Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long‐term fluctuations (1974‐99) of the salps Thalia democratica and Salpa fusiformis in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea: Relationships with hydroclimatic variability

We investigated the long‐term variability of the salps Thalia democratica and Salpa fusiformis during the period 1974‐1999 at a coastal site in the Bay of Villefranche‐sur‐mer. During this period T. democratica varied both interannually and seasonally, whereas S. fusiformis showed only seasonal fluctuations. Weeks in which T. democratica and S. fusiformis populations were developing in situ (i.e., near the sampling station without advection) are defined as the informative periods. Different species‐specific optima of temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll a concentration, as well as stability conditions of the water column, were related to informative periods for the two Thalia and Salpa species. Long‐term temperature oscillations were significantly related to the interannual maxima of T. democratica. The link between positive anomalies of temperature and outbreaks of T. democratica stress the importance of primary consumers as indicators of changes occurring in the marine system.
SYNERGY: a new algorithm for property checking

We consider the problem if a given program satisfies a specified safety property. Interesting programs have infinite state spaces, with inputs ranging over infinite domains, and for these programs the property checking problem is undecidable. Two broad approaches to property checking are testing and verification. Testing tries to find inputs and executions which demonstrate violations of the property. Verification tries to construct a formal proof which shows that all executions of the program satisfy the property. Testing works best when errors are easy to find, but it is often difficult to achieve sufficient coverage for correct programs. On the other hand, verification methods are most successful when proofs are easy to find, but they are often inefficient at discovering errors. We propose a new algorithm, Synergy, which combines testing and verification. Synergy unifies several ideas from the literature, including counterexample-guided model checking, directed testing, and partition refinement.This paper presents a description of the Synergy algorithm, its theoretical properties, a comparison with related algorithms, and a prototype implementation called Yogi.
Local and Long-Range Reciprocal Regulation of cAMP and cGMP in Axon/Dendrite Formation

Promoting Axon Formation How do neurons initiate one axon and lots of dendrites? Using an in vitro assay involving stripes of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), Shelly et al. (p. 547) show that an increase in cAMP initiates axon formation while an increase in cGMP initiates dendrites. Moreover, cAMP and cGMP reciprocally inhibit each other via the activation of specific phosphodiesterases, as well as protein kinase A and protein kinase G. Finally, long-range self-inhibition of cAMP can explain why only one axon, yet multiple dendrites, is initiated in single hippocampal neurons in culture. Locally increasing cAMP in one neurite causes long-range cAMP reduction in the rest of the neurites, accompanied by corresponding reciprocal changes in cGMP. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate regulate axon formation and exert opposite actions on dendrite formation. Cytosolic cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) often mediate antagonistic cellular actions of extracellular factors, from the regulation of ion channels to cell volume control and axon guidance. We found that localized cAMP and cGMP activities in undifferentiated neurites of cultured hippocampal neurons promote and suppress axon formation, respectively, and exert opposite effects on dendrite formation. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging showed that alterations of the amount of cAMP resulted in opposite changes in the amount of cGMP, and vice versa, through the activation of specific phosphodiesterases and protein kinases. Local elevation of cAMP in one neurite resulted in cAMP reduction in all other neurites of the same neuron. Thus, local and long-range reciprocal regulation of cAMP and cGMP together ensures coordinated development of one axon and multiple dendrites.
Role of GABAB Receptor and L-Arg in GABA-Induced Vasorelaxation in Non-diabetic and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Vessels

Background: Hypertension is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients. The present study was designed to determine the role of gamma amino butyric acid B (GABAB) receptor and L-arginine (L-Arg) in GABA-induced vasorelaxation in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat vessels. Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Eight weeks later, superior mesenteric arteries of all groups were isolated and perfused according to the McGregor method. Results: Baseline perfusion pressure of STZ diabetic rats was significantly higher than non-diabetic rats in both intact and denuded endothelium. In the presence of faclofen, a selective GABAB receptor blocker, GABA-induced relaxation in intact and denuded endothelium mesenteric beds of STZ diabetic rats was suppressed, but this response in non-diabetic rats was not suppressed. Our results showed that in the presence of L-Arg, a nitric oxide precursor, GABA induced vasorelaxation in both diabetic and non-diabetic vessels. Conclusion: From the results of this study, it may be concluded that the vasorelaxatory effect of GABA in diabetic vessel is mediated by the GABAB receptor and nitric oxide, but it seems that in non-diabetic vessel GABAB receptor does not play any role in GABA-induced vasorelaxation, but nitric oxide induced GABA relaxation in non-diabetic vessel.
Exploring Adversarial Learning on Neural Network Models for Text Classiﬁcation

