Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variational Structured Stochastic Network

High dimensional sequential data exhibits complex structure, a successful generative model for such data must involve highly dependent, structured variables. Thus it is desired or even necessary to model correlations and dependencies between the multiple input, output variables and latent variables in such scenario. To achieve this goal, we introduce Variational Structured Stochastic Network(VSSN), a new method for modeling high dimensional structured data. Leveraging recent advances in Stochastic Gradient Variational Bayes, VSSN can overcome intractable inference distributions via stochastic variational inference(Hoffman et al., 2013; Ranganath et al., 2014). To evaluate the proposed model, we apply it to speech recording data, music data, and several dynamic image sequence modeling tasks. Experimental results have demonstrated that our proposed method can outperform most state-of-the-art methods.
Feature Extraction

Three complementary feature extraction approaches are developed in this thesis which addresses the challenge of dimensionality reduction in the presence of multivariate heavy-tailed and asymmetric distributions. First, we demonstrate how to improve the robustness of the standard Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis by adapting the concept of robust mean and covariance estimation within the standard framework. We then introduce feature extraction methods that extend the standard Principal Component Analysis by exploring distribution-based robustification. This is achieved via Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis (PPCA), in which new, statistically robust variants are derived, also treating missing data. We propose a novel generalisation to the t-Student Probabilistic Principal Component methodology which (1) accounts for asymmetric distribution of the observation data, (2) is a framework for grouped and generalised multiple-degree-of-freedom structures, which provides a more flexible framework to model groups of marginal tail dependence in the observation data, and (3) separates the tail effect of the error terms and factors. The new feature extraction methods are derived in an incomplete data setting to efficiently handle the presence of missing values in the observation vector. We discuss statistical properties of their robustness. In the next part of this thesis, we demonstrate the applicability of feature extraction methods to the statistical analysis of multidimensional dynamics. We introduce the class of Hybrid Factor models that combines classical state-space model formulations with incorporation of exogenous factors. We show how to utilize the information obtained from features extracted using introduced robust PPCA in a modelling framework in a meaningful and parsimonious manner. In the first application study, we show the applicability of robust feature extraction methods in the real data environment of financial markets and combine the obtained results with a stochastic multi-factor panel regression-based state-space model in order to model the dynamic of yield curves, whilst incorporating regression factors. We embed the rank-reduced feature extractions into a stochastic representation of state-space models for yield curve dynamics and compare the results to classical multi-factor dynamic Nelson-Siegel state-space models. This leads to important new representations of yield curve models that can have practical importance for addressing questions of financial stress testing and monetary policy interventions which can
Sulfated glycosaminoglycans mediate the effects of FGF2 on the osteogenic potential of rat calvarial osteoprogenitor cells

Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) is a powerful promoter of bone growth. We demonstrate here that brief exposure to FGF2 enhances mineralized nodule formation in cultured rat osteoprogenitor cells due to an expansion of cells that subsequently mineralize. This mitogenic effect is mediated via sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), FGFR1, and the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. The GAGs involved in this stimulation are chondroitin sulfates (CS) rather than heparan sulfates (HS). However, continuous FGF2 treatment reduces alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, downregulates collagen Iα1 (ColIα1) and FGFR3 expression, upregulates the expression and secretion of osteopontin (OPN) and inhibits mineralization. The inhibitory effects of FGF2 on FGFR3 expression and ALP activity are also mediated by the ERK pathway, although the effects of FGF2 on ColIα1 and OPN expression are mediated by GAGs and PKC activity. Thus short‐term activation of FGF2/FGFR1 promotes osteoprogenitor proliferation and subsequent differentiation, while long‐term activation of FGF2 signaling disrupts mineralization by modulating osteogenic marker expression. This study thus establishes the central role of sulfated GAGs in the osteogenic progression of osteoprogenitors. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 811–825, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chip multithreading: opportunities and challenges

Chip multi-threaded (CMT) processors provide support for many simultaneous hardware threads of execution in various ways, including simultaneous multithreading (SMT) and chip multiprocessing (CMP). CMT processors are especially suited to server workloads, which generally have high levels of thread-level parallelism (TLP). In this paper, we describe the evolution of CMT chips in industry and highlight the pervasiveness of CMT designs in upcoming general-purpose processors. The CMT design space accommodates a range of designs between the extremes represented by the SMT and CMP designs and a variety of attractive design options are currently unexplored. Though there has been extensive research on utilizing multiple hardware threads to speed up single-threaded applications via speculative parallelization, there are many challenges in designing CMT processors, even when sufficient TLP is present. This paper describes some of these challenges including, hot sets, hot banks, speculative prefetching strategies, request prioritization and off-chip bandwidth reduction.
Relationship Between Maize Stem Structural Characteristics and Resistance to Pink Stem Borer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Attack

