Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title : MicroRNAs and the functional β cell mass : For better or worse

Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells plays a central role in the control of blood glucose levels. The amount of insulin released by β-cells is precisely adjusted to match the organism requirements. A number of conditions occurring during life, including pregnancy and obesity, can result in a decrease in the sensitivity of insulin target tissues and in the consequent rise in the insulin needs. To preserve glucose homeostasis, the augmented insulin demand requires a compensatory expansion of the mass of pancreatic β-cells and an increase in their secretory activity. This compensatory process is known to be accompanied by modifications in β-cell gene expression but the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still poorly understood. Emerging evidence indicate that at least part of these compensatory events may be orchestrated by changes in the level of a novel class of gene regulators, the microRNAs. Indeed, several of these small non-coding RNAs have either positive or negative impacts on β-cell proliferation and survival. The studies reviewed in this paper suggest that the balance between the actions of these two groups of microRNAs with opposing functional effects determines whether β-cells expand sufficiently to maintain blood glucose levels in the normal range or fail to meet the insulin demand with a consequent progression toward diabetes manifestation. A better understanding of the mechanisms governing the changes in the microRNA profile will open the way for the development of new strategies to prevent and/or treat type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Estimation of annual odor load with a concentration fluctuation model

A concentration fluctuation model is presented which is suitable to simulate the dispersion of odorous substances in the atmosphere. This tool has been combined with a meteorological model for the planetary boundary layer in order to provide the relevant meteorological variables wind and turbulence. The model system has been validated against field observations and the results show a good agreement in the spatial distribution of mean concentration as well as for concentration variance and other statistical measures. The validated model was used to simulate the long-term dispersion of odors for one complete year. The calculated time series has been analysed with respect to threshold crossing rates and annual odor hours. A comparison of the results of different methods for calculating the odor hours demonstrates the deficiencies of simple approaches.
Range information using blurred images

In this sequel to a previous paper (see ibid., vol.22, p.11, 1989) in which a novel rangefinding principle was introduced the discussion is expanded to cover the acquisition of range data from objects illuminated by a finite width coherent beam. Criteria are mentioned for estimating the effective size of an impulse on the object for different ranges and lens parameters and one is used to enable predictions to be made on the nature of blurred images formed from different illuminated areas on rough and smooth surfaces. Some practical aspects are then considered such as the focusing of a laser beam to achieve good overall spatial resolution and means to speed up the time required to achieve scene coverage. The article concludes with results obtained using the coaxial rangefinding arrangement on different objects.
Particle Swarm Optimization with Crossover Operator for Global Optimization Problems

We propose a modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm named SPSO for the global optimization problems. In SPSO, we introduce the crossover operator in order to increase the diversity of the swarm. The crossover operator is contracted by forming a simplex. The crossover operator is used if the diversity of the swarm is below a threshold (denoted hlow) and continues until the diversity reaches the required value (hhigh). The six test problems are used for numerical study. Numerical results indicate that the proposed algorithm is better than some existing PSO.
Learning about atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds: A case study of multiple-model use in grade 11 chemistry

Analogical models are frequently used to explain science concepts at all levels of science teaching and learning. But models are more than communicative tools: they are important links in the methods and products of science. Different analogical models are regularly used to teach science in secondary schools even though little is known about how each student's mental models interact with the various models presented by teachers and in textbooks. Mounting evidence suggests that students do not interpret scientific analogical models in the way intended, nor do they find multiple and competing models easy to understand. The aim of this study is summarized in the research question: How can students' understanding of the multiple models used to explain upper secondary chemistry concepts be enhanced? This study qualitatively tracked ten students' modeling experiences, intellectual development, and conceptual status throughout grade 11 as they learned about atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds. This article reports in detail a year-long case study. The outcomes suggest that students who socially negotiated the shared and unshared attributes of common analogical models for atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds, used these models more consistently in their explanations. Also, students who were encouraged to use multiple particle models displayed more scientific understandings of particles and their interactions than did students who concentrated on a “correct” or best analogical model. The results suggest that, when analogical models are presented in a systematic way and capable students are given ample opportunity to explore model meaning and use, their understanding of abstract concepts is enhanced. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed84:352–381, 2000.
Bank Strategies For The Corporate Market: European Customers' Criteria For Choice Of Domestic Cash Management Banks

