Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Planning and Choosing: Augmenting HTN-Based Agents with Mental Attitudes

This paper describes a new agent framework that fuses an HTN planner, through its underlying conceptual model, with the mental attitudes of the BDI agent architecture, thus exploiting the strengths of each. On the one hand, the practical and proven ability to reason about actions that is the strength of HTN planning fleshes out the option generation function in the inference loop of the BDI model; on the other hand, the mental attitudes make explicit the knowledge that plays an essential role in plan selection, an important aspect that is not considered in the traditional formulation of the planning problem. The result is a coherent framework that allows for the design and implementation of activity-centric rational agents.
OPDA Has Key Role in Regulating Plant Susceptibility to the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne hapla in Arabidopsis

Jasmonic acid (JA) is a plant hormone that plays important roles in regulating plant defenses against necrotrophic pathogens and herbivorous insects, but the role of JA in mediating the plant responses to root-knot nematodes has been unclear. Here we show that an application of either methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or the JA-mimic coronatine (COR) on Arabidopsis significantly reduced the number of galls caused by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla. Interestingly, the MeJA-induced resistance was independent of the JA-receptor COI1 (CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1). The MeJA-treated plants accumulated the JA precursor cis-(+)-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) in addition to JA/JA-Isoleucine, indicating a positive feedback loop in JA biosynthesis. Using mutants in the JA-biosynthetic pathway, we found that plants deficient in the biosynthesis of JA and OPDA were hyper-susceptible to M. hapla. However, the opr3 mutant, which cannot convert OPDA to JA, exhibited wild-type levels of nematode galling. In addition, mutants in the JA-biosynthesis and perception which lie downstream of opr3 also displayed wild-type levels of galling. The data put OPR3 (OPDA reductase 3) as the branch point between hyper-susceptibility and wild-type like levels of disease. Overall, the data suggests that the JA precursor, OPDA, plays a role in regulating plant defense against nematodes.
Interface Trap Density Metrology of State-of-the-Art Undoped Si n-FinFETs

The presence of interface states at the MOS interface is a well-known cause of device degradation. This is particularly true for ultrascaled FinFET geometries where the presence of a few traps can strongly influence the device behavior. Typical methods for interface trap density (D_it) measurements are not performed on ultimate devices but on custom-designed structures. We present the first set of methods that allow direct estimation of D_it in state-of-the-art FinFETs, addressing a critical industry need.
Evaluation and Comparison of Extremal Hypothesis-Based Regime Methods

Regime channels are important for stable canal design and to determine river response to environmental changes, e.g., due to the construction of a dam, land use change, and climate shifts. A plethora of methods is available describing the hydraulic geometry of alluvial rivers in the regime. However, comparison of these methods using the same set of data seems lacking. In this study, we evaluate and compare four different extremal hypothesis-based regime methods, namely minimization of Froude number (MFN), maximum entropy and minimum energy dissipation rate (ME and MEDR), maximum flow efficiency (MFE), and Millar’s method, by dividing regime channel data into sand and gravel beds. The results show that for sand bed channels MFN gives a very high accuracy of prediction for regime channel width and depth. For gravel bed channels we find that MFN and ‘ME and MEDR’ give a very high accuracy of prediction for width and depth. Therefore the notion that extremal hypotheses which do not contain bank stability criteria are inappropriate for use is shown false as both MFN and ‘ME and MEDR’ lack bank stability criteria. Also, we find that bank vegetation has significant influence in the prediction of hydraulic geometry by MFN and ‘ME and MEDR’.
Disseminating Comparative Effectiveness Research Through Community-based Experiential Learning

Objectives. To launch and evaluate a comparative effectiveness research education and dissemination program as part of an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE). Methods. First- through third-year PharmD students received training on comparative effectiveness research and disseminated printed educational materials to patients in the community who they were monitoring longitudinally (n=314). Students completed an assessment and initial visit documentation form at the first visit, and a follow-up assessment and documentation form at a subsequent visit. Results. Twenty-three diabetes patients, 29 acid-reflux patients, 30 osteoarthritis patients, and 50 hypertension patients received materials. Aside from the patient asking questions, which was the most common outcome (n=44), the program resulted in 38 additional actions, which included stopping, starting, or changing treatments or health behaviors, or having additional follow-up or diagnostic testing. Small but positive improvements in patient understanding, confidence, and self-efficacy were observed. Conclusions. Dissemination of comparative effectiveness research materials in an IPPE program demonstrated a positive trend in markers of informed decision-making.
How do Ontology Mappings Change in the Life Sciences?

