the transport of ribonucleoprotein cargo.
A Control-Theoretic Study on Runge–Kutta Methods With Application to Real-Time Fault-Tolerant Control of Nonlinear Systems

This paper addresses real-time fault-tolerant control (FTC) of nonlinear systems by adopting the internal model control structure with embedded iterative computation. We first study the Runge-Kutta (RK) type methods for solving the nonlinear ordinary differential equations and derive the convergence conditions in the control-theoretic framework. Then, we propose an observer-like iterative solution to improve the convergence rate of the RK method by embedding the sensor signals into the iterative computation. Based on these results, real-time FTC is achieved and enhanced by employing the modified numerical algorithm in the iterative computation and estimation. This paper is mainly motivated by the increasing demands on the reliability of integrating the fast converging iterative solutions of differential equations into the embedded control systems. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is demonstrated through the experimental and simulation results on three-tank systems.
Total Catch of a Red-Listed Marine Species Is an Order of Magnitude Higher than Official Data

Accurate information on total catch and effort is essential for successful fisheries management. Officially reported landings, however, may be underestimates of total catch in many fisheries. We investigated the fishery for the nationally red-listed European lobster (Homarus gammarus) in south-eastern Norway. Probability-based strip transect surveys were used to count buoys in the study area in combination with catch per unit effort data obtained independently from volunteer catch diaries, phone interviews, and questionnaires. We estimate that recreational catch accounts for 65% of total catch in the study area. Moreover, our results indicate that only a small proportion (24%) of lobsters landed commercially were sold through the legal market and documented. Total estimated lobster catch was nearly 14 times higher than reported officially. Our study highlights the need for adequate catch monitoring and data collection efforts in coastal areas, presents a clear warning to resource managers that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries in coastal areas should not be ignored, and shows the potential impact of recreational fisheries.
Blood, joy and tears: menarche narratives of undergraduate females in a selected in Nigeria Private University

Abstract The aim of the study is to add to the body of knowledge on less researched aspects of female adolescent health in Nigeria. It specifically explored the menarche or first period narratives of 136 young women, focusing on the contents of the discussion that ensued with whom they told when they first got their period using qualitative methodology. It also explores sources of premenstrual information and how the menstrual period is managed. The sample consisted of 136 undergraduate females in Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria. Almost all of the respondents (95%) received information about menstruation from mothers, female relatives and school lessons prior to menarche. The majority of the respondents first told either their mother or a female relative when they first got their period and viewed menarche as a crisis. Two salient themes emerged from the contents of the narratives; celebration and advice. The advice theme was further explored and three advice patterns were identified: being a woman, hygiene and changed dynamics in relationships with males. Data from the present study suggests that only certain aspects of the menstruation discourse have evolved. All respondents reported using sanitary towels during their menstrual period with the majority experiencing cramps regularly and (61%) using pharmalogical agents for remedy. It is envisaged that findings from the study will be useful in future health intervention programmes and research on female adolescent health in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Robust Speech Understanding for Multi-Modal Human-Robot Communication

In order to model complex human robot interaction researchers not only have to consider different tasks but also to handle the complex interplay of different modules of one single robot system. In our context we constructed a robot assistant integrated in a home or office environment. We allow for a fairly natural communication style, which means that the users communicate using speech but are also allowed to use gestures and moreover to use contextual scene knowledge. Against this background, this paper presents a robust speech understanding component for situated human-robot communication. It serves as interface between speech recognition and dialog management. To increase robustness of speech processing it rates the speech recognition output by means of semantic coherence. Even if the recognized word-stream is not grammatically correct the speech understanding component provides semantic interpretations in context of multi-modal input for dialog management. For the understanding process, we designed special semantic concepts grounded to the domain of situated communication. They also provide additional information about the dialog act. A processing mechanism uses these concept units to generate the most likely semantic interpretation of the utterances
A connectionist approach to generating oblique decision trees

Neural networks and decision tree methods are two common approaches to pattern classification. While neural networks can achieve high predictive accuracy rates, the decision boundaries they form are highly nonlinear and generally difficult to comprehend. Decision trees, on the other hand, can be readily translated into a set of rules. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm for generating oblique decision trees that capitalizes on the strength of both approaches. Oblique decision trees classify the patterns by testing on linear combinations of the input attributes. As a result, an oblique decision tree is usually much smaller than the univariate tree generated for the same domain. Our algorithm consists of two components: connectionist and symbolic. A three-layer feedforward neural network is constructed and pruned, a decision tree is then built from the hidden unit activation values of the pruned network. An oblique decision tree is obtained by expressing the activation values using the original input attributes. We test our algorithm on a wide range of problems. The oblique decision trees generated by the algorithm preserve the high accuracy of the neural networks, while keeping the explicitness of decision trees. Moreover, they outperform univariate decision trees generated by the symbolic approach and oblique decision trees built by other approaches in accuracy and tree size.
New developments in the management of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is potentially curable. Immunochemotherapy, R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone) is the standard of care. This regimen has been incorporated in other approaches and reevaluated in different trials in different age groups. The duration of cycle therapy has varied from 14 to 21 days. In addition, R-ACVBP has been evaluated in randomized trials. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been evaluated in randomized clinical trials. Ongoing studies are evaluating new regimens such as EPOCH-R and novel maintenance therapy approaches in the upfront management of DLBCL. In the relapse and refractory setting, autologous stem cell transplantation remains the standard of care with treatment with R-ICE or R-DHAP followed by different conditioning regimens prior to ASCT. The outcomes of patients who relapse following ASCT are improving with the treatment of new agents targeting different pathways such as lenalidomide. New monoclonal antibodies are under evaluation. The Bruton s tyrosine kinase inhibitor is in early stages of development. Targeted therapy has changed the natural history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Past microarray and new DLBCL hypersequencing data are revealing new pathways and targets to further explore therapeutically. This review will describe the contribution of immunochemotherapy and other interventions in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma evaluating past clinical trials, review early clinical trial observations, and discuss current future directions.
Polymeric Photocatalysts Based on Graphitic Carbon Nitride

