Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward efficient navigation in uncertain gyre-like flows

We present the development and experimental validation of an autonomous surface/underwater vehicle control strategy that leverages the environmental dynamics and uncertainty to navigate in a stochastic fluidic environment. We assume that the workspace is composed of the union of a collection of disjoint regions, each bounded by Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs). LCSs are dynamical features in the flow field that behave like invariant manifolds in general time-invariant dynamical systems and delineate the boundaries of attraction basins. We analyze a passive particle’s noise-induced transition between adjacent LCS-bounded regions and show how most probable escape trajectories with respect to the transition probability between adjacent LCS-bounded regions can be determined. Additionally, we show how the likelihood of transition can be controlled through minimal actuation. The result is an energy efficient navigation strategy that leverages the inherent dynamics of the surrounding flow field for mobile sensors operating in a noisy fluidic environment. We experimentally validate the proposed vehicle control strategy and analyze its theoretical properties. Our results show that the single vehicle control parameter exhibits a predictable exponential scaling with respect to the escape times and is effective even in situations where the structure of the flow is not fully known and control effort is costly.
Morphological types of horizontal cell in rodent retinae: A comparison of rat, mouse, gerbil, and guinea pig

Abstract Retinal horizontal cells of four rodent species, rat, mouse, gerbil, and guinea pig were examined to determine whether they conform to the basic pattern of two horizontal cell types found in other mammalian orders. Intracellular injections of Lucifer-Yellow were made to reveal the morphologies of individual cells. Immunocytochemistry with antisera against the calcium-binding proteins calbindin D-28k and parvalbumin was used to assess population densities and mosaics. Lucifer-Yellow injections showed axonless A-type and axon-bearing B-type horizontal cells in guinea pig, but revealed only B-type cells in rat and gerbil retinae. Calbindin immunocytochemistry labeled the A-and B-type populations in guinea pig, but only a homogeneous regular mosaic of cells with B-type features in rat, mouse, and gerbil. All calbindin-immunoreactive horizontal cells in the latter species were also parvalbumin-immunoreactive; comparison with Nissl-stained retinae showed that both antisera label all of the horizontal cells. Taken together, the data from cell injections and the population studies provide strong evidence that rat, mouse, and gerbil retinae have only one type of horizontal cell, the axon-bearing B-type, where as the guinea pig has both A-and B-type cells. Thus, at least three members of the family Muridae differ from other rodents and deviate from the proposed mammalian scheme of horizontal cell types. The absence of A-type cells is apparently not linked to any peculiarities in the photoreceptor populations, and there is no consistent match between the topographic distributions of the horizontal cells and those of the cone photoreceptors or ganglion cells across the four rodent species. However, the cone to horizontal cell ratio is rather similar in the species with and without A-type cells.
Was the Black Death in India and China?

Firsthand accounts of the Black Death in Europe and the Middle East and many subsequent historians have assumed that the pandemic originated in Asia and ravaged China and India before reaching the West. One reason for this conviction among modern historians is that the plague in the nineteenth century originated and did its worst damage in these countries. But a close examination of the sources on the Delhi Sultanate and the Yuan Dynasty provides no evidence of any serious epidemic in fourteenth-century India and no specific evidence of plague among the many troubles that afflicted fourteenth-century China.
Group size and structure in western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at Mbeli Bai, Republic of Congo

This paper describes the size and structure of western lowland gorilla groups visiting Mbeli Bai, a swampy forest clearing in northern Congo. An observation platform at the edge of the clearing was used over a 3‐yr period, with gorillas visible for 1,681 hr. Data are presented on 14 groups and seven solitary males. Mean group size (excluding solitary males) was 8.4 ± SD 4.3, and did not differ significantly from most other gorilla studies. All groups at Mbeli contained only one fully mature male and did not show evidence of fission‐fusion or regular subgrouping. All emigrating males that remained in the population became solitary, and “bachelor” groups were not observed. Methodological issues are raised, including the classification of multi‐male groups, and the demographic profiles of other populations are discussed in the light of results from Mbeli. Am. J. Primatol. 56:193–206, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of a Candidate Gene, Environment, and G×E Interaction Using Case‐Control and Case‐Parent Study Designs

We investigated the independent contributions of a candidate gene and an environmental factor, and the presence of gene×environment (G×E) interaction, in the etiology of a disease in the Genetic Analysis Workshop (GAW) 12 problem 2 simulated data using a two‐stage approach utilizing both case‐control and case‐parent study designs. Using the case‐control design, several SNPs within candidate gene 1 (CG1) and environmental factor 1 (dichotomized using the 75th percentile as a cut‐off) (EXP) were independently associated with disease status, in models adjusted for age and sex. We found evidence of gene×environment (G×E) interaction between EXP and two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within CGI using the case‐control design. Using the case‐parent study design in the same population, we detected association between SNPs within CG1 and disease, but no G×E interaction was detected. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuro-fuzzy approaches to short-term electrical load forecasting