Abstract The pink stem borer, Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre), is one of the most important insect pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in northwestern Spain. The objectives of this work were to evaluate, at different times during the growth of maize, structural traits related to the entry point and tissues on which larvae feed and to determine the relationship between these structural traits and the stem borer resistance. Six inbred lines with different levels of stem resistance to S. nonagrioides were evaluated in several trials. Potential structural resistance factors included rind and pith puncture resistance (RPR and PPR), rind thickness, length of the meristematic area (LMA), and pith parenchyma interlumen thickness (PPIT). Surprisingly, the inbred lines that showed the strongest stalks, EP42 and EP47, were not stem resistant to pink stem borer attack, while the stem resistant inbreds A509, CM151, and PB130 were among the least resistant to rind puncture. There were no significant differences among resistant and susceptible inbreds for the rind thickness. However, the susceptible inbred EP42 had the softest internode pith, and the resistant inbred PB130 showed the hardest, as was expected. Susceptible inbred lines in general showed higher values for the LMA, while the PPIT was important for individual inbreds. The results suggest that the usefulness of these characters as estimators of pink stem borer resistance is limited to some genotypes. Besides, even among those genotypes, other mechanisms of resistance that do not involve stalk strength could be present. Among the traits considered, the LMA was the most promising as an indicator of resistance to pink stem borer, although further experimentation is necessary.
Effects of products released by Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae and purified saxitoxin on the movements of Daphnia carinata feeding appendages

Experiments were run to determine the effect of filtrate from incubated Aphanizomenonflos-aquae on the thoracic appendage beat rate and frequency of postabdominal rejections by Daphnia carinata. Comparisons were made between the response to Aphanizomenon filtrate and to purified saxitoxin (STX). The short-term response pattern to the filtrate included an immediate 30-50% depression of thoracic appendage beat rate and elevation of postabdominal rejection rate followed by slowly decreasing thoracic appendage beat rate and increasing postabdominal rejection rate during the 1 O-min exposure. Animals recovered to pretreatment activity rates in <5 min. A similar response was observed in STX, except that Daphnia began to recover immediately from the thoracic appendage beat rate inhibition. Animals recovered to -60% of pretreatment activity after l-2 h in Aphanizomenon filtrate, whereas in STX they returned to pretreatment activity levels after - 1 h of exposure to the neurotoxin. Water from a lake with a winter bloom of A. Jlos-aquae produced the same pattern of thoracic appendage beat rate and postabdominal rejection rate response as seen with the cultured Aphanizomenon. A comparison of responses to STX and the Aphanizomenon filtrate indicates the effect on D. carinata is through chemosensory stimulation rather than neuromotor inhibition.
Educating and Training a Workforce for Nutrition in a Post-2015 World12

Nearly all countries in the world today are burdened with malnutrition, manifesting as undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and/or overweight and obesity. Despite some progress, efforts to alleviate malnutrition are hampered by a shortage in number, skills, and geographic coverage, of a workforce for nutrition. Here, we report the findings of the Castel Gandolfo workshop, a convening of experts from diverse fields in March 2014 to consider how to develop the capacity of a global cadre of nutrition professionals for the post-2015 development era. Workshop participants identified several requirements for developing a workforce for nutrition, including an ability to work as part of a multisectoral team; communication, advocacy, and leadership skills to engage decision makers; and a set of technical skills to address future challenges for nutrition. Other opportunities were highlighted that could immediately contribute to capacity development, including the creation of a consortium to link global North and South universities, online training modules for middle managers, and practical, hands-on experiences for frontline nutrition workers. Institutional and organizational support is needed to enable workshop recommendations on education and training to be effectively implemented and sustained. The findings from the Castel Gandolfo workshop can contribute to the delivery of successful nutrition-relevant actions in the face of mounting external pressures and informing and attaining the forthcoming Sustainable Development Goals.
Pre-cancerous (DNA and chromosomal) lesions in professional sports.

