Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LTIMEX: Representing the local semantics of temporal expressions

Semantic information retrieval requires that we have a means of capturing the semantics of documents; and a potentially useful feature of the semantics of many documents is the temporal information they contain. In particular, the temporal expressions contained in documents provide important information about the time course of the events those documents describe. Unfortunately, temporal expressions are often context-dependent, requiring the application of information about the context in order to work out their true values. We describe a representational formalism for temporal information that captures what we call the local semantics of such expressions; this permits a modularity whereby the context-independent contribution to meaning can be computed independently of the global context of interpretation, which may not be immediately or easily available. Our representation, LTIMEX, is intended as an extension to widely-used TIMEX2 and TimeML representations.
Immune response elicited by the oral administration of an intermediate strain of IBDV in chickens

The immune response elicited by the oral inoculation of an intermediate strain of infectious bursal disease virus was studied in chickens. A strong over expression of IL-6, IL-8, IFNα and IFNγ was observed in bursa at 3 days post inoculation together with an increase in splenic NO2 release. An influx of T-lymphocytes was also detected.
Calcified Atherosclerosis in Different Vascular Beds and the Risk of Mortality

Objective— The goal of this study was to determine differences in risks for total and cause-specific mortality related to calcified atherosclerosis in different vascular beds. Methods and Results— A total of 4544 patients underwent computed tomography scans that were interrogated for calcium in different vascular beds. Mortality assessment was conducted by death certificate adjudication. At baseline, the mean age was 56.8 years, and 43% were female. After an average of 7.8 years, there were 163 deaths. With full adjustment, the presence of calcium in the thoracic aorta (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3.5), carotids (HR, 1.60; CI, 1.1–2.5), and iliac (HR, 1.67; CI, 1.0–2.9) arteries were associated with total mortality, whereas the presence of coronary calcium was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (HR, 3.4; CI, 0.8–10.9). For severity of calcium burden, a 1-SD increment in the iliac arteries was the strongest predictor for all types of mortality. C-statistics were not significantly larger when noncoronary vascular beds were added to models with CVD risk factors or CVD risk factors plus coronary artery calcium. Conclusion— The associations between calcified atherosclerosis and mortality differ by vascular bed, suggesting that the location and severity of calcification in different vascular beds provide unique information for mortality.
Piscine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Triggers Progestin Production in Gilthead Seabream Primary Ovarian Follicles1

ABSTRACT Ovarian growth (vitellogenesis) in most lower vertebrates is mediated by estradiol-17beta (E2) secreted by the follicles in response to follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh), whereas oocyte maturation and ovulation are mediated by progestins, such as 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (17,20beta-P), produced in response to luteinizing hormone (Lh). In teleosts, follicular synthesis of 17,20beta-P at the time of maturation is due primarily to up-regulation of the enzymes P450c17-II (Cyp17a2) and 20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Cbr1). Here, we show that follicular cells associated with primary growth (previtellogenic) oocytes of the gilthead seabream also express cyp17a2 and cbr1, in addition to P450c17-I (cyp17a1) and aromatase (cyp19a1), enzymes required for E2 synthesis. Ovaries containing only oogonia and early primary ovarian follicles had a 60-fold higher concentration of 17,20beta-P than ovaries in the succeeding stages and had a higher expression of cbr1 and Fsh receptor (fshra). Stimulation of explants of primary follicles in vitro with recombinant piscine Fsh (rFsh), which specifically activates the seabream Fshra, promoted a rapid accumulation of 17,20beta-P, and synthesis was sustained by an external supply of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. In the presence of Cbr1 inhibitors, rFsh-mediated 17,20beta-P production was reduced, with a concomitant increase in testosterone and E2 synthesis. In primary explants, rFsh up-regulated cyp17a2 and cbr1 transcription and simultaneously down-regulated cyp17a1 and cyp19a1 steady-state mRNA levels within 24 h. In contrast, in explants containing vitellogenic follicles, rFsh had no effect on cyp17a2 and cbr1 expression, but increased that of cyp17a1 and cyp19a1. These data suggest a functional Fshra-activated Cyp17a2/Cbr1 steroidogenic pathway in gilthead seabream primary ovarian follicles triggering the production of 17,20beta-P.
A Deep Sum-Product Architecture for Robust Facial Attributes Analysis

