Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A multi-objective approach to evolving platooning strategies in intelligent transportation systems

The research in this paper is inspired by a vision of intelligent vehicles that autonomously move along motorways: they join and leave trains of vehicles (platoons), overtake other vehicles, etc. We propose a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on NEAT and SPEA2 that evolves high-level controllers for such intelligent vehicles. The algorithm yields a set of solutions that each embody their own prioritisation of various user requirements such as speed, comfort or fuel economy. This contrasts with the current practice in researching such controllers, where user preferences are summarised in a single number that the controller development process then optimises. Proof-of-concept experiments show that evolved controllers substantially outperform a widely used human behavioural model. We show that it is possible to evolve a set of vehicle controllers that correspond with different prioritisations of user preferences, giving the driver, on the road, the power to decide which preferences to emphasise.
Dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by weekly paclitaxel with trastuzumab and lapatinib in HER2/neu-overexpressed/amplified breast cancer is not feasible because of excessive diarrhea.

PURPOSE Dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by paclitaxel and trastuzumab (PT) is feasible. Lapatinib is effective in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -positive metastatic breast cancer. We conducted a pilot study of dose-dense AC followed by PT plus lapatinib (PTL) followed by trastuzumab plus lapatinib (TL). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stages I to III, HER2-positive breast cancer and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of > or = 50% were enrolled. Treatment consisted of AC (60 mg/m(2) and 600 mg/m(2)) for 4 cycles every 2 weeks (with pegfilgrastim 6 mg on day 2) followed by paclitaxel (80 mg/m(2)) for 12 doses weekly plus trastuzumab and lapatinib. Trastuzumab (4 mg/kg loading dose, then 2 mg/kg weekly during paclitaxel then 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks after paclitaxel) and lapatinib (1,000 mg daily) were given for 1 year. The primary end points were feasibility defined as > or = 80% patients completing the PTL phase without a dose delay/reduction and a cardiac event rate of < or = 4%. RESULTS From March 2007 to April 2008, we enrolled 95 patients. Median age was 46 years (range, 28 to 73 years). At a median follow-up of 22 months, 92 were evaluable. Of the 92 patients, 41 patients (45%) withdrew for PTL-specific toxicities. Overall, 40 (43%) of 92 patients had lapatinib dose reductions, and 27 (29%) of 92 patients had grade 3 diarrhea. Three patients (3%) had congestive heart failure; three patients dropped out because of significant asymptomatic LVEF decline during PTL followed by TL. CONCLUSION Dose-dense AC followed by PTL and then followed by TL was not feasible because of a high rate of lapatinib dose reduction, mostly caused by unacceptable grade 3 diarrhea. Lapatinib (1,000 mg/d) was not feasible combined with weekly PT.
Functional Interactions between Bile Acids , All-Trans Retinoic Acid , and 1 , 25-Dihydroxy-Vitamin D 3 on Monocytic Differentiation and Myeloblastin Gene Down-Regulation in HL 60 and THP-1 Human Leukemia Cells 1

Bile acids were shown previously to inhibit proliferation and to induce monocytic differentiation in HL60 human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (A. Zimber et al., Int. J. Cancer, 59: 71–77, 1994). In this report, we hypothesized that bile acids may exert a positive cooperativity with two known inducers of leukemic cell differentiation, all-transretinoic acid and 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3. Our results provide evidence that bile acids induced the monocytic differentiation of HL60 and THP-1 human leukemia cells exposed to ineffective concentrations of these inducers. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors H-7 (10 and 20mM) and staurosporine (5 and 20 nM) modulated the effects of bile acids on HL60 cell differentiation. Most interestingly, bile acids are shown herein to down-regulate the expression of the serine proteasemyeloblastingene involved in the differentiation of myeloid hematopoietic cells. In agreement with the recent identification of nuclear receptors for bile acids, our data suggest that functional interactions between nuclear bile acid signaling pathways, PKC, and nuclear receptors for retinoic acid and vitamin D3 are involved in the down-regulation of themyeloblastingene and the induction of cell differentiation in human leukemic cells.
The Role of Individual and Collective Mindfulness in Promoting Occupational Safety in Health Care

Although the importance of safety regulations is highly emphasized in hospitals, nurses frequently work around, or intentionally bypass, safety regulations. We argue that work-arounds occur because adhering to safety regulations usually requires more time and work process design often lacks complementarity with safety regulations. Our main proposition is that mindfulness is associated with a decrease in occupational safety failures through a decrease in work-arounds. First, we propose that individual mindfulness may prevent the depletion of motivational resources caused by worrying about the consequences of time lost when adhering to safety regulations. Second, we argue that collective mindfulness may provide nursing teams with a cognitive infrastructure that facilitates the detection and adaptation of work processes. The results of a multilevel analysis of 580 survey responses from nurses are consistent with our propositions. Our multilevel analytic approach enables us to account for the unique variance in work-arounds that individual and collective mindfulness explain.
A Low-Power 2.4-GHz CMOS GFSK Transceiver With a Digital Demodulator Using Time-to-Digital Conversion