We investigate the application of the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models to short-term electrical load forecasting problem. Several learning algorithms for these type fuzzy systems are discussed. For identification of the models with linear antecedents the combination of the cluster estimation and ordinary least squares method are applied. For nonlinear antecedent modelling purposes the fuzzy switched ensemble of feedforward neural networks was used. The performance of the models is compared for two-day ahead peak load prediction in the distribution network.
Intracellular Assembly and Degradation of Apolipoprotein B-100-containing Lipoproteins in Digitonin-permeabilized HEP G2 Cells*

Permeabilized Hep G2 cells have been used to investigate the turnover of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100). When such cells were chased in the presence of buffer, there was no biosynthesis of apoB-100, nor was the protein secreted from the cells. Thus the turnover of apoB-100 in these cells reflected the posttranslational degradation of the protein. Pulse-chase studies indicated that apoB-100 was degraded both when associated with the membrane and when present as lipoproteins in the secretory pathway. Neither albumin nor α1-antitrypsin showed any significant posttranslational intracellular degradation under the same condition. The kinetics for the turnover of apoB-100 in the luminal content differed from that of apoB-100 that was associated with the microsomal membrane. Moreover, while the degradation of the luminal apoB-100 was inhibited by N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal (ALLN), this was not the case for the membrane-associated protein. Together these results suggest the existence of different pathways for the degradation of luminal apoB-100 and membrane-associated apoB-100. This was further supported by results from pulse-chase studies in intact cells, showing that ALLN increased the amount of radioactive apoB-100 that associated with the microsomal membrane during the pulse-labeling of the cells. However, ALLN did not influence the rate of turnover of the membrane-associated apoB-100. The presence of an ATP-generating system during the chase of the permeabilized cells prevented the disappearance of pulse-labeled apoB-100 from the luminal lipoprotein-associated pool. The ATP-generating system combined with cytosol protected the total apoB-100 in the system from being degraded. The cells cultured in the presence of oleic acid and chased after permeabilization in the presence of cytosol and the ATP-generating system showed an increase in the amount of apoB-100 present on dense (“high density lipoprotein-like”) particles. This increase was linear during the time investigated (i.e. from 0 to 2 h chase) and independent of protein biosynthesis. Our results indicate that the dense particle was generated by a redistribution of apoB-100 within the secretory pathway and that it most likely was assembled from the membrane- associated form of apoB-100. These results indicate that the release of apoB-100 from this membrane-associated form to the microsomal lumen is dependent on cytosolic factors and a source of metabolic energy.
Quality of life of cancer patients receiving inpatient and home-based palliative care.

AIMS This paper reports a comparative study of the symptom experience, physical and psychological health, perceived control of the effects of cancer and quality of life of terminally ill cancer patients receiving inpatient and home-based palliative care, and the factors that predict quality of life. BACKGROUND Quality of life is a major goal in the care of patients with terminal cancer. In addition to symptom management, psychological care and provision of support, being cared for at home is considered an important determinant of patient well-being. A more comprehensive understanding of the impact of cancer on patients and their families will inform the delivery of palliative care services. METHODS Fifty-eight patients with terminal cancer (32 inpatients, 26 home-based) were recruited from major palliative care centres in Australia in 1999. A structured questionnaire designed to obtain sociodemographic information, medical details and standard measures of symptoms, physical and psychological health, personal control and quality of life was administered by personal interview. RESULTS The two groups were similar on most demographic measures, although more home-care patients were married, of Australian descent and had private health insurance cover. The most prevalent symptoms reported were weakness, fatigue, sleeping during the day and pain. Patients receiving home-based services had statistically significantly less symptom severity and distress, lower depression scores, and better physical health and quality of life than those receiving inpatient care. Home-care patients also reported statistically significantly more control over the effects of their illness, medical care and treatment received, and the course of the disease. Multiple regression analyses showed that better global physical health, greater control over the effects of cancer and lower depression scores were statistically significant predictors of higher quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The main issues arising from the findings for nurses are the early detection and management of both physical and psychological symptoms, particularly fatigue, pain, anxiety and depression, and the need to use strategies that will empower patients to have a greater sense of control over their illness and treatment. Research is needed to identify other factors that may impact on quality of life, and to establish the extent to which inpatient and home-based care meets the needs of both the patient with terminal cancer and their family.
Further Analysis of Perception of Reversed Müller-Lyer Figures for Pigeons (Columba Livia)