Recent works have shown that facial attributes are useful in a number of applications such as face recognition and retrieval. However, estimating attributes in images with large variations remains a big challenge. This challenge is addressed in this paper. Unlike existing methods that assume the independence of attributes during their estimation, our approach captures the interdependencies of local regions for each attribute, as well as the high-order correlations between different attributes, which makes it more robust to occlusions and misdetection of face regions. First, we have modeled region interdependencies with a discriminative decision tree, where each node consists of a detector and a classifier trained on a local region. The detector allows us to locate the region, while the classifier determines the presence or absence of an attribute. Second, correlations of attributes and attribute predictors are modeled by organizing all of the decision trees into a large sum-product network (SPN), which is learned by the EM algorithm and yields the most probable explanation (MPE) of the facial attributes in terms of the region's localization and classification. Experimental results on a large data set with 22,400 images show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Structure and X-Ray Recombination Emission of a Centrally Illuminated Accretion Disk Atmosphere and Corona

We model an accretion disk atmosphere and corona photoionized by a central X-ray continuum source. We calculate the opacity and one-dimensional radiation transfer for an array of disk radii to obtain the two-dimensional structure of the disk and its X-ray recombination emission. The atmospheric structure is extremely insensitive to the viscosity α. We find a feedback mechanism between the disk structure and the central illumination, which expands the disk and increases the solid angle subtended by the atmosphere. We apply the model to the disk of a neutron star X-ray binary. The model is in agreement with the ~12° disk half-angle measured from optical light curves. We map the temperature, density, and ionization structure of the disk, and we simulate high-resolution spectra expected from the Chandra and XMM-Newton grating spectrometers. X-ray emission lines from the disk atmosphere are detectable, especially for high-inclination binary systems. The grating observations of two classes of X-ray binary systems already reveal important spectral similarities with our models. The model spectrum is dominated by double-peaked lines of H-like and He-like ions plus weak Fe L. The line flux is proportional to the luminosity and is dominated by the outer radii. Species with a broad range of ionization levels coexist at each radius, from Fe XXVI in the hot corona to C VI at the base of the atmosphere. The line spectrum is very sensitive to the temperature, ionization, and emission measure of each atmospheric layer, and it probes the heating mechanisms in the disk. We assume a hydrostatic disk dominated by gas pressure, in thermal balance, and in ionization equilibrium. As boundary conditions, we take a Compton temperature corona and an underlying Shakura-Sunyaev disk. The choice of thermally stable solutions strongly affects the spectrum since a thermal instability is present in the regime where X-ray recombination emission is most intense.
Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors in Leukemias

Despite huge improvements in the treatment of leukemia, the percentage of patients suffering relapse still remains significant. Relapse most often results from a small number of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) within the bone marrow, which are able to self-renew, and therefore reestablish the full tumor. The marrow microenvironment contributes considerably in supporting the protection and development of leukemic cells. LSCs share specific niches with normal hematopoietic stem cells with the niche itself being composed of a variety of cell types, including mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, bone cells, immune cells, neuronal cells, and vascular cells. A hallmark of the hematopoietic niche is low oxygen partial pressure, indeed this hypoxia is necessary for the long-term maintenance of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Hypoxia is a strong signal, principally maintained by members of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family. In solid tumors, it has been well established that hypoxia triggers intrinsic metabolic changes and microenvironmental modifications, such as the stimulation of angiogenesis, through activation of HIFs. As leukemia is not considered a “solid” tumor, the role of oxygen in the disease was presumed to be inconsequential and remained long overlooked. This view has now been revised since hypoxia has been shown to influence leukemic cell proliferation, differentiation, and resistance to chemotherapy. However, the role of HIF proteins remains controversial with HIFs being considered as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, depending on the study and model. The purpose of this review is to highlight our knowledge of hypoxia and HIFs in leukemic development and therapeutic resistance and to discuss the recent hypoxia-based strategies proposed to eradicate leukemias.
Hindlimb kinematics before and after laser fibrotomy in horses with fibrotic myopathy.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Fibrotic myopathy can cause incapacitating gait abnormalities. Transection of the fibrotic mass followed by early post operative exercise is the best treatment for fibrotic myopathy. A laser may be used to transect the fibrotic mass. Assessment of the effectiveness of therapies for fibrotic myopathy has been limited to subjective evaluation. OBJECTIVES To objectively assess gait abnormalities associated with fibrotic myopathy before and after laser fibrotomy followed by early post operative exercise. METHODS Kinematic evaluation of horses with fibrotic myopathy walking and trotting on a treadmill was used to investigate hindfeet trajectories (n = 8) and lameness (n = 5) before and after laser fibrotomy Hoof flight trajectory length (HFTL), relative protraction length (% PL), maximum hoof height during swing (MXHH), hoof height at end of protraction (HH(pro)) and retraction (HH(ret)) were measured and differences between fibrotic myopathy affected and nonaffected limbs were calculated. Lameness was quantified by measuring maximum and minimum pelvic height differences between right and left halves of the stride. RESULTS Before surgery the foot of the fibrotic myopathy affected limb had abnormal trajectories characterised as increased HFTL, MXHH and HH(pro) and decreased % PL and HH(ret) and the 5 horses objectively evaluated for lameness were lame in the fibrotic myopathy affected limb. Immediately after surgery the difference between affected and nonaffected limbs decreased for HFTL, % PL and HH(pro). Six to 11 weeks after surgery, the HFTL difference increased but was still smaller than before surgery, which was interpreted as partial recurrence of the gait abnormality; all horses objectively evaluated for lameness were either improved (n = 1) or not lame (n = 4) in the previously affected, operated limb. CONCLUSIONS Fibrotic myopathy affects the foot flight and leads to asymmetric vertical excursion of the pelvis. Laser fibrotomy followed by early post operative exercise can minimise these abnormalities. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Laser fibrotomy combined with early post operative exercise is a viable therapy for fibrotic myopathy.
Influence of soil stabilizing materials on lead polluted soils using Jet Erosion Tests