In this paper, we examine the application of adversarial learning, which ﬁrst gained recognition in image classiﬁcation, to natural language processing. In particular, we train a recurrent neural network with long short-term memory by modifying its objective function to simulate training on adversarial examples. We also visualize the perturbed sentence matrices us-ing a nearest-neighbor, augmenting distance with a bigram cost. We discuss various techniques in visualization and offer interpretations of perturbed sentences as well as perturbation as relations between words. Our results do not indicate that adversarial training helped, which fact we attribute to a dearth of computing resources.
When Fairness Clashes with Personal Autonomy and Parental Authority: A Comparison of Daughters' and Mothers' Reasoning in Two Cultural Contexts in Turkey

ABSTRACT The author examined religious and secular daughters' and mothers' reasoning about personal autonomy, maternal authority, and moral concepts in family decision-making situations in urban Turkey. Sixty-eight daughters and 34 mothers were individually interviewed about decision-making autonomy in general issues and hypothetical daughter–mother conflicts. Results indicated participants regardless of their family status and religious background assigned more decision-making autonomy to mothers when evaluating general issues. Analysis of controversial issues as hypothetical conflicts indicated that daughters and mothers do not hold unitary social judgments about the social world that were always consistent with the norms of their community and family status. There were some religious background differences in evaluations of some conflict stories as a function of whether they evaluated the choices as moral, conventional, personal, and prudential matters. Although secular and religious participants conceptualized daughters and mothers in relational terms rather than characterizing the relations and social issues by harmony, obedience to authority, and acceptance of norms findings suggested that secular women evaluated the hypothetical adolescent–mother conflicts more consistently when the issue entails violation of a moral principle such as justice, fairness, and well-being of the other.
A Comparison of Update Strategies for Large-Scale Maximum Expected BLEU Training

This work presents a flexible and efficient discriminative training approach for statistical machine translation. We propose to use the RPROP algorithm for optimizing a maximum expected BLEU objective and experimentally compare it to several other updating schemes. It proves to be more efficient and effective than the previously proposed growth transformation technique and also yields better results than stochastic gradient descent and AdaGrad. We also report strong empirical results on two large scale tasks, namely BOLT Chinese! English and WMT German! English, where our final systems outperform results reported by Setiawan and Zhou (2013) and on matrix.statmt. org. On the WMT task, discriminative training is performed on the full training data of 4M sentence pairs, which is unsurpassed in the literature.
Inferring binary trust relationships in Web-based social networks

The growth of Web-based social networking and the properties of those networks have created great potential for producing intelligent software that integrates a user's social network and preferences. Our research looks particularly at assigning trust in Web-based social networks and investigates how trust information can be mined and integrated into applications. This article introduces a definition of trust suitable for use in Web-based social networks with a discussion of the properties that will influence its use in computation. We then present two algorithms for inferring trust relationships between individuals that are not directly connected in the network. Both algorithms are shown theoretically and through simulation to produce calculated trust values that are highly accurate. We then present TrustMail, a prototype email client that uses variations on these algorithms to score email messages in the user's inbox based on the user's participation and ratings in a trust network.
Cell capacitor sizing in modular multilevel converters and hybrid topologies

This paper presents a method to calculate the minimal size of cell capacitors in multilevel VSCs which meets a maximum voltage deviation criterion under ideal conditions. This method is applied to the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC), the Alternate Arm Converter (AAC) and the hybrid multilevel converter with ac-side cascaded H-bridge cells (AC-CHB). The results show that the newer VSC topologies exhibits smaller energy deviation in their stacks, leading to an overall smaller volume of cell capacitors for the converter station but often accompanied by some compromises such as higher power losses or degraded DC current waveform quality.
Comparing rates of retinal nerve fibre layer loss with GDxECC using different methods of visual-field progression

Background This prospective analysis was designed to examine the rate of RNFL loss using scanning laser polarimetry (GDx enhanced corneal compensation (GDxECC)) in progressing versus non-progressing eyes using various methods to define functional progression. Methods Glaucoma suspect and glaucomatous eyes with ≥3 years of follow-up participating in the Advanced Imaging for Glaucoma Study were enrolled. All eyes underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP) and GDxECC imaging every 6 months. The annual rate of RNFL loss with GDxECC was calculated using linear regression analysis. Functional progression was determined using the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial (EMGT) criterion, SAP Visual Field Index (VFI) and Progressor software. Results Fifty-three eyes (30 glaucoma suspect, 23 glaucoma) of 53 patients (mean age 64.5±10.7 years, range 42–79) were enrolled. Eighteen eyes (40%) demonstrated SAP progression during the follow-up period using the Progressor criterion, 10 eyes (18.9%) using the VFI criterion, and 3 eyes (5.7%) using the EMGT criterion. The annual rate (μm/year) of mean RNFL loss was significantly greater (p<0.05) in progressing versus non-progressing eyes using Progressor (−1.24±0.99 vs −0.18±0.49), EMGT (−1.95±0.99 vs −0.46±0.78) and VFI (−1.11±0.64 vs −0.41±0.85) criteria. Conclusion Despite differences in the criteria used to judge functional progression, progressing eyes have a significantly greater rate of RNFL loss measured using GDxECC as compared with non-progressing eyes.
Mutation Rates and Intrinsic Fidelity of Retroviral Reverse Transcriptases