This article provides evidence of the criteria for choice of domestic cash management banks adopted by large European firms. A questionnaire completed by 1129 corporate customers from 20 European countries indicates that service quality is the most important criterion for choice of domestic cash management bank followed by pricing and relationship. Based on the empirical findings the appropriateness of relationship-oriented and transaction-oriented bank strategies across Europe is discussed.
Three-dimensional Mohr-Coulomb limit analysis using semidefinite programming

Recently, Krabbenhoft et al. (Int. J. Solids Struct. 2007; 44:1533–1549) have presented a formulation of the three-dimensional Mohr–Coulomb criterion in terms of positive-definite cones. The capabilities of this formulation when applied to large-scale three-dimensional problems of limit analysis are investigated. Following a brief discussion on a number of theoretical and algorithmic issues, three common, but traditionally difficult, geomechanics problems are solved and the performance of a common primal–dual interior-point algorithm (SeDuMi (Appl. Numer. Math. 1999; 29:301–315)) is documented in detail. Although generally encouraging, the results also reveal several difficulties which support the idea of constructing a conic programming algorithm specifically dedicated to plasticity problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IMTLab: An Open-Source Platform for Building, Evaluating, and Diagnosing Interactive Machine Translation Systems

We present IMTLab, an open-source end-to-end interactive machine translation (IMT) system platform that enables researchers to quickly build IMT systems with state-of-the-art models, perform an end-to-end evaluation, and diagnose the weakness of systems. IMTLab treats the whole interactive translation process as a task-oriented dialogue with a human-in-the-loop setting, in which human interventions can be explicitly incorporated to produce high-quality, error-free translations. To this end, a general communication interface is designed to support the flexible IMT architectures and user policies. Based on the proposed design, we construct a simulated and real interactive environment to achieve end-to-end evaluation and leverage the framework to systematically evaluate previous IMT systems. Our simulated and manual experiments show that the prefix-constrained decoding approach still gains the lowest editing cost in the end-to-end evaluation, while BiTIIMT achieves comparable editing cost with a better interactive experience.
Changes of phenolic compounds and non-structural carbohydrates on alternate bearing cycle in ‘Kinnow’ mandarin trees

In this study, we have demonstrated the variations of carbohydrates and phenolic compounds present in the leaves and stems of „Kinnow‟ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees in alternate bearing cycle and the possible involvement of these compounds to flower bud formation process. The amounts of these compounds were determined in the leaves and stems of “on” and “off” trees monthly from Nov. 2010 until Mar. 2011 coinciding with citrus trees floral bud induction and differentiation in northern hemisphere. The experiments were designed as a randomized complete block with three replications and two trees per each replication. Results showed that the presence of fruits on “on” trees inhibited flower bud formation, decreased total sprouted buds and resulted in the reduction of vegetative growth of these trees. The endogenous levels of soluble sugars and total non-structural carbohydrates in leaves and the starch contents of stems were affected by fruiting state of trees. Variations of total phenol contents in the leaves and stems were related to presence or absence of fruits on trees. As in the last three months of the experiment, the total phenol content of the leaves of non-bearing trees was about 1.2 times higher than the leaves of bearing trees and in the first two months, it was 1.73 and 1.34 times lower respectively. The phenolic contents of the stems were significantly lower in non-bearing trees than in fruit-bearing ones. Among the five phenolic compounds analyzed, the change pattern of changes in the contents of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and naringin were different in two types of trees. For example leaves chlorogenic acid content of non-bearing trees was 1.73, 1.6 and 1.72 times higher than the leaves of bearing trees in the last three months of the study respectively. Similar trend was observed for the amounts of all phenolic compounds in the stems of bearing and non-bearing tress.
Numerical Solution of the Quasilinear Poisson Equation in a Nonuniform Triangle Mesh

A finite-difference method using a nonuniform triangle mesh is described for the numerical solution of the nonlinear two-dimensional Poisson equationÂ? Â·(Â? Â? Â? ) +S= 0, where Â? is a function of Â? or its derivatives,Sis a function of position, and Â? or its normal derivative is specified on the boundary. The finite-difference equations are solved by successive overrelaxation. The triangle mesh, which is constructed numerically by solving Laplace's equation, is easily adapted to nonrectangular boundaries and interfaces. Examples of numerical results are given for the magnetostatic problem with iron, and other possible applications are mentioned.
Robust and efficient estimation under data grouping

The minimum Hellinger distance estimator is known to have desirable properties in terms of robustness and efficiency. We propose an approximate minimum Hellinger distance estimator by adapting the approach to grouped data from a continuous distribution. It is easier to compute the approximate version for either the continuous data or the grouped data. Given certain conditions on the model distribution and reasonable grouping rules, the approximate minimum Hellinger distance estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. Furthermore, it is robust and can be asymptotically as efficient as the maximum likelihood estimator. The merit of the estimator is demonstrated through simulation studies and real data examples. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.
Particle–fluid interactions in a plane near-wall turbulent flow