Nakamura, et al. recently showed that pigeons experience the standard Müller-Lyer illusion but not the reversed illusion induced by detaching the arrowheads from the target line. This study re-examined pigeons' perception of this reversed figure by using the stimuli known to induce the maximal contrast effect in humans (Fellows, 1967). Pigeons were retrained to classify six lengths of target lines into “long” and “short” categories by pecking two keys on the monitor, ignoring the two brackets so placed that these would not induce an illusion. In the test that followed, two birds' responses were not affected by directions of arrowheads, as shown in the previous study. The third pigeon significantly chose “long” for inward-pointing brackets figures (> Z<) more frequently than for outward-pointing (< >), that is, the direction of illusion was reversed from what is expected in humans. These results suggest that pigeons may not experience illusions induced by contrast with the surrounding stimuli.
Over‐expression of c‐erbB‐2 correlates with nuclear morphometry and prognosis in breast carcinoma in Asian women

Aim: We aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of c‐erbB‐2 in invasive breast carcinoma in Asian women and its correlations with clinicopathological parameters and nuclear morphometry. Patients were followed up for disease relapse and overall survival, and the data were reviewed in conjunction with c‐erbB‐2 over‐expression. Methods: Paraffin sections from 321 invasive breast cancers were immunohistochemically stained with anti‐human c‐erbB‐2 antibody using the streptavidin–biotin technique. Results: c‐erbB‐2 was over‐expressed in 110 (34.3%) cases, with an inverse correlation with oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status (p = 0.0001) and a positive correlation with histological grade (p = 0.017). Nuclear morphometry in 96 cases revealed rounder nuclei in c‐erbB‐2 negative tumours (p = 0.0322) when compared with c‐erbB‐2 positive tumours. Among c‐erbB‐2 positive cases, malignant cells of histological grade 3 tumours revealed larger nuclear area and perimeter than grade 1 and 2 cases (p = 0.0095, p = 0.03, respectively) while increasing tumour size correlated with greater nuclear perimeter (p = 0.046). c‐erbB‐2 positivity was significantly associated with poor survival when all patients were included in the analysis (p = 0.0166) and for subsets of node positive, histological grade 1 and 2, and ER positive tumours, and in women aged over 50 years (p = 0.0047, p = 0.0367, p = 0.0092, p = 0.0096, respectively). Conclusions: c‐erbB‐2 was independently prognostic when histological grade, nodal and ER status were considered. Our results show that c‐erbB‐2 over‐expression correlates with poor histological grade and negative ER/PR status, and predicts poor overall survival in Asian women with breast cancer.
Highly scalable Z-RAM with remarkably long data retention for DRAM application

The operating characteristics and retention times of floating body cells and arrays using Z-RAMreg technology fabricated on a 50 nm DRAM process are presented. For the first time, data retention time longer than 8 s at 93degC and 1.6 V wide programming window are obtained on floating body cells as small as 54 nm times 54 nm. These results demonstrate the suitability of floating body memories for DRAM applications. These improvements were obtained through optimization of DRAM technology such as junction engineering, thermal treatments, and improved passivation processes.
Xenobiotic transporters of the human organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP) family

1. The organic anion transporting polypeptides (humans OATP; other species Oatp) belong to the SLCO gene superfamily of transporters and are twelve transmembrane domain glycoproteins expressed in various epithelial cells. Some OATPs/Oatps are expressed in a single organ, while others are expressed ubiquitously. 2. The functionally characterized members mediate sodium-independent transport of a variety of structurally independent, mainly amphipathic organic compounds, including bile salts, hormones and their conjugates, toxins, and various drugs. 3. This review summarizes the general features and the substrates of the eleven human OATPs. Furthermore, it reviews what is known about the mechanism of their multispecificity, their predicted structure, their role in drug–food interactions, and their role in cancer. 4. Finally, some open questions are raised that need to be addressed to advance OATP research in the near future.
Autoantibodies to proteinase 3 and myeloperoxidase in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE We evaluated the prevalence and clinical significance of proteinase 3 (PR3-) and myeloperoxidase (MPO-) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in 115 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). METHODS Sera were assayed by 2 independent centers, which used indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and direct ELISA as screening tests. Inhibition-ELISA for PR3- and MPO-ANCA and PR3 capture-ELISA experiments were also performed. The clinical features of the ANCA positive were compared with those of the ANCA negative scleroderma patients. RESULTS The IIF test revealed 5 P-ANCA positive sera (4.34%). Surprisingly, by ELISA 2 of these were PR3-ANCA positive, one was MPO-ANCA positive, and 2 were both PR3- and MPO-ANCA positive. In addition, 3 IIF negative sera were ELISA positive, 2 for PR3- and one for MPO-ANCA. ELISA results were confirmed by fluid phase inhibition experiments. Only 2 out of the 6 PR3-direct ELISA positive sera were positive by PR3-capture ELISA at low titers. Neither PR3- nor MPO-ANCA were significantly associated to any clinical feature of patients with SSc. CONCLUSION As well as the previously described MPO-ANCA, even PR3-ANCA may be detected in some sera from patients with SSc. The IIF pattern and the negative results obtained with PR3-capture ELISA suggest that different epitopes from those recognized by vasculitis sera might be involved with PR3-ANCA in SSc, and show the importance of combining IIF and ELISA tests for ANCA detection.
Jasmonates: an update on biosynthesis, signal transduction and action in plant stress response, growth and development.