A technique of time-to-digital conversion is utilized in a digital demodulator for a low-power 2.4-GHz CMOS GFSK transceiver. The proposed time-to-digital converter (TDC) employs a self-sampling technique and an auto-calibration algorithm to avoid edge synchronization problems and the need of a delay-locked loop (DLL). With the TDC, a limiter and a digital demodulator can be employed simultaneously in the receiver to achieve low power consumption and high performance. Additionally, in the transmitter, the open-loop VCO modulation is adopted to save hardware and power consumption. The transmitter frequency drift in open-loop modulation and frequency offset between the receiver and the transmitter can be easily resolved by the proposed receiver architecture. All required building blocks of the proposed transceiver, except a RF matching network and a crystal, were implemented on a 4-mm2 chip by a 0.18-¿m CMOS process. The receiver achieves -89 -dBm sensitivity at 0.1% BER with 1-Mb/s data rate, and the transmitter delivers up to 0-dBm output power. The receiver and transmitter consume 13.3 mA and 10.7 mA, respectively, from a 1.8-V power supply.
High prevalence of undetected ulcerative colitis: data from the Nottingham fecal occult blood screening trial

OBJECTIVES:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is usually diagnosed as a result of symptoms but occasionally is found during investigation for other conditions. An earlier report from Nottingham had found a high prevalence of previously undetected “asymptomatic” IBD detected as a result of colorectal cancer screening, and the aim of this study was to reassess the prevalence, symptoms, and outcome in these patients.METHODS:We investigated subjects found to be fecal occult blood (FOB) positive in a randomized trial of FOB screening for colorectal cancer. All FOB-positive subjects were investigated by colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium enema. Subjects with IBD were referred back to their general practitioner for any further investigation and treatment.RESULTS:Seventy-five thousand two hundred fifty-three subjects (aged 45–74) were sent FOB tests and 44,838 (60%) completed a series of tests on one or more occasions. Of 133,000 test series, 1.5% were positive. During investigation 53 cases of previously undetected IBD (52 of ulcerative colitis) were found; 52% (27/52) had proctosigmoiditis only, whereas 25% (13/52) had pancolitis. Only 17% (9/52) were completely asymptomatic, with a half or more reporting some rectal bleeding (54%) or diarrhea (50%). The overall prevalence of undetected ulcerative colitis was 69/105 (95% CI = 50–88/105) in people offered screening and 116/105 (95% CI = 85–147/105) in people accepting screening and was higher in men. Of 32 subjects followed up 2–12 yr after diagnosis, 91% (29) continued to have few or no symptoms, with only 12 currently receiving any treatment for their colitis.CONCLUSIONS:In comparison with detected disease, undetected ulcerative colitis is relatively common but does usually cause some symptoms. It generally appears to follow a benign course, but a significant proportion have extensive colitis and may therefore be at an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Small-world characteristics in geographic, epidemic, and virtual spaces : a comparative study

Small-World Characteristics in Geographic, Epidemic, and Virtual Spaces: A Comparative Study. (May 2007) Zengwang Xu, B.E. , Southwestern JiaoTong University; M.S., Nanjing University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Daniel Z. Sui This dissertation focuses on a comparative study of small-world characteristics in geographical, epidemic, and virtual spaces. Small-world network is the major component of the “new science of networks” that emerged recently in research related to complex networks. It has shown a great potential to model the complex networks encountered in geographical studies. This dissertation, in an attempt to understand the emergence of small-world phenomenon in spatial networks, has investigated the smallworld properties in aforementioned three spaces. Specifically, this dissertation has studied roadway transportation networks at national, metropolitan, and intra-city scales via network autocorrelation methods to investigate the distance effect on the emergence of small-world properties. This dissertation also investigated the effect of small-world network properties on the epidemic diffusion and different control strategies through agent-based simulation on social networks. The ASLevel Internet in the contiguous U.S. has been studied in its relation between local and global connections, and its correspondence with small-world characteristics.
Early and Transient Release of Leukocyte Pentraxin 3 during Acute Myocardial Infarction