The role of particles heavier than the fluid (glass spheres in water) in a turbulent open channel flow over a smooth bed is examined at volume concentration about $10^{-3}$. The present work focuses on the dynamical interaction between the solid (particles) and the fluid phases in the near-wall region. Experimental measurements have been performed by means of phase Doppler anemometry to acquire two velocity components, particle size and concentration data simultaneously; the Reynolds number of the flow was close to 15 000. It is observed that in the particle-laden flow, the vertical profiles of the streamwise mean velocity (for both fluid and solid phases) are reduced in the outer layer ($y^{ + }\,{ >}\, 20$), but increased in the viscous sublayer ($y^{ + }\,{<}\,5$) in comparison to the clear-water conditions, leading to an apparent slip kinematic boundary condition close to the wall ($y^{ + } \,{\approx}\,2$). Moreover, in the presence of solid particles, the flow exhibits a velocity close to the wall ($y^{ + }\,{ <}\, 15$) which is smaller than that of the particles, while in the outer layer the opposite takes place. In particle-laden flow, turbulence intensities of the streamwise and especially of the vertical velocity are damped for $y^{ + }\,{>}\,10$–20 (depending on particle inertia) but enhanced in the very near-wall region ($y^{ + }\,{ <}\, 5$), as is the Reynolds stress. These findings can be explained if they are referred to the mechanism of particle entrainment and deposition, which takes place close to the wall. This mechanism is related to particle inertia and to the dynamic of the structure of near-wall turbulence, which connects the buffer and outer regions with the very near-wall region. A significant momentum exchange between the two phases, which is particularly effective in the buffer region, is revealed by the quadrant analysis of the Reynolds stresses.
Analysis of Stagnation Point flow of an IncompressibleViscous Fluid between Porous Plates with Velocity Slip

The present study investigates the effects of slip velocity on the stagnation point of an incompressible viscous fluid between porous plates. The appropriate slip boundary conditions have been introduced in place of no-slip condition. The governing equations of motion is solved by Homotopy analysis and Computer extended series method. Pade approximants are further used to increase the domain and rate of convergence of the series so generated. The above methods admits a desired accuracy whose validity increases up to a sufficiently large values of �, Reynolds number with different slip coefficients. The approximate analytical results have been verified to be very accurate when compared with the previous solutions observed by Chapman in the absence of slip coefficient.
The complex‐dielectric constant of sea ice at frequencies in the range 0.1–40 GHz

A comprehensive and unique set of measurements of the complex‐dielectric constant of sea ice, performed at several frequencies in the range 0.1–7.5 GHz, is described. In addition, a brief survey of previously published results is given and a set of dielectric models describing the complex‐dielectric behavior of sea ice, over the frequency range 0.1–40 GHz, is discussed.
Sub‐μm linewidth input coils for low Tc integrated thin‐film dc superconducting quantum interference devices

We have, for the first time, demonstrated integrated dc superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) with input coils of linewidth down to 0.5 μm. The SQUID inductance L consists of a single octagonal washer or two or four such washers configured in parallel. The input coil of inductance Li, which couples to L with a mutual inductance of Mi, consists of fine‐line octagonal spiral(s) fabricated in close proximity to the washer(s). For a two‐washer SQUID with twin 80‐turn, 0.5 μm spirals, Li=2.5 μH, Mi=12.7 nH, L=109 pH, and the coupling constant k2=0.85. This entire device occupies an area of less than 0.2 mm2.
Stress effects in two modified lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric ceramics

Mechanical properties of ferroelectricceramics with compositions Pb0.99Nb0. 02(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98O3 and Pb0.97La0. 02(Zr0.92Ti0.08)O3 have been studied as functions of both hydrostaticpressure and uniaxial stress. Measurements of ultrasonic velocity and sample strains have been made in order to characterize unpoled samples. Both materials have pressure‐induced ferroelectric(FE) to antiferroelectric (AFE) phase transitions at ∼0.2 GPa of hydrostaticpressure. Under uniaxial‐stress conditions two effects are observed: rotation of FE domains and the FE–AFE phase transition. These effects are separately resolved by the measurements, even though they occur in overlapping stress regions. The domain reorientation responses of the two materials appear to be nearly identical, but the FE–AFE transition begins at lower stress levels for the Nb‐doped material. This is presumably due to that material transforming into the orthorhombic (PbZrO3) phase, whereas the La‐doped material transforms into the tetragonal AFE phase. The phase transition is spread over a broad range of uniaxial stress for each material and is not nearly complete by 0.6 GPa, the highest stress level attainable. Possible implications of the results for shock‐wave studies of FEceramics are briefly discussed.
Bragg reflectors for large optical aperture MEMS Fabry-Perot interferometers