Mappings between related ontologies are increasingly used to support data integration and analysis tasks. Changes in the ontologies also require the adaptation of ontology mappings. So far the evolution of ontology mappings has received little attention albeit ontologies change continuously especially in the life sciences. We therefore analyze how mappings between popular life science ontologies evolve for dierent match algorithms. We also evaluate which semantic ontology changes primarily aect the mappings. We further investigate alternatives to predict or estimate the degree of future mapping changes based on previous ontology and mapping transitions.
Chloroquine myopathy.

Chloroquine (7-chloro-4(4-diethylamino-1-methylbutylamino)quinoline) is one of the more effective and less toxic of the quinoline derivatives that were introduced as antimalarials during and after World War II (Grollman, 1965). It also proved useful in the treatment of amoebiasis, in rheumatoid arthritis, and in certain skin diseases. With the long-term ingestion of the drug a number of side effects appeared, perhaps the most serious of which were those involving the eye, with reversible corneal (Calkins, 1958) and irreversible macular changes (Hobbs, Sorsby, and Freedman, 1959; Ormrod, 1962). Since 1963 there have been occasional suggestions that chloroquine may also injure peripheral nerve and muscle. There are still only a few descriptions of such chloroquine neuropathy or myopathy, and in several of these the drug was used in treating patients with possible or proven collagen diseases. In these latter instances the cause of the muscle change is perhaps open to some doubt, as the histological finding that is probably characteristic of chloroquine toxicity to muscle, a vacuolar myopathy, also occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus (Pearson, 1964). Because the condition is rare, is potentially reversible, and possibly not well known, it has seemed worth recording a further instance of vacuolar myopathy due to chloroquine, particularly when this occurred in a patient in whom there was no question of underlying collagen disease.
The Senior Mentor Program at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Abstract This paper describes development, implementation, and evaluation strategies of a longitudinal geriatric curriculum, the Senior Mentor Program (SMP). The rationale for exposing undergraduate medical students to healthy, community-dwelling older adults is to use the relationship and activities as vehicles for improving knowledge of aging and providing students experience with aging as a stage and process. The University of South Carolina School of Medicine's major aim in geriatrics is to prepare students to become skilled physicians in care of older adults. The SMP is embedded into the curriculum. The program introduced medical students to healthy older adults, presented selected health care issues in this population, integrated material early in the curriculum, acquainted students with longitudinal patient care, and introduced students to older adults' living arrangements. The SMP is an effective means of infusing geriatric content into the medical school curriculum and positively affects mentors' and students' attitudes toward each other. This has implications for medical and professional schools, such as nursing, social work, and physical therapy.
Nuclear envelope dispersion triggered by deregulated Cdk5 precedes neuronal death

We show that nuclear fragmentation in neurodegeneration is an early trigger for cell death initiated by deregulated Cdk5. Cdk5 induces nuclear dispersion by direct phosphorylation of lamins in neurons and in vivo Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models. Inhibition of nuclear fragmentation rescues neurons from cell death, underscoring the significance of this event in AD.
Effects of Pristane Alone or Combined with Chloroquine on Macrophage Activation, Oxidative Stress, and Th1/Th2 Skewness

We investigated the protective role of chloroquine against pristane-induced macrophage activation, oxidative stress, and Th1/Th2 skewness in C57BL/6J mice. Those mice were treated with pristane alone or combined with chloroquine. Hematological and biochemical parameters, macrophage phagocytic function, the oxidant/antioxidant index, cytokine for IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6, and the isotypes of IgG2a and IgG1 were determined. And the expression of T-bet/GATA-3 and IL-12/IL-10 mRNA in spleen were analyzed by real-time PCR. We found that pristane treatment for a period of 12 or 24 weeks triggered macrophage activation syndrome, characterized by hemophagocytosis in spleen and peripheral blood, enhanced lipid phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages in vitro, erythropenia and leucopenia, increased anti-Smith, lactic dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and ferritin, as well as hypercytokinemia of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6. In parallel, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase activity, as well as a skewed Th1/Th2 balance in spleen, were observed. However, chloroquine supplementation showed a remarkable amelioration of these abnormalities. Our data indicate that pristane administration induces macrophage activation, oxidative stress, and Th1/Th2 skewness, which can be attenuated by chloroquine.
Development and Analysis of a Stoichiometric Model of Candidate Bacterium for Bioethanol Production Clostridium Thermocellum

In this study we developed a computational model of core metabolism of Clostridium thermocellum which allows for in silico analysis of central metabolic fluxes in this strain. The model was used to predict a number of experimentally observed metabolic phenotypes in C. thermocellum growth cultures including cell growth rate and by-product secretion. Results of the model analysis show a good agreement between experimental data and model predictions. All the reactions included in the model are based on experimental evidence on their actual activity in the metabolism of C. thermocellum. Using flux balance analysis the distribution of flux over central metabolism and fermentative pathways are predicted. The results of model prediction can be further validated when experimental data on actual distribution carbon flux in C. thermocellum becomes available. The developed stoichiometric model can be applied for predicting the consequences of introducing pathways manipulation in this organism with the aim of improving ethanol and hydrogen production yields.
Learning-Based Restoration of Backlit Images