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) plays cardioprotective and anti-atherogenic roles in murine models. PTX3 blood levels raise during early acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Neutrophils from healthy subjects physiologically contain PTX3 in secondary (also called specific) granules. In this study, we report that circulating neutrophils release preformed PTX3 in the early phase of AMI (within 6 h from the onset of clinical symptoms). Depletion of intracellular PTX3 correlates with increased plasma levels and with platelet–neutrophil heterotypic aggregates. Neutrophil PTX3 returns to normal values 48 h after the onset of symptoms; concentration does not vary in matched healthy controls or in patients with chronic stable angina. In vitro, recognition of activated P-selectin+ platelets causes the formation of neutrophil–platelet heteroaggregates and the release of neutrophil PTX3. Purified or membrane-bound P-selectin triggers PTX3 release from resting neutrophils. Released PTX3 binds to activated platelets in vitro. Moreover, PTX3 binds to a substantial fraction of platelets from patients in the circulating blood. PTX3-bound activated platelets have a reduced ability to 1) form heterotypic aggregates with neutrophils and monocytes; 2) activate neutrophils, as evaluated assessing the upregulation of leukocyte β2 integrins; 3) aggregate with other platelets; and 4) bind to fibrinogen. Our results suggest that neutrophils early release prestored PTX3 in patients undergoing AMI. PTX3 binds to activated circulating platelets and dampens their proinflammatory and prothrombotic action, thus possibly contributing to its cardioprotective effects.
PaperChains: Dynamic Sketch+Voice Annotations

In this paper we present a novel interface for collaborative creation of evolving audio-visual documents. PaperChains allows users to sketch on paper and then augment with digital audio, allowing both the physical and digital objects to evolve simultaneously over time. The technique we have developed focuses on affordability and accessibility in its design, using standard cameraphones and telephone connections, which allow it to be used in regions where literacy, technological experience and data connections cannot necessarily be taken for granted. The main use-case that we focus on in this paper is for collaborative storytelling, an area which has been well studied and previously proven to be of value in resource constrained environments. To investigate the relevance of the approach in these contexts, we undertook two usability evaluations in India and South Africa. Results from these investigations indicate users' ability to both create and interpret stories using the software, as well as demonstrating high overall usability and enjoyment. We end with a discussion of the implications of our design and opportunities for use in other contexts.
Optimal Testing for Planted Satisfiability Problems

We study the problem of detecting planted solutions in a random satisfiability formula. Adopting the formalism of hypothesis testing in statistical analysis, we describe the minimax optimal rates of detection. Our analysis relies on the study of the number of satisfying assignments, for which we prove new results. We also address algorithmic issues, and give a computationally efficient test with optimal statistical performance. This result is compared to an average-case hypothesis on the hardness of refuting satisfiability of random formulas.
Reputation and Reciprocity: Consequences for the Labour Relation

Recent evidence highlights the importance of social norms in many economic relations. Many of these relationships are long-term and provide repeated game incentives for performance. We experimentally investigate interaction effects of reciprocity and repeated game incentives in two treatments (one-shot and repeated) of a gift-exchange game. In both treatments we observe reciprocity, which is strengthened in the repeated game. A detailed analysis shows that in the repeated game some subjects imitate reciprocity. Thus, reciprocity and repeated game incentives reinforce each other. Observed behaviour is robust against experience. We conclude that a long-term interaction is a ‘reciprocity-compatible’ contract enforcement device.
On Mass Denotations of Bare Nouns in Japanese and Korean

Abstract The present work explores the nature of bare nominal arguments in Japanese and Korean in conjunction with Chierchia's (1998a) nominal mapping parameter. The nominal mapping parameter categorizes Japanese and Korean as NP [+argument, −predicate] languages. His theory predicts that Japanese and Korean bare nouns denote kinds and come out of the lexicon with mass denotations. In the present work, I will discuss the following two crucial differences between conventional mass nouns like the English furniture and Japanese/Korean bare nominal arguments. First, although conventional mass nouns do not get pluralized, Japanese and Korean bare nouns do. Second, bare mass nouns cannot refer to specific individuals, but Japanese and Korean bare nominal arguments can. I will investigate what modification is necessary in order to accommodate these non-mass-like characteristics of Japanese and Korean bare nominal arguments to Chierchia's (1998a, 1998b) theory. I will demonstrate that Japanese and Korean plural nouns do not appear in generic/kind-predication sentences and that Japanese and Korean anaphoric bare nominal arguments are not necessarily number neutral. Given these observations, I will argue that only kind-referring expressions are true bare NPs and denote mass. Non-kind-referring arguments will project the higher projections like DP (determiner phrase) or Cl(assifier)P, and DP and ClP will trigger the mass to count denotation shift.
DNA Virus Vectors for Vaccine Production in Plants: Spotlight on Geminiviruses

Plants represent a safe, efficacious and inexpensive production platform by which to provide vaccines and other therapeutic proteins to the world’s poor. Plant virus expression vector technology has rapidly become one of the most popular methods to express pharmaceutical proteins in plants. This review discusses several of the state-of-the-art plant expression systems based upon geminiviruses that have been engineered for vaccine production. An overview of the advantages of these small, single-stranded DNA viruses is provided and comparisons are made with other virus expression systems. Advances in the design of several different geminivirus vectors are presented in this review, and examples of vaccines and other biologics generated from each are described.
Application of a tenax model to assess bioavailability of polychlorinated biphenyls in field sediments