Semiconductor‐based photocatalysis is considered to be an attractive way for solving the worldwide energy shortage and environmental pollution issues. Since the pioneering work in 2009 on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) for visible‐light photocatalytic water splitting, g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysis has become a very hot research topic. This review summarizes the recent progress regarding the design and preparation of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts, including the fabrication and nanostructure design of pristine g‐C3N4, bandgap engineering through atomic‐level doping and molecular‐level modification, and the preparation of g‐C3N4‐based semiconductor composites. Also, the photocatalytic applications of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts in the fields of water splitting, CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation, organic syntheses, and bacterial disinfection are reviewed, with emphasis on photocatalysis promoted by carbon materials, non‐noble‐metal cocatalysts, and Z‐scheme heterojunctions. Finally, the concluding remarks are presented and some perspectives regarding the future development of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts are highlighted.
Understanding Complex Natural Systems by Articulating Structure-Behavior-Function Models

Artificial intelligence research on creative design has led to Structure-Behavior-Function (SBF) models that emphasize functions as abstractions for organizing understanding of physical systems. Empirical studies on understanding complex systems suggest that novice understanding is shallow, typically focusing on their visible structures and showing minimal understanding of their functions and invisible causal behaviors. In this paper, we describe an interactive learning environment called ACT (for Aquarium Construction Toolkit) in which middle-school students construct SBF models of complex systems as a vehicle for gaining a deeper understanding of how such systems work. We report on the use of ACT in middle-school science classrooms for stimulating, scaffolding, and supporting SBF thinking about aquarium systems as examples of complex systems. We present preliminary data indicating that SBF thinking, facilitated in part by the ACT tool, leads to enhanced understanding of the behaviors and functions of aquaria.
Clinical Effect of Recalibration of the Roche Cardiac Troponin T Assay

Objective: To assess the effect of recalibration of the Roche 3rd-generation cTnT assay with recombinant human cardiac troponin T (cTnT) standards on clinical decision limits. Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 77 patients (66 ± 16 years) admitted to the coronary care unit were assayed using the 2nd- and 3rd-generation cTnT assays. Results: There was excellent agreement (r = 0.99 Spearman, 95% CI 0.99–1.0; p ≤ 0.0001, n = 153) between the 2nd- and 3rd-generation cTnT assays across the analytical range, but there was a curvilinear relationship between values. There was concordance between the 2nd- and 3rd-generation cTnT values in the range from 0 to 0.2 µg/l. Above 0.2 µg/l, however, there were increasing but predictable differences. Conclusion: There was no statistical difference between the 2nd- and 3rd-generation cTnT assays, demonstrated by a linear relationship below 0.2 µg/l. This confirms that the 3rd-generation assay was calibrated to that of the 2nd-generation assay in the range of 0–0.2 µg/l. The detection limit and upper reference limit of normal will be unaffected by this change in calibration. A non-linear relationship at higher 2nd-generation concentrations (0.2–25.0 µg/l) was observed. Clinical decision limits up to 0.2 µg/l, associated with increased cardiac risk, are unaffected by the assay calibration, but values greater than 0.2 µg/l are affected.
A space-time coding approach for systems employing four transmit antennas

We propose a novel transmit diversity scheme for the downlink of communication systems that employ four transmit antennas. The scheme can be seen as a simplified transmission architecture admitting an entire family of space-time codes. It can be also seen as an extension of previously proposed techniques (such as those presented in Alamouti (1998), Tarokh et al. (1998), and Hochwald et al. (2001)) to the case of four transmit antennas with complex input data symbols. Our technique has a number of appealing features, namely, it enables a significant portion of the open-loop channel capacity, it requires simple receiver processing (involving typically 2/spl times/2 matrix operations in conjunction with single-user or 2-user decoding) and it admits single-user encoding in an overlay fashion.
Unitary PUMA Algorithm for Estimating the Frequency of a Complex Sinusoid