BACKGROUND Jasmonates are ubiquitously occurring lipid-derived compounds with signal functions in plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as in plant growth and development. Jasmonic acid and its various metabolites are members of the oxylipin family. Many of them alter gene expression positively or negatively in a regulatory network with synergistic and antagonistic effects in relation to other plant hormones such as salicylate, auxin, ethylene and abscisic acid. SCOPE This review summarizes biosynthesis and signal transduction of jasmonates with emphasis on new findings in relation to enzymes, their crystal structure, new compounds detected in the oxylipin and jasmonate families, and newly found functions. CONCLUSIONS Crystal structure of enzymes in jasmonate biosynthesis, increasing number of jasmonate metabolites and newly identified components of the jasmonate signal-transduction pathway, including specifically acting transcription factors, have led to new insights into jasmonate action, but its receptor(s) is/are still missing, in contrast to all other plant hormones.
Update on the Canadian Diabetes Association 2008 clinical practice guidelines.

Rates of diabetes are increasing in Canada,1 and family physicians remain the main point of primary care for people with diabetes.2 The challenge for physicians in this context is to design realistic treatment plans and negotiate priorities to maximize health benefits for these patients. This article summarizes recommendations from the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) 2008 clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The guidelines are available on-line at www.diabetes. ca/for-professionals/resources/2008-cpg/. This review covers the care of adults with type 2 diabetes and gives particular attention to new recommendations. To assist with readability, grading and evidence levels have been simplified to single letters (eg, grade A recommendation = [A]). Table 1 summarizes the grading system used by the CDA. Table 1 Criteria for assigning levels of evidence and grades to recommendations for clinical practice
Recurrence patterns of hepatocellular and fibrolamellar carcinoma after liver transplantation.

PURPOSE Tumor recurrence is the major limitation of long-term survival after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). Understanding tumor-biologic characteristics is important for selection of patients and for development of adjuvant therapeutic strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 69 patients who underwent potentially curative liver transplantation for HCC/FLC and survived for more than 150 days; minimum follow-up was 33 months. Frequency, localization, and timing of recurrence were analyzed and compared with primary tumor and patient characteristics. RESULTS Tumor recurrence was observed in 39 patients at 67 locations. Hematogenous spread was the major route of tumor recurrence (87%), and the most frequent sites were the liver (62%), lung (56%), and bone (18%). Parameters associated with recurrence were absence of cirrhosis, tumor size greater than 5 cm, more than five nodules, vascular infiltration, and International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stage IVA. Selective intrahepatic recurrence was found in nine patients (23%); it was associated with highly differentiated tumors, lack of vascular infiltration, and male sex. Recurrence at multiple sites was found predominantly in young patients (< or = 40 years) and for multicentric (> 5) primary tumors. Recurrences were observed within a wide time range after transplantation (43 to 3,204 days; median, 441 days); late recurrences (> 1,000 days, n = 8) were associated with highly differentiated or fibrolamellar tumors and low UICC stages. Surgical treatment was the only therapeutic option associated with prolonged survival after recurrence. CONCLUSION In transplant recipients, hepatocellular carcinomas vary considerably in their pattern and kinetics of metastases. Tumor cells may persist in a dormant state for long time periods before giving rise to clinical metastases. Surgical treatment of recurrence should be considered whenever possible.
Mid-Infrared Thermo-Optic Modulators in SoI

We report experimental results for thermo-optic modulators in silicon-on-insulator (SoI) material operating at the wavelength of 3.8 μ m. These devices are based on asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) with aluminum heaters placed above one MZI arm. The SoI rib waveguides with 400-nm Si device layer thickness are used. Devices with conventional straight MZI arm and spiral MZI arm geometries are investigated. Straight-arm MZIs exhibited higher modulation depths, of up to 30.5 dB, whereas spiral-arm MZIs required smaller switching powers, as low as 47 mW. Measured -3 dB bandwidths were up to 23.8 kHz and did not vary significantly with device configuration.