Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical Machine Translation Using Coercive Two-Level Syntactic Transduction

We define, implement and evaluate a novel model for statistical machine translation, which is based on shallow syntactic analysis (part-of-speech tagging and phrase chunking) in both the source and target languages. It is able to model long-distance constituent motion and other syntactic phenomena without requiring a full parse in either language. We also examine aspects of lexical transfer, suggesting and exploring a concept of translation coercion across parts of speech, as well as a transfer model based on lemma-to-lemma translation probabilities, which holds promise for improving machine translation of low-density languages. Experiments are performed in both Arabic-to-English and French-to-English translation demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed techniques. Performance is automatically evaluated via the Bleu score metric.
I Want You! An Experiment Studying the Selection Effect When Assigning Distributive Power

We study whether selection affects motivation. In our experiment subjects first answer a personality questionnaire. They then play a 3-person game. One of the three players decides between an outside option assigning him a positive amount, but leaving the two others empty-handed and allowing one of the other two players to distribute a pie. Treatments differ in the procedure by which distributive power is assigned: to a randomly determined or to a knowingly selected partner. Before making her decision the selecting player could consult the personality questionnaire of the other two players. Results show that knowingly selected players keep less for themselves than randomly selected ones and reward the selecting player more generously.
Oxidative and inflammatory status in Type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis.

AIM To determine the impact of periodontitis on oxidative/inflammatory status and diabetes control in Type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comparative study of 20 Type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis [body mass index (BMI) 31+5], 20-age/gender-matched, non-periodontitis Type 2 diabetes controls (BMI 29+6) and 20 non-diabetes periodontitis controls (BMI 25+4) had periodontal examinations and fasting blood samples collected. Oxidative stress was determined by plasma small molecule antioxidant capacity (pSMAC) and protein carbonyl levels; inflammatory status by total/differential leucocytes, fibrinogen and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP); diabetes status by fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, insulin resistance and secretion. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS pSMAC was lower (p=0.03) and protein carbonyls higher (p=0.007) in Type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis compared with those without periodontitis. Periodontitis was associated with significantly higher HbA1c (p=0.002) and fasting glucose levels (p=0.04) and with lower β-cell function (HOMA-β; p=0.01) in diabetes patients. Periodontitis had little effect on inflammatory markers or lipid profiles, but Type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis had higher levels of hsCRP than those without diabetes (p=0.004) and the lowest levels of HDL-cholesterol of all groups. CONCLUSION Periodontitis is associated with increased oxidative stress and compromised glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes patients.
Characterizing and estimating rice brown spot disease severity using stepwise regression, principal component regression and partial least-square regression

Detecting plant health conditions plays a key role in farm pest management and crop protection. In this study, measurement of hyperspectral leaf reflectance in rice crop (Oryzasativa L.) was conducted on groups of healthy and infected leaves by the fungus Bipolaris oryzae (Helminthosporium oryzae Breda. de Hann) through the wavelength range from 350 to 2 500 nm. The percentage of leaf surface lesions was estimated and defined as the disease severity. Statistical methods like multiple stepwise regression, principal component analysis and partial least-square regression were utilized to calculate and estimate the disease severity of rice brown spot at the leaf level. Our results revealed that multiple stepwise linear regressions could efficiently estimate disease severity with three wavebands in seven steps. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) for training (n=210) and testing (n=53) dataset were 6.5% and 5.8%, respectively. Principal component analysis showed that the first principal component could explain approximately 80% of the variance of the original hyperspectral reflectance. The regression model with the first two principal components predicted a disease severity with RMSEs of 16.3% and 13.9% for the training and testing dataset, respectively. Partial least-square regression with seven extracted factors could most effectively predict disease severity compared with other statistical methods with RMSEs of 4.1% and 2.0% for the training and testing dataset, respectively. Our research demonstrates that it is feasible to estimate the disease severity of rice brown spot using hyperspectral reflectance data at the leaf level.
Coloring Graphs with Constraints on Connectivity

A graph G has maximal local edge‐connectivity k if the maximum number of edge‐disjoint paths between every pair of distinct vertices x and y is at most k. We prove Brooks‐type theorems for k‐connected graphs with maximal local edge‐connectivity k, and for any graph with maximal local edge‐connectivity 3. We also consider several related graph classes defined by constraints on connectivity. In particular, we show that there is a polynomial‐time algorithm that, given a 3‐connected graph G with maximal local connectivity 3, outputs an optimal coloring for G. On the other hand, we prove, for k≥3 , that k‐colorability is NP‐complete when restricted to minimally k‐connected graphs, and 3‐colorability is NP‐complete when restricted to (k−1) ‐connected graphs with maximal local connectivity k. Finally, we consider a parameterization of k‐colorability based on the number of vertices of degree at least k+1 , and prove that, even when k is part of the input, the corresponding parameterized problem is FPT.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES ADJUSTMENT COSTS, FIRM RESPONSES, AND LABOR SUPPLY ELASTICITIES: EVIDENCE FROM DANISH TAX RECORDS