Backlighting is a commonly encountered ill illumination condition that can cause serious degradation of image quality. In this paper, we propose a learning-based spatially adaptive technique of optimal tone mapping to restore backlit images. Object surfaces illuminated from behind in a scene are detected by a soft binary classifier that is constructed via supervised learning. Two optimal tone mapping functions, one for backlit regions and the other for the remainder of the image, are used and their outputs are fused to restore illegible surface details in backlit regions and at the same time improve contrast in overexposed regions, if any. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed new technique over existing image enhancement techniques on backlit photographs.
A comparison of three verification techniques: directed testing, pseudo-random testing and property checking

This paper describes the verification of two versions of a bridge between two on-chip buses. The verification was performed just as the Infineon Technologies Design Centre in Bristol was introducing pseudo-random testing (using Specman) and property checking (using GateProp) into their verification flows and thus provides a good opportunity to compare these two techniques with the existing strategy of directed testing using VHDL bus functional models.
Estimating and improving the quality of information in a MIS

Most discussions of MIS's assume that the information in the records is error-free although it is recognized that errors exist. These errors occur because of delays in processing times, lengthy correction times, and, overly or insufficiently stringent data edits. In order to enable the user to implement data edits and correction procedures tailored to the degree of accuracy needed, this paper presents functional relationships between three common measures of data quality. The MIS addressed is one where records in a MIS are updated as changes occur to the record, e.g., a manpower planning MIS where the changes may relate to a serviceman's rank or skills. Since each of the updating transactions may contain an error, the transactions are subjected to various screens before the stored records are changed. Some of the transactions including some that are correct, are rejected; these are reviewed manually and corrected as necessary. In the meantime, the record is out of date and in error. Some of the transactions that were not rejected also lead to errors. The result is that at any given time the MIS record may contain errors. For each of several error control mechanisms, we show how to forecast the level of improvement in the accuracy of the MIS record if these options are implemented.
Students' perceptions of the impact of assessment on approaches to learning: a comparison between two medical schools with similar Curricula

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate students? perceptions of assessment and the resulting learning styles. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 students and 8 clinical supervisors from Sydney Medical School and 12 students and 13 clinical supervisors from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University. Both institutions have similar curricula but a different assessment approach. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Interview transcripts were stored and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Results Three themes emerged from analyses of the interviews: the function of assessment, learning outcomes and, finally, authentic assessment in the clinical environment. A model is presented to show the relationship between contextual and different personal factors and students’ perceptions of the impact of assessment on learning styles. Conclusions Cultural differences and emotions can affect students’ perceptions of assessment and learning styles. A combination of formative and summative assessment based on learning objectives is required. This combination should take into consideration students’ cultural background, values and the implemented education system. This balance should be sufficient to motivate students in order to maintain their focus and attention, and reduce the potential negative impacts of a hidden curriculum. The experience of authentic assessment was a powerful motivator for students’ approaches to learning.
The influence of different growth hormone addition protocols to poor ovarian responders on clinical outcomes in controlled ovary stimulation cycles

Background: Growth hormone (GH) is used as an adjuvant therapy in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) for poor ovarian responders, but findings for its effects on outcomes of IVF have been conflicting. The aim of the study was to compare IVF-ET outcomes among women with poor ovarian responders, and find which subgroup can benefit from the GH addition. Methods: We searched the databases, using the terms “growth hormone,” “GH,” “IVF,” “in vitro fertilization. ” Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included if they assessed pregnancy rate, live birth rate, collected oocytes, fertilization rate, and implantation rate. Extracted the data from the corresponding articles, Mantel–Haenszel random-effects model, or fixed-effects model was used. Eleven studies were included. Results: Clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.23–2.22), live birth rate (RR1.73, 1.25–2.40), collected oocytes number (SMD 1.09, 95% CI 0.54–1.64), MII oocytes number (SMD 1.48, 0.84–2.13), and E2 on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day (SMD 1.03, 0.18–1.89) were significantly increased in the GH group. The cancelled cycles rate (RR 0.65, 0.45–0.94) and the dose of gonadotropin (Gn) (SMD –0.83, –1.47, –0.19) were significantly lower in patients who received GH. Subgroup analysis indicated that the GH addition with Gn significantly increased the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.76, 1.25–2.48) and the live birth rate (RR 1.91, 1.29–2.83). Conclusion: The GH addition can significantly improve the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Furthermore, the GH addition time and collocation of medications may affect the pregnancy outcome.
Borel Circle Squaring