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that replicate through a DNA intermediate, in a process catalyzed by the viral reverse transcriptase (RT). Although cellular polymerases and host factors contribute to retroviral mutagenesis, the RT errors play a major role in retroviral mutation. RT mutations that affect the accuracy of the viral polymerase have been identified by in vitro analysis of the fidelity of DNA synthesis, by using enzymological (gel-based) and genetic assays (e.g., M13mp2 lacZ forward mutation assays). For several amino acid substitutions, these observations have been confirmed in cell culture using viral vectors. This review provides an update on studies leading to the identification of the major components of the fidelity center in retroviral RTs.
Surveillance of Physician-Diagnosed Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Consistent With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Among Nebraska High School Athletes, 2008–2012

Though historically confined to hospital settings, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has received increasing attention in the wider community, particularly among athletes. A 2007–2008 investigation in Nebraska concluded that MRSA skin infections were an emerging problem among the state’s student athletes. Statewide surveillance was subsequently conducted during 4 school years (2008–2012) to estimate incidence of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) consistent with MRSA among student athletes. High school athletic officials completed Internet-based surveys following winter and fall sport seasons. Over 3 school years, incidence estimates per 10,000 athletes decreased substantially from 20.9 (2008–2009) to 11.3 (2010–2011) among football players and from 60.8 (2008–2009) to 28.1 (2010–2011) among wrestlers. Following the 2011–2012 sport seasons, however, incidence estimates increased to 16.6 per 10,000 football players and 43.3 per 10,000 wrestlers. School nurses should support school officials to prioritize prevention and control efforts for SSTI, including MRSA.
An Exploration of the Relationship between Length of Prior Employment, Individual Unlearning, and Entrepreneurial Alertness

This document is posted at http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/education_etd/131 and is brought to you for free and open access by Fisher Digital Publications at St. John Fisher College. For more information, please contact fisherpub@sjfc.edu. Recommended Citation Sweet, Sequetta F. , "An Exploration of the Relationship between Length of Prior Employment, Individual Unlearning, and Entrepreneurial Alertness" (2012). Education Doctoral. Paper 131.
Photoreceptor degeneration changes magnetic resonance imaging features in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinal degeneration‐1 (rd1) mice are animal models of retinitis pigmentosa, a blinding disease caused by photoreceptor cell degeneration. This study aims to determine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in retinas of 1‐ and 3‐month‐old rd1 mice. Apparent diffusion coefficient in retina was measured using diffusion MRI. The blood‐retinal barrier leakage was evaluated using gadolinium‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI before and after systemic gadolinium‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid injection. Photoreceptor degeneration in rd1 retina was apparent by decreased retinal thickness and loss of water diffusion anisotropy in both 1‐ and 3‐month‐old rd1 mice. Furthermore, statistically significant increase of mean retinal apparent diffusion coefficient and gadolinium‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI signals were observed in 3‐month‐old rd1 mice comparing with age‐matched wild‐type mice. Together, these data suggest that MRI parameter changes can signature common pathological changes in photoreceptor‐degenerated eyes, particularly blood‐retinal barrier leakage‐induced retinal edema. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Semi-global exponential stabilization of linear discrete-time systems subject to input saturation via linear feedbacks

In this paper, we show that a linear discrete-time system subject to input saturation is semi-globally exponentially stabilizable via linear state and/or output feedback laws as long as the system in the absence of input saturation is stabilizable and detectable, and has all its poles located inside or on the unit circle. Furthermore, the semi-globally stabilizing feedback laws are explicitly constructed. The results presented here are parallel to our earlier results on the continuous-time counterpart (1993).
Principal components of expressive speech animation

We describe a new technique for expressive and realistic speech animation. We use an optical tracking system that extracts the 3D positions of markers attached at the feature point locations to capture the movements of the face of a talking person. We use the feature points as defined by the MPEG-4 standard. We then form a vector space representation by using the principal component analysis of this data. We call this space "expression and viseme space". Such a representation not only offers insight into improving realism of animated faces, but also gives a new way of generating convincing speech animation and blending between several expressions. As the rigid body movements and deformation constraints on the facial movements have been considered through this analysis, the resulting facial animation is very realistic.
Reducing communication latency with path multiplexing: in optically interconnected multiprocessor systems