We show that adjustment costs for workers interact with hours constraints set by firms to determine the effect of taxes on labor supply. We present evidence supporting three predictions of an equilibrium model in which firms post wage-hours packages and workers pay search costs to find jobs. First, observed labor supply elasticities increase with the size of the tax variation from which they are identified. Second, tax changes that apply to a larger group of workers generate larger responses. Third, firms tailor job offers to match workers’ tax preferences. Calibrating our model to match the empirical findings, we find that standard microeconometric methods underestimate structural labor supply elasticities by an order of magnitude. Raj Chetty Department of Economics Harvard University 1805 Cambridge St. Cambridge, MA 02138 and NBER chetty@fas.harvard. edu John N. Friedman Harvard Kennedy School Taubman 356 79 JFK St. Cambridge, MA 02138 and NBER jfriedman@post.harvard. edu Tore Olsen Department of Economics Harvard University 1805 Cambridge St. Cambridge, MA 02138 tolsen@fas.harvard. edu Luigi Pistaferri Department of Economics 579 Serra Mall Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305-6072 and NBER pista@stanford.edu
Free surface nickel in CE‐marked and non‐CE‐marked spectacle frames

Three hundred and ninety‐five new frames were tested for evidence of nickel release using dimethylglyoxime and ammonia. For areas of CE‐marked frames in direct contact with the skin a considerable improvement was found over the previous such survey by the authors, carried out before the widespread introduction of CE marking. However, free nickel was found in 6.5% of CE‐marked metal frames (excluding titanium and titanium alloy) in such areas and a majority of half joints. Some titanium alloy frames also tested positive for nickel in areas in contact with the skin.
Training Spiking Neural Networks for Cognitive Tasks: A Versatile Framework Compatible With Various Temporal Codes

Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of supervised learning in spiking neural networks (SNNs). A trainable SNN provides a valuable tool not only for engineering applications but also for theoretical neuroscience studies. Here, we propose a modified SpikeProp learning algorithm, which ensures better learning stability for SNNs and provides more diverse network structures and coding schemes. Specifically, we designed a spike gradient threshold rule to solve the well-known gradient exploding problem in SNN training. In addition, regulation rules on firing rates and connection weights are proposed to control the network activity during training. Based on these rules, biologically realistic features such as lateral connections, complex synaptic dynamics, and sparse activities are included in the network to facilitate neural computation. We demonstrate the versatility of this framework by implementing three well-known temporal codes for different types of cognitive tasks, namely, handwritten digit recognition, spatial coordinate transformation, and motor sequence generation. Several important features observed in experimental studies, such as selective activity, excitatory-inhibitory balance, and weak pairwise correlation, emerged in the trained model. This agreement between experimental and computational results further confirmed the importance of these features in neural function. This work provides a new framework, in which various neural behaviors can be modeled and the underlying computational mechanisms can be studied.
3D Image-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of the Maxillary Branch of the Trigeminal Nerve Through Foramen Rotundum for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

AbstractPercutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion through the foramen ovale is a well-established procedure for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, this approach can be tricky when individual trigeminal sub-branch nerve block is required. We report our initial experience of image-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the maxillary branch through the use of foramen rotundum.From February 2012 to February 2015, we treated 25 patients with isolated TN of the maxillary branch. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the maxillary branch through the foramen rotundum was performed under fluoroscopy. TN pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale both before and after the procedure.The mean preoperative visual analogue scale score was 8.6 ± 0.8. The pain completely disappeared after the initial procedure in 22 patients and after a second procedure in 2 patients. An additional patient had a postoperative visual analogue scale score of 2 and did not undergo further treatment. Facial numbness occurred in 23 patients but was tolerable. Patients were followed up for a mean of 14.74 months (range, 1–29 months). Recurrence was observed in 9 patients (36%) during the follow-up period. All recurrences were well managed with repeat procedures.Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the maxillary branch through the foramen rotundum under fluoroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of isolated TN of the maxillary branch.
Complementary management of partially occluded aneurysms by using surgical or endovascular therapy.