We give a completely constructive solution to Tarski's circle squaring problem. More generally, we prove a Borel version of an equidecomposition theorem due to Laczkovich. If $k \geq 1$ and $A, B \subseteq \mathbb{R}^k$ are bounded Borel sets with the same positive Lebesgue measure whose boundaries have upper Minkowski dimension less than $k$, then $A$ and $B$ are equidecomposable by translations using Borel pieces. This answers a question of Wagon. Our proof uses ideas from the study of flows in graphs, and a recent result of Gao, Jackson, Krohne, and Seward on special types of witnesses to the hyperfiniteness of free Borel actions of $\mathbb{Z}^d$.
Assessment of remote-sensing retrieval models for suspended sediment concentration in the Gulf of Bohai

ABSTRACT Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the most important parameters for marine water quality and environmental evaluations. Using remote-sensing technology, the macroscopic, real-time, and continuous monitoring of SSC can be achieved. The study based on in-situ sediment concentration data and spectral data from the Gulf of Bohai, China, developed a statistical regression model, a principal component analysis model, a neural network model, and a semi-analytical model for the sediment concentration retrieval and assessed the accuracy and applicability of the four kinds of models. The results indicate that the inversion precision of the statistical regression model and semi-analytical model are relatively better than other models. And compared with statistical regression model, semi-analytical model has higher inversion precision and better applicability over the whole study area. Principal component analysis model is insensitive to lower SSC levels and suitable for the regions with an average SSC level higher than 50 mg l−1. Neural network model has not achieved an ideal inversion precision in the whole areas and at all SSC levels. According to the results, a semi-analytical model was proposed to retrieve the SSC in the study area. The retrieved SSCs were mainly concentrated in a range of 25–75 mg l−1 and the SSC levels had a spatial characteristic which was higher in the southern waters than that in the northern areas and in the coastal waters was higher than that in the deep sea. These results can provide support for further study of the migration of marine sediment and serve as a reference for SSC inversion model selection in the similar regions.
Multimodal speaker identification using an adaptive classifier cascade based on modality reliability

We present a multimodal open-set speaker identification system that integrates information coming from audio, face and lip motion modalities. For fusion of multiple modalities, we propose a new adaptive cascade rule that favors reliable modality combinations through a cascade of classifiers. The order of the classifiers in the cascade is adaptively determined based on the reliability of each modality combination. A novel reliability measure, that genuinely fits to the open-set speaker identification problem, is also proposed to assess accept or reject decisions of a classifier. A formal framework is developed based on probability of correct decision for analytical comparison of the proposed adaptive rule with other classifier combination rules. The proposed adaptive rule is more robust in the presence of unreliable modalities, and outperforms the hard-level max rule and soft-level weighted summation rule, provided that the employed reliability measure is effective in assessment of classifier decisions. Experimental results that support this assertion are provided.
TEST: A Tropic, Embodied, and Situated Theory of Cognition

TEST is a novel taxonomy of knowledge representations based on three distinct hierarchically organized representational features: Tropism, Embodiment, and Situatedness. Tropic representational features reflect constraints of the physical world on the agent's ability to form, reactivate, and enrich embodied (i.e., resulting from the agent's bodily constraints) conceptual representations embedded in situated contexts. The proposed hierarchy entails that representations can, in principle, have tropic features without necessarily having situated and/or embodied features. On the other hand, representations that are situated and/or embodied are likely to be simultaneously tropic. Hence, although we propose tropism as the most general term, the hierarchical relationship between embodiment and situatedness is more on a par, such that the dominance of one component over the other relies on the distinction between offline storage versus online generation as well as on representation-specific properties.
Plasma Electrode Bias Effect on the $\hbox{H}^{-}$  Negative-Ion Density in an Electron Cyclotron Resonance Volume Source

The role of the plasma electrode (PE) bias in the extraction process in a large-volume hybrid multicusp negative-ion source, which is driven by 2.45-GHz microwaves, is studied. Spatially resolved negative-ion and electron density measurements close to the extractor aperture were performed under various pressures (1-4 mtorr) by means of the electrostatic probe and photodetachment technique. As the low positive voltage applied to the PE is slightly increased (from 4 to 7 V), the electron temperature passes through a minimum (0.2-0.6 eV), while simultaneously, both the negative-ion density and the H extracted current reach a maximum (~1-2 times 109 cm-3 and ~0.5 mA/cm2, respectively). Optimum pressure values for the extracted negative-ion current and the negative-ion density are found between ~1.5 and 3 mtorr. It is deduced that the negative-ion density measured in the center of the source cannot be directly correlated with the ion extracted current. The electron density and the associated extracted electron current linearly decrease as a function of the PE bias. The physical mechanisms explaining the experimental results are discussed.