CONTEXT Exhaustive exercises may become detrimental, causing disturbance of intracellular oxidant-antioxidant balance and damage to macromolecules, leading to genomic instability when DNA/chromosomes get damaged. As these are precancerous lesions, cancer occurrence is probable. Because professional sports requires high-intensity training and increasing physical demand, there may occur cellular genomic instability. AIM To evaluate genetic damage at DNA and chromosomal levels in hockey and baseball-soft ball players and compare with levels in age- and sex-matched sedentary controls. SETTING AND DESIGN Players professionally active in their sport from 3 to 11 years on a daily training session of 4h/day were contacted during their camps, and the study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. All participants were healthy individuals, not on any medication and were not taking any supplements. MATERIALS AND METHODS Genetic damage using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay and buccal micronucleus cytome assay of 56 individuals (36 players and 20 controls) was evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Student's t -test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and linear regression and Chi-square analysis were performed. RESULTS Players had significantly elevated levels of genetic damage. There were no gender differences and also no significant difference in the genetic damage incurred in both sports types. However, the extent of DNA migration in hockey players was higher. CONCLUSION Significantly increased genomic instability in players of both sports was observed. Both repaired and repairable genetic damage cells were observed in different tissues of the same subject. The presence of such genetic damage implies that these players are at an individual risk from cancer- and age-related diseases.
Automatic Example-Based Image Colorization Using Location-Aware Cross-Scale Matching

Given a reference color image and a destination grayscale image, this paper presents a novel automatic colorization algorithm that transfers color information from the reference image to the destination image. Since the reference and destination images may contain content at different or even varying scales (due to changes of distance between objects and the camera), existing texture matching-based methods can often perform poorly. We propose a novel cross-scale texture matching method to improve the robustness and quality of the colorization results. Suitable matching scales are considered locally, which are then fused using global optimization that minimizes both the matching errors and spatial change of scales. The minimization is efficiently solved using a multi-label graph-cut algorithm. Since only low-level texture features are used, texture matching-based colorization can still produce semantically incorrect results, such as meadow appearing above the sky. We consider a class of semantic violation where the statistics of up-down relationships learned from the reference image are violated and propose an effective method to identify and correct unreasonable colorization. Finally, a novel nonlocal $\ell _{1}$ optimization framework is developed to propagate high confidence micro-scribbles to regions of lower confidence to produce a fully colorized image. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations show that our method outperforms several state-of-the-art methods.
Towards a More Precise Serological Diagnosis of Human Tegumentary Leishmaniasis Using Leishmania Recombinant Proteins

Background Exposure to Leishmania induces a humoral immune response that can be used as a marker of parasite exposure. Methodology/Principal Findings Herein, ELISA was used to screen sera from patients with Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) against different L. infantum-chagasi-derived recombinant proteins (rHSP70, rH2A, rH2B, rH3, rH4 and rKMP11). Among the recombinant proteins, rHSP70 and rH2A showed the best reactivity against human sera obtained from endemic areas of TL. Receiver-Operator Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the effectiveness of these proteins for serodiagnosis of TL. ROC curves confirmed the superior performance of rHSP70 and rH2A, in comparison to the other tested recombinant proteins. Additionally, we evaluated the specificity of the response to rHSP70 and rH2A by testing sera obtained from patients with Chagas' disease, Tuberculosis, Leprosy or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In this case, rHSP70 displayed an increased ability to discriminate diseases, in comparison to SLA. Conclusion Our results raise possibility of using rHSP70 for the serodiagnosis of TL
Nanobody-Based Delivery Systems for Diagnosis and Targeted Tumor Therapy

The development of innovative targeted therapeutic approaches are expected to surpass the efficacy of current forms of treatments and cause less damage to healthy cells surrounding the tumor site. Since the first development of targeting agents from hybridoma’s, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been employed to inhibit tumor growth and proliferation directly or to deliver effector molecules to tumor cells. However, the full potential of such a delivery strategy is hampered by the size of mAbs, which will obstruct the targeted delivery system to access the tumor tissue. By serendipity, a new kind of functional homodimeric antibody format was discovered in camelidae, known as heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs). The cloning of the variable domain of HCAbs produces an attractive minimal-sized alternative for mAbs, referred to as VHH or nanobodies (Nbs). Apart from their dimensions in the single digit nanometer range, the unique characteristics of Nbs combine a high stability and solubility, low immunogenicity and excellent affinity and specificity against all possible targets including tumor markers. This stimulated the development of tumor-targeted therapeutic strategies. Some autonomous Nbs have been shown to act as antagonistic drugs, but more importantly, the targeting capacity of Nbs has been exploited to create drug delivery systems. Obviously, Nb-based targeted cancer therapy is mainly focused toward extracellular tumor markers, since the membrane barrier prevents antibodies to reach the most promising intracellular tumor markers. Potential strategies, such as lentiviral vectors and bacterial type 3 secretion system, are proposed to deliver target-specific Nbs into tumor cells and to block tumor markers intracellularly. Simultaneously, Nbs have also been employed for in vivo molecular imaging to diagnose diseased tissues and to monitor the treatment effects. Here, we review the state of the art and focus on recent developments with Nbs as targeting moieties for drug delivery systems in cancer therapy and cancer imaging.
Girdin, a Novel Actin‐Binding Protein, and Its Family of Proteins Possess Versatile Functions in the Akt and Wnt Signaling Pathways