OBJECT The authors present a series of patients in whom partially occluded aneurysms were retreated using complementary surgical or endovascular therapy. METHODS During a period of 18 months, 301 patients with intracranial aneurysms were treated using either clip application (171 patients) or endovascular embolization with Guglielmi Detachable Coils ([GDCs] 130 patients). Routine posttreatment angiography studies revealed residual aneurysms in 21 of these patients, nine of whom were retreated using an endovascular or surgical method, with a mean treatment latency of 1.2 months. Four patients underwent primary surgical clip application, whereas five patients experienced GDC packing first. Among patients in the surgical group, the residual aneurysm neck was small and total elimination of the aneurysm was achieved by packing in GDCs. In patients in the endovascular group the authors incompletely packed the aneurysm because of its wide neck or fusiform component in two patients, perforation of a very small aneurysm in one patient, and coil dislocation in another patient. Typical coil compaction occurred in one case. Complete clip application was achieved in all patients. There was no complication in any patient due to the second treatment modality. Final outcome was excellent or good in six and fair in three. CONCLUSIONS Following clip application or endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms, the use of complementary surgical or endovascular management is successful and associated with low morbidity.
Perceived difficulty in use of everyday technology in persons with acquired brain injury of different severity: a comparison with controls.

OBJECTIVE To compare the perceived difficulty in use of everyday technology in persons with acquired brain injury with different levels of severity of disability with that of controls. METHODS This comparison study recruited 2 samples of persons with acquired brain injury and controls, comprising a total of 161 participants, age range 18-64 years. The long and short versions of the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire and the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale were used to evaluate participants. RESULTS Persons with acquired brain injury demonstrated lower mean levels of perceived ability in use of everyday technology than controls (F = 21.84, degrees of freedom = 1, p < 0.001). Further analysis showed a statistically significant mean difference in perceived difficulty in use of everyday technology between persons with severe disability and good recovery, between persons with severe disability and controls, and between persons with moderate disability and controls. No significant mean difference was found between persons with severe disability and moderate disability, between persons with moderate disability and good recovery, and between persons with good recovery and controls. CONCLUSION Perceived difficulty in using everyday technology is significantly increased among persons with acquired brain injury with severe to moderate disability compared with controls. Rehabilitation services should consider the use of everyday technology in order to increase participation in everyday activities after acquired brain injury.
Topical review: a comprehensive risk model for disordered eating in youth with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES Provide an updated literature review on prevalence, measurement, and correlates of disordered eating in youth with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), present a novel theoretical risk model (i.e., The Modified Dual Pathway Model) for disordered eating in youth with T1D incorporating psychosocial and physiological risk factors, and discuss clinical implications. METHODS Literature review of prevalence, correlates, risk factors, and outcomes of disordered eating behavior (DEB) in youth with T1D. RESULTS Insulin treatment, subsequent weight gain, and disruptions to hunger and satiety regulation are hypothesized disease-related mechanisms through which the treatment of T1D may increase vulnerability to development of behavior characterized as DEB. The Modified Dual Pathway Model integrates these factors with a validated psychosocial risk (body dissatisfaction, depression, and abstinence violation) model for DEB in nondiabetic youth. CONCLUSIONS The Modified Dual Pathway model of DEB in youth with T1D is a comprehensive representation of both psychosocial and T1D-related risk factors with the potential to inform future interventions for this population.
Measuring physical activity and sedentary behaviour at work: a review.

OBJECTIVE To identify methods used to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour at the workplace and review the validity and reliability of these measures. METHODS Databases were searched for relevant published articles including MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, ProQuest and Google Scholar. Keywords used were physical-activity, workplace, sedentary-behaviour, measurement and questionnaire. Studies included were original, written in English, published between 1990 and 2009, and focused on validated physical activity and sedentary behaviour measures at work. Eleven papers were identified in which three used criterion standards, three objective measures, and five subjective measures. RESULTS The most common method of data collection was through self-report, surveys or questionnaires. Physical activity measured with motion sensors, ranged from 4,422 to 10,334 steps/day (pedometers) and sedentary time ranged from 1.8 to 6 hours/day (h/d) (accelerometers). Self-report measures provided information relevant to the perception of physical activity at work (∼ 0.5 h/d), sitting time (> 3 h/d) and calculated energy expenditure (< 800 kcal/d). CONCLUSION Physical activity levels at work were low while sedentary behaviour was high. This was largely a function of occupation (white-collar vs. blue-collar). None of the studies assessed validity or reliability of measures used however, instruments as assessed by others showed moderate to strong validity and reliability values.
Liquid crystal nanoparticles for commercial drug delivery