One-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) frequency estimation for a single complex sinusoid in white Gaussian noise is a classic signal processing problem with numerous applications. It is revisited here through a new unitary principal-singular-vector utilization modal analysis (PUMA) approach, which is realized in terms of real-valued computations. The 2-D unitary PUMA is first formulated as an iteratively weighted least squares optimization problem. Recognizing that only one iteration is sufficient when 2-D unitary PUMA is initialized using least squares, a computationally attractive closed-form solution is then obtained. A variant of 2-D unitary PUMA is also developed for the 1-D case. Due to the real-valued computations and closed-form expression for the frequency estimate, the unitary PUMA is more computationally efficient than a number of state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, the asymptotic variances of 1-D and 2-D unitary PUMA estimators are theoretically derived, and numerical results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Continuous and high throughput production of alginate fibers using co‐flow in a millifluidic T‐junction

We present a new technique for continuous production of alginate fibers using off-the-shelf millifluidic components and syringe pumps. The components are quickly assembled to form a T-junction to deliver co-flowing streams of sodium alginate and calcium chloride allowing formation of hydrogel fibers in the exit channel. We vary the flow rates of the two streams, calcium chloride concentrations and length of exit channel and identify conditions where fibers of uniform and nonuniform thickness are produced. We find that uniform fibers can be produced at a maximum total flow rate of 10 mL min. As expected, for uniform fibers, we observe that the fiber diameter increases with increase in alginate solution flow rate, and we propose a simple model that predicts the fiber diameter as a function of flow rate ratio. We investigate the source of fiber nonuniformity and explain it using an empirical model that involves crosslinking time and gel strength. Our approach features easy device assembly and operation and enables continuous fiber production without clogging risks. Fiber production rates in the order of 10 m min are achievable using our approach. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 00, 47120.
Spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) in the gastric oxyntic mucosa does not arise from Lgr5-expressing cells

Objective Metaplastic lineages in the oxyntic mucosa of the stomach are critical preneoplastic precursors of gastric cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) in the mouse oxyntic mucosa arises from transdifferentiation of mature gastric chief cells. Other investigations of intestinal progenitor cells have shown that cells demonstrating transcriptional activity for leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in the intestine, colon and gastric antrum function as adult stem cells. We have now investigated whether cells demonstrating Lgr5 transcriptional activity in the oxyntic mucosa of mice might be responsible for development of metaplasia. Design Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2/+;Rosa26R mice were used to examine the distribution of Lgr5 transcriptionally active cells in the normal oxyntic mucosa as well as after treatment with DMP-777 or L-635 to induce acute SPEM. Lineage mapping was performed to determine if Lgr5-expressing cells gave rise to SPEM. Results Cells expressing transcriptional activity for Lgr5 in the oxyntic mucosa were present as scattered rare cells only along the lesser curvature of the stomach. These cells also stained for markers of chief cells (intrinsic factor and pepsinogen) but never showed any staining for proliferative markers (Ki-67). In Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2/+;Rosa26R mice induced with tamoxifen, treatment with either DMP-777 or L-635 to induce acute oxyntic atrophy caused induction of SPEM, but no lineage mapping into SPEM from Lgr5-expressing cells was observed. Conclusion The results indicate that, while chief cells with Lgr5 transcriptional activity are present along the lesser curvature of the gastric oxyntic mucosa, they are not responsible for production of metaplasia.
AMP-activated Protein Kinase Attenuates Nitric Oxide-induced β-Cell Death*

During the initial autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes, islets are exposed to a damaging mix of pro-inflammatory molecules that stimulate the production of nitric oxide by β-cells. Nitric oxide causes extensive but reversible cellular damage. In response to nitric oxide, the cell activates pathways for functional recovery and adaptation as well as pathways that direct β-cell death. The molecular events that dictate cellular fate following nitric oxide-induced damage are currently unknown. In this study, we provide evidence that AMPK plays a primary role controlling the response of β-cells to nitric oxide-induced damage. AMPK is transiently activated by nitric oxide in insulinoma cells and rat islets following IL-1 treatment or by the exogenous addition of nitric oxide. Active AMPK promotes the functional recovery of β-cell oxidative metabolism and abrogates the induction of pathways that mediate cell death such as caspase-3 activation following exposure to nitric oxide. Overall, these data show that nitric oxide activates AMPK and that active AMPK suppresses apoptotic signaling allowing the β-cell to recover from nitric oxide-mediated cellular stress.
An update on anticancer drug development and delivery targeting carbonic anhydrase IX

The expression of carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX is up-regulated in many types of solid tumors in humans under hypoxic and acidic microenvironment. Inhibition of CA IX enzymatic activity with selective inhibitors, antibodies or labeled probes has been shown to reverse the acidic environment of solid tumors and reduce the tumor growth establishing the significant role of CA IX in tumorigenesis. Thus, the development of potent antitumor drugs targeting CA IX with minimal toxic effects is important for the target-specific tumor therapy. Recently, several promising antitumor agents against CA IX have been developed to treat certain types of cancers in combination with radiation and chemotherapy. Here we review the inhibition of CA IX by small molecule compounds and monoclonal antibodies. The methods of enzymatic assays, biophysical methods, animal models including zebrafish and Xenopus oocytes, and techniques of diagnostic imaging to detect hypoxic tumors using CA IX-targeted conjugates are discussed with the aim to overview the recent progress related to novel therapeutic agents that target CA IX in hypoxic tumors.