Solidification/stabilization treatment is usually used to stabilize site of contaminated land. Several common binding materials, such as cement, hydrated lime, and bitumen, were usually utilized as stabilizer materials for contaminated soil and tested by old techniques. Recent studies have been proposed that the high lead (Pb) concentration in soil causes an increase in soil erodibility, which is a major global environmental problem. An excess shear stress model is normally applied to measure soil erodibility based on two empirical soil parameters: critical shear stress (τc) and erodibility coefficient (kd). Jet Erosion Test (JET) is one of recent technique to measure the soil erodibility parameters (τc and kd) in the field as well as in the laboratory. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of many building materials (cement, hydrated lime, and bitumen) on the stability of an artificially Pb-contaminated soil, using “mini” JET device as a function of measuring soil erodibility parameters (τc and kd). Hence, different percentages of three common Iraqi building materials (cement, hydrated lime, and bitumen) at different curing time were conducted to observe the effect of these materials on soil properties; such as Atterberg limits, dry density, optimum moisture content, and hardness as well as to soil erodibility parameters (τc and kd). The results showed a reduction in kd value with increasing in the percentage of building materials and curing time, while τc values were increased. The ideal mixing ratios of stabilizer materials showed that hardness degree increased by a ratio of 22% to 28.4%, while Atterberg limits either decreased or increased by a ratio of 5% to 28.5%. The results showed that all these materials can improve soil properties of Pb-contaminated soil and the cement was the best stabilizer. This study provides the benefit of using JET device in consume testing time and conserving energy, compared with other conventional techniques usually used for studying soil stabilization.
Cdc42 and the Actin-Related Protein/Neural Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Network Mediate Cellular Invasion by Cryptosporidium parvum

ABSTRACT Cryptosporidium parvum invasion of epithelial cells involves host cell membrane alterations which require a remodeling of the host cell actin cytoskeleton. In addition, an actin plaque, possibly associated with the dense-band region, forms within the host cytoplasm at the host-parasite interface. Here we show that Cdc42 and RhoA, but not Rac1, members of the Rho family of GTPases, are recruited to the host-parasite interface in an in vitro model of human biliary cryptosporidiosis. Interestingly, activation of Cdc42, but not RhoA, was detected in the infected cells. Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP) and p34-Arc, actin-regulating downstream effectors of Cdc42, were also recruited to the host-parasite interface. Whereas cellular expression of a constitutively active mutant of Cdc42 promoted C. parvum invasion, overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of Cdc42, or depletion of Cdc42 mRNA by short interfering RNA-mediated gene silencing, inhibited C. parvum invasion. Expression of the WA fragment of N-WASP to block associated actin polymerization also inhibited C. parvum invasion. Moreover, inhibition of host cell Cdc42 activation by dominant negative mutation inhibited C. parvum-associated actin remodeling, membrane protrusion, and dense-band formation. In contrast, treatment of cells with a Rho inhibitor, exoenzyme C3, or cellular overexpression of dominant negative mutants of RhoA and Rac1 had no effect on C. parvum invasion. These data suggest that C. parvum invasion of target epithelia results from the organism's ability to activate a host cell Cdc42 GTPase signaling pathway to induce host cell actin remodeling at the attachment site.
Prompt Gamma-Ray Burst Spectra: Detailed Calculations and the Effect of Pair Production