Abstract: Girdin (GIRDers of actIN filament, also reported as APE, GIV, or HkRP1) is a novel protein expressed ubiquitously in mammals and was recently identified as a binding partner of the serine/threonine kinase Akt. We found that Girdin is an actin‐binding protein involved in both the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and in cell motility. Recent studies have uncovered new and varied functions of Girdin. For example, it prolongs the activation of Akt and regulates DNA replication in response to insulin signaling. Girdin also associates with heterotrimeric G proteins and dynamin (a large GTPase), which are involved in membrane transport. We found that Akt phosphorylates Girdin in response to growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) in fibroblasts. Furthermore, phosphorylated Girdin accumulates at the leading edge of migrating cells, suggesting its role in Akt‐dependent cell migration or tumor invasion. To date, two paralogues of Girdin have been identified in mammals. One of them, Daple (also named HkRP2), is a binding partner and regulator of Dishevelled, an important cytoplasmic component of the Wnt signaling pathway. Another is a protein encoded by FLJ00354 (also named HkRP3), which has not been functionally characterized. These members are assumed to be dimers with large polypeptide chains (220–250 kDa) that associate at their central long coiled‐coil domains. The amino acid sequences of the members show about 32–46% overall identity, with the greatest variation toward the carboxyl terminal domains that specify the binding partners. Here we propose roles for this family of proteins in diverse cellular processes.
Corporate Accelerators: Transferring Technology Innovation to Incumbent Companies

The recent phenomenon of corporate accelerators is an excellent opportunity for incumbent companies to participate in promising innovations from startups all over the globe. Incumbent companies introduce structured accelerator programs for cohorts of startups, which in turn benefit from resources, mentoring and networks. The underlying research analyzes the growing interdisciplinary scientific literature on corporate accelerators to shed light on this uprising topic. We conducted a literature review according to the guideline of Webster and Watson (2002) by analyzing 20 scientific references. The results show that researchers applied qualitative methods to explore accelerators in detail and quantitative methods are used to analyze secondary data on startups and accelerators. Overall, most findings of recent research are of exploratory nature and our results summaries the main findings of the articles. Finally, we extracted a list of success factors for incumbent companies running corporate accelerators as well as for startups participating in such programs. In terms of theoretical impact, the articles analyzed apply open innovation theory, the resource based view and institutional theory to explain corporate accelerators. Our study reveals that Information Systems research has so far neglected to conduct studies researching corporate accelerators although the findings of our review show large potential for future research.
Adapting and Implementing a Community Program to Improve Retention in Care among Patients with HIV in Southern Haiti: “Group of 6”

Objective. In Mozambique, a patient-led Community ART Group model developed by Médecins Sans Frontières improved retention in care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among persons with HIV. We describe the adaptation and implementation of this model within the HIV clinic located in the largest public hospital in Haiti's Southern Department. Methods. Our adapted model was named Group of 6. Hospital staff enabled stable patients with HIV receiving ART to form community groups with 4–6 members to facilitate monthly ART distribution, track progress and adherence, and provide support. Implementation outcomes included recruitment success, participant retention, group completion of monthly monitoring forms, and satisfaction surveys. Results. Over one year, 80 patients from nine communities enrolled into 15 groups. Six participants left to receive HIV care elsewhere, two moved away, and one died of a non-HIV condition. Group members successfully completed monthly ART distribution and returned 85.6% of the monthly monitoring forms. Members reported that Group of 6 made their HIV management easier and hospital staff reported that it reduced their workload. Conclusions. We report successful adaptation and implementation of a validated community HIV-care model in Southern Haiti. Group of 6 can reduce barriers to ART adherence, and will be integrated as a routine care option.
Microbiology of nitrogen cycle in animal manure compost

Composting is the major technology in the treatment of animal manure and is a source of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas. Although the microbiological processes of both nitrification and denitrification are involved in composting, the key players in these pathways have not been well identified. Recent molecular microbiological methodologies have revealed the presence of dominant Bacillus species in the degradation of organic material or betaproteobacterial ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria on nitrification on the surface, and have also revealed the mechanism of nitrous oxide emission in this complicated process to some extent. Some bacteria, archaea or fungi still would be considered potential key players, and the contribution of some pathways, such as nitrifier denitrification or heterotrophic nitrification, might be involved in composting. This review article discusses these potential microbial players in nitrification–denitrification within the composting pile and highlights the relevant unknowns through recent activities that focus on the nitrogen cycle within the animal manure composting process.