Recent literature has shown that bioavailability‐based techniques, such as Tenax extraction, can estimate sediment exposure to benthos. In a previous study by the authors, Tenax extraction was used to create and validate a literature‐based Tenax model to predict oligochaete bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from sediment; however, its ability to assess sediment remediation was unknown. The present study further tested the Tenax model by examining the impacts of remediation on surface sediment concentrations, Tenax extractable concentrations, and tissue concentrations of laboratory‐exposed Lumbriculus variegatus. Tenax extractable concentration was an effective exposure metric to evaluate changes in Lumbriculus exposure preremediation and postremediation, with 75% of the postremediation data corresponding to the Tenax model. At nondredged sites, bioaccumulation was better predicted by the Tenax model, with 86% of the data falling within the 95% confidence intervals, than at dredged sites, for which only 64% of the data fit the Tenax model. In both pre‐ and postdredge conditions, when the model failed, it was conservative, predicting higher PCB concentrations than observed in the oligochaetes, particularly for the postdredge data. The present study advances understanding of the applicability of the Tenax model for use when examining systems that may have undergone significant disturbances. The Tenax model provides a unique tool for quickly quantifying potential exposure to benthic organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:286–292. © 2013 SETAC
MAMLD1 Gene Mutation in the Incidence of Hypospadias in the Chinese Population

Summary Background: This study aimed to investigate the significance of MAMLD1 mutations in the incidence of hypospa-dias in a Chinese population. Methods: The experimental group consisted of 150 domestic children with hypospadias, aged 0.5 to six years and living in different provinces. A total of 120 normal children, aged two to six years, served as the control group. DNA was extracted for the direct sequencing of MAMLD1 genes. Results: Twelve cases (8.0%) of the missense mutation p.N589S were found in the experimental group, whereas four cases (3.0%) of the same mutation were found in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the mutation rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Four cases (2.7%) had a new missense mutation p.P567S in the experimental group, and three cases (2.5%) possessed the same mutation in the control group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: In this study, the importance of repeated experiments in mutation-related studies was confirmed, which revealed the difference in predisposing genes among different populations. Although the mutation of the MAMLD1 gene had no apparent connection with the incidence of hypospadias in a Chinese population, a new mutation site of the MAMLD1 gene was discovered, which could provide new research topics for future studies.
Kaleidoscope: cloud micro-elasticity via VM state coloring

We introduce cloud micro-elasticity, a new model for cloud Virtual Machine (VM) allocation and management. Current cloud users over-provision long-lived VMs with large memory footprints to better absorb load spikes, and to conserve performance-sensitive caches. Instead, we achieve elasticity by swiftly cloning VMs into many transient, short-lived, fractional workers to multiplex physical resources at a much finer granularity. The memory of a micro-elastic clone is a logical replica of the parent VM state, including caches, yet its footprint is proportional to the workload, and often a fraction of the nominal maximum. We enable micro-elasticity through a novel technique dubbed VM state coloring, which classifies VM memory into sets of semantically-related regions, and optimizes the propagation, allocation and deduplication of these regions. Using coloring, we build Kaleidoscope and empirically demonstrate its ability to create micro-elastic cloned servers. We model the impact of micro-elasticity on a demand dataset from AT&T's cloud, and show that fine-grained multiplexing yields infrastructure reductions of 30% relative to state-of-the art techniques for managing elastic clouds.
CD8+ T cells in multiple sclerosis

Introduction: CD8+ T cells were originally considered to exert a suppressive role in demyelinating disease because of bias toward the CD4+ T cell-mediated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the most common multiple sclerosis (MS) model. However, recent studies of human MS lesion samples and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provided compelling evidence about the pathogenic role of CD8+ T cells. In this article, we discuss the theoretical roles of different CD8+ T-cell subsets in MS. Areas covered: A revised focus from CD4+ to CD8+ T cell-mediated demyelinating disease is summarized. Clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells in MS lesions and in vitro evidence that CD8+ T cells injure every central nervous system (CNS) cell type and transect axons are discussed. The role of CD8+ T cells in two animal models of MS and of regulatory, interleukin (IL)-17-secreting CD8+ T cells is reviewed. Lastly, an overview about the pathogenic and/or beneficial role of various CD8+ T-cell subsets is offered. Expert opinion: Growing evidence supports the pathogenic role of CD8+ T cells. Clonally expanded CD8+ T cells within MS lesions may damage the nervous system. Revealing the specific antigen is critical to design novel efficient treatments with minimal adverse effects. Increasing evidence exists for the role of regulatory, IL-17-secreting CD8+ T cells in MS.