This paper presents the fabrication of large-aperture low-pressure chemical-vapour deposited (LPCVD) Bragg reflectors utilizing low-stress polysilicon (PolySi) and silicon-rich silicon nitride (SiN) λ/4-thin film stacks. These structures can function as the upper mirror in a MEMS FPI device. High aspect-ratio mirror membranes were successfully released for 5 - 10 mm diameter range by sacrificial SiO2 etching in HF vapour. Optical simulations are presented for the Bragg reflector test structures designed for FPIs operating in the NIR range and the properties such as release yield and mechanical stability of the released LPCVD deposited polySi-SiN mirror membranes are compared with similar released atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3-TiO2 λ/4-thin film mirror stacks. The realization of these Bragg reflector structures is the first step in the process integration of large-aperture MEMS FPI for miniature NIR imaging spectrometers, which can be applied to a variety of applications ranging from medical imaging and diagnostics to spaceand environmental monitoring instrumentation.
JCGS@20, Visuals@40, Interface@45 & !!Challenges!!

My invited article is a birthday present to JCGS@20, Visuals@40, Interface@45, and Chernoff@88. Herman Chernoff is the father of multidimensional visuals and happens to be the great-great-great grandfather of JCGS. Nancy Mann and I cofounded the Interface Symposia (child) in 1967, then convinced ASA to form its Statistical Computing Section, and cofounded it with Wilfrid Dixon (grandchild). This Section subsequently spawned a Statistical Graphics Section (great grandchild), together they cofounded JCGS (with continuing co-sponsorship by the Interface Foundation of North America), and JCGS became our great-great grandchild. Herman was my major professor at Stanford and he adds one more ‘great’ to the list. Since I have the only complete set of Interface Announcements and Proceedings, this article provides a uniquely rich historical introduction to frame the remaining articles in the issue as well as challenges and guidance for the future. It presents brief overviews of the following intertwined topics: • Interface of Computing Science and Statistics collaborators, milestones, and the related documentation. • Evolution of visual translation from graphics into visualizations for inspirations, decisions, or actions. • Visual translation presentations in the sessions at trendsetting Interfaces 1972, 1988, 1992, and 2001. • Challenges and guidance to visual translation for massively complex and multidisciplinary problems.
The effect of heterogeneity on the drainage capillary pressure‐saturation relation

Proper mathematical description of multiphase fluid displacement in porous media requires specification of appropriate constitutive relations, including the relationship between capillary pressure and saturation. This pressure-saturation relationship may be measured at the laboratory core scale, but extension to larger scales is difficult in heterogeneous materials. To date, stochastic and volume averaging methods have been used to estimate the “effective” pressure-saturation relation in heterogeneous media. A third method, based on network percolation models, may be developed and used to define effective relationships. This last method is appealing in that pore scale physics are directly incorporated into the model, assumptions are clear, and numerical tests are most similar to those performed in the laboratory. Numerical results based on network models indicate that heterogeneities have a significant impact on the effective relationship. In addition, these results indicate that application of any sort of linear averaging of the individual small-scale relationships to define an effective relationship may provide incorrect results.
Balloon 090100001: A bright, high amplitude sdB pulsator

We report the discovery of pulsations in the light curve of Balloon 090100001, a bright sdB star ($B=11.8$) from the balloon-borne survey of Bixler et al. (1991). Our time series observations made with the IAC80 telescope reveal a powerful short period oscillation with a period of 356 s and an amplitude (~59 mmag) only matched in all of the sdB pulsators by the main pulsation of PG 1605+072. The first harmonic (at 178 s) and another independent period (at 264 s) are also present in the amplitude spectrum of this new EC 14026 star. New spectroscopic data from the William Herschel Telescope provide the parameters $T_{\rm eff}=29\,446\,\pm\,500$ K and $\log g\,=\,5.33\,\pm\,0.10$ dex. These place Balloon 090100001 in the low temperature and low gravity corner of the sdBV instability region, making it an interesting target for study of possible frequency changes due to stellar evolution.