A physical link can be time-multiplexed to create several time slots, each of which corresponding to a virtual link. A conventional approach establishes a connection along a path using a set of independent time slots (or virtual links) and thus requires the use of switching devices capable of interchanging time slots. This paper proposes a different approach to all-optical Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) communications in multiprocessor systems. The idea is to establish a connection along a path using a set of time slots (or virtual links) that are dependent on each other, so that no time-slot interchanging is required. It is found that, despite of the possibility that establishing a connection may take a longer time, the proposed approach will result in lower overall communication latency as it eliminates the delays introduced by the time-slot interchanging switching devices. <<ETX>>
The Cutaneous Response in Humans to Treponema pallidum Lipoprotein Analogues Involves Cellular Elements of Both Innate and Adaptive Immunity1

To extend prior studies implicating treponemal lipoproteins as major proinflammatory agonists of syphilitic infection, we examined the responses induced by intradermal injection of human subjects with synthetic lipoprotein analogues (lipopeptides) corresponding to the N termini of the 17- and 47-kDa lipoproteins of Treponema pallidum. Responses were assessed visually and by flow cytometric analysis of dermal leukocyte populations within fluids aspirated from suction blisters raised over the injection sites. Lipopeptides elicited dose-dependent increases in erythema/induration and cellular infiltrates. Compared with peripheral blood, blister fluids were highly enriched for monocytes/macrophages, cutaneous lymphocyte Ag-positive memory T cells, and dendritic cells. PB and blister fluids contained highly similar ratios of CD123−/CD11c+ (DC1) and CD123+/CD11c− (DC2) dendritic cells. Staining for maturation/differentiation markers (CD83, CD1a) and costimulatory molecules (CD80/CD86) revealed that blister fluid DC1, but not DC2, cells were more developmentally advanced than their peripheral blood counterparts. Of particular relevance to the ability of syphilitic lesions to facilitate the transmission of M-tropic strains of HIV-1 was a marked enhancement of CCR5 positivity among mononuclear cells in the blister fluids. Treponemal lipopeptides have the capacity to induce an inflammatory milieu reminiscent of that found in early syphilis lesions. In contrast with in vitro studies, which have focused upon the ability of these agonists to stimulate isolated innate immune effector cells, in this study we show that in a complex tissue environment these molecules have the capacity to recruit cellular elements representing the adaptive as well as the innate arm of the cellular immune response.
Phase I Clinical Trial of Oral Furtulon and Combined Hepatic Arterial Chemoembolization and Radiotherapy in Unresectable Primary Liver Cancers, Including Clinicopathologic Study

Surgical resection has been accepted as the only curative therapy for primary liver cancer (PLC). Unfortunately, most patients are surgically unresectable when they seek treatment. An alternative therapeutic approach for some of these patients is transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. However, this is not curative by itself, and additional therapy is required to eradicate residual disease. This study investigates the approach of preoperative hepatic arterial chemoembolization followed by the combination of oral Furtulon (5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine) as a radiosensitizer and external beam radiotherapy (RT). From July 1997 to December 1998, 25 patients with unresectable PLC were treated with hepatic arterial chemoembolization followed by limited-field radiotherapy plus oral Furtulon as a radiosensitizer. Hepatic arterial chemoembolization was performed with 5-fluorouracil 1 g, cisplatin 80 mg (DDP), mitomycin C (MMC) 10 mg, and arterial embolization with iodized oil–10 ml mixed with 10 mg MMC. Hepatic arterial chemoembolization was performed at regular intervals of 6 weeks, and the patients then received limited-field RT. Mean tumor dose was 4,600 cGy (range, 4,100–5,200 cGy) in daily 1.8-Gy fractions, 5 times a week. The toxicity and responses between RT and surgery were assessed. After surgical evaluation, resection was performed. The histopathologic study was also performed in the specimens of both normal and radiation-injured liver tissues from the patients who underwent resection. Seventeen of 25 patients (68%) showed an objective response. One patient with cholangiocarcinoma involving the portal lymph nodes attained a complete response. Eight patients (32%) underwent sequential resection. The most common toxicity was an increase in liver enzymes, which were less than twofold of the upper limit of normal. Follow-up computed tomography studies after treatment showed a low-attenuation area adjacent to the hepatic tumor in the target volume. On pathologic evaluation, the low-attenuation area revealed hyperemia, distended hepatic sinusoids packed with erythrocytes, and hepatic cell loss when examined with microscopy; “newborn” hepatocytes, hepatic cords in the process of forming, and endothelial cells have appeared on electronic microscopic examination. The combination of hepatic arterial chemoembolization and external radiotherapy is efficacious and a safe modality for unresectable primary liver cancers. Furtulon offers the potential for use as a clinical radiosensitizer. Radiation can significantly damage the liver tissue between 41 Gy and 52 Gy, but the new hepatocytes were forming within the radiation-injured liver after RT.