We present detailed calculations of the prompt spectrum of γ-ray bursts (GRBs) predicted within the fireball model framework, in which emission is due to internal shocks in an expanding relativistic wind. Our time-dependent numerical model describes cyclo-synchrotron emission and absorption, inverse and direct Compton scattering, and e± pair production and annihilation (including the evolution of high-energy electromagnetic cascades). It allows, in particular, a self-consistent calculation of the energy distribution of e± pairs produced by photon annihilation and hence, a calculation of the spectra resulting when the scattering optical depth due to pairs, τ±, is high. We show that emission peaks at ~1 MeV for moderate-to-large τ±, reaching τ± ~ 102. In this regime of large compactness we find that (1) a large fraction of shock energy can escape as radiation even for large τ±; (2) the spectrum depends only weakly on the magnetic field energy fraction; (3) the spectrum is hard, ε2 dN/dε ∝ εα with 0.5 < α < 1, between the self-absorption (εssa = 100.5±0.5 keV) and peak (εpeak = 100.5±0.5 MeV) photon energy; (4) the spectrum shows a sharp cutoff at ~10 MeV; and (5) thermal Comptonization leads to emission peaking at εpeak ≳ 30 MeV and cannot, therefore, account for observed GRB spectra. For small compactness, spectra extend to higher than 10 GeV with flux detectable by GLAST, and the spectrum at low energy depends on the magnetic field energy fraction. Comparison of the flux at ~1 GeV and ~100 keV may therefore allow the determination of the magnetic field strength. For both small and large compactness, the spectra depend only weakly on the spectral index of the energy distribution of accelerated electrons.
Metabolic Profiling of the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba invadens Revealed Activation of Unpredicted Pathway during Encystation

Encystation, which is cellular differentiation from the motile, proliferative, labile trophozoite form to the dormant, resistant cyst form, is a crucial process found in parasitic and free-living protozoa such as Entamoeba, Giardia, Acanthamoeba, and Balamuthia. Since encystation is an essential process to deal with the adverse external environmental changes during the life cycle, and often integral to the transmission of the diseases, biochemical understanding of the process potentially provides useful measures against the infections caused by this group of protozoa. In this study, we investigated metabolic and transcriptomic changes that occur during encystation in Entamoeba invadens, the reptilian sibling of mammal-infecting E. histolytica, using capillary electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling and DNA microarray-based expression profiling. As the encystation progressed, the levels of majority of metabolites involved in glycolysis and nucleotides drastically decreased, indicating energy generation is ceased. Furthermore, the flux of glycolysis was redirected toward chitin wall biosynthesis. We found remarkable temporal increases in biogenic amines such as isoamylamine, isobutylamine, and cadaverine, during the early period of encystation, when the trophozoites form large multicellular aggregates (precyst). We also found remarkable induction of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during encystation. This study has unveiled for the first time the dynamics of the transcriptional and metabolic regulatory networks during encystation, and should help in better understanding of the process in pathogenic eukaryotes, and further development of measures controlling infections they cause.
Towards compositional synthesis of evolving systems

Synthesis of system configurations from a given set of features is an important and very challenging problem. This paper makes a step towards this goal by describing an efficient technique for synthesizing pipeline configurations of feature-based systems. We identify and formalize a design pattern that is commonly used in featurebased development. We show that this pattern enables compositional synthesis of feature arrangements. In particular, the pattern allows us to add or remove features from an existing system without having to reconfigure the system from scratch. We describe an implementation of our technique and evaluate its applicability and effectiveness using a set of telecommunication features from AT&T, arranged within the DFC architecture.
Changes in the 24-Hour Prolactin Pattern in Cluster Headache

The regulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion periodicity in cluster headache (CH) and in atypical facial pain (AFP) has been studied in nine and seven patients, respectively. The physiological periodicity of the hormone secretion, with its highest levels during night sleep and its lowest during the waking hours, is upset in CH, but not in AFP. A rhythmicity occurs in CH only in the presence of severe pain, which appears to be the synchronizing event. Lithium carbonate treatment does not interfere with the mentioned changes in PRL secretion in CH.
The evolution of the mechanical behaviour of cold recycled mixtures stabilised with cement and bitumen: field and laboratory study

Road construction and maintenance involve huge amounts of materials that can include wastes from the demolition of old asphalt pavements. Recycling allows environmental and economic benefits to be achieved, by reducing the consumption of natural resources. These advantages are maximised with cold-recycling, in particular when full depth reclamation (FDR) is adopted as road rehabilitation technique. The aim of this research was to compare different FDR techniques, which produce cement-treated material and cement–bitumen treated material (CBTM) combining the use of cement and bitumen emulsion or foamed bitumen. The FDR was applied in a trial section built along an in-service highway and monitored with annual falling weight deflectometer (FWD) surveys in order to evaluate the performance evolution. Results highlighted that, because of the effect of temperature, the FWD deflections were not suitable to accurately evaluate the evolution of the mechanical behaviour of the cold recycled mixture (CRM) layers. However, the temperature-corrected FWD moduli allowed to conclude that the performance of the CRM layers was similar.