ABSTRACT Liquid crystals (LCs) are an intermediate state of matter that exists between conventional solids and liquids. They are vital to the existence of life as several critical components in living organisms such as cell wall and biochemical fluids are liquid crystalline in nature. Drug delivery based on LCs is a vast field of research. In recent years there has been a huge leap in interest into using LCs, particularly lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs), as nanoparticles (cubosomes and hexosomes) for drug delivery applications. Such nanoparticle-based drug delivery promise efficient, controlled and target selective release of drugs. This paper reviews the concepts and techniques involved in LLC-based drug delivery. The influence of physical properties of LCs on the drug carrier design and efficiency, key aspects of the methods used to identify, characterize and analyse lyotropic nanoparticles and the feasibility of production of nanoparticles for their widespread usage are discussed. The study suggests that LC-based nanoparticles have the potential to revolutionize drug delivery industry, however a reliable method for production of nanoparticles on a large scale needs to be explored further.
Sarcoma botryoides in an infant

A 17-month-old girl with no medical history presented at our emergency room with abnormal vaginal bleeding and vaginal tissue loss with a “grape bunch” appearance. Physical examination showed no abnormalities, but gynaecological examination showed abnormal vaginal tissue protruding through the vagina introitus. Given the typical clinical presentation, the age of the girl and the location and aspect of the lesion, there was a high suspicion of the botryoid variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the vagina. Histology of a biopsy of the lesion was consistent with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. As no metastases were detected, the girl received chemotherapy. This case report describes the importance of early recognition of the typical clinical symptoms of sarcoma botryoides, since a rapid diagnosis followed by treatment is necessary to prevent death.
Effect of glycerol monolaurate on bacterial growth and toxin production

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a naturally occurring surfactant that has potential use as an additive to tampons and wound dressings to reduce the incidence of certain bacterial toxin-mediated illnesses. In vitro studies were undertaken to evaluate the effect of GML on the growth of and toxin production by potentially pathogenic bacteria. GML inhibited the growth of clinical isolates of group A, B, F, and G streptococci at concentrations of 10 to 20 micrograms/ml. Exotoxin production, including that of pyrogenic exotoxins and hemolysins, was reduced by concentrations of GML that were below those inhibitory for growth as well as growth inhibitory. The growth of Staphylococcus aureus strains from patients with toxic shock syndrome and scalded skin syndrome was inhibited or delayed in the presence of 100 to 300 micrograms of GML per ml. Growth inhibition by GML could be overcome by the production of lipase. S. aureus elaboration of hemolysin, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and exfoliative toxin A was inhibited at GML concentrations below those necessary to inhibit growth. Results similar to those for S. aureus were obtained in tests of S. hominis. Escherichia coli growth and Salmonella minnesota growth were unaffected by GML, but an S. minnesota Re mutant was susceptible to growth-inhibitory activity. Endotoxin release into the medium from E. coli cells was also unaffected by GML, but the release or activity of E. coli hemolysin was increased by GML. Streptococcal pyrogenic endotoxin A production by an E. coli clone was not affectd by GML. These studies indicate that GML is effective in blocking or delaying the production of exotoxins by pathogenic gram-positive bacteria.
Clinical Outcomes of Bosniak Category IIF Complex Renal Cysts in Korean Patients

Purpose To assess the clinical reliability of the Bosniak IIF category and to determine the proper radiologic follow-up duration and intervals for category IIF complex renal cysts. Materials and Methods We studied 201 patients with category IIF renal cysts from January 1996 to January 2011. Renal cyst progression to category III was defined as an increase in complexity of the cyst in follow-up radiologic studies. We monitored radiologic changes and progression of renal cysts during the follow-up period and analyzed the pathologic results of those patients who were treated surgically. Results At a mean follow-up of 20 months, only 14 cases (7%) showed evidence of progression to stage III, with a mean time to progression of 11 months (range, 3 to 65 months). There were no significant differences in age, gender, cyst size, or change in cyst size between the progressive and non-progressive groups. Of 12 cases treated surgically, 10 cases (83.3%) showed renal cell carcinoma with pT1 stage, and there was no recurrence during postoperative follow-up of 23 months. Of the 187 patients without radiologic progression, 23 cases were treated surgically, and all of them showed benign cysts. Conclusions The IIF category showed significant clinical reliability by a low rate of radiologic progression and a high rate of malignancy in the radiologic progressive group but a low rate of malignancy in the non-progressive group. Although it is hard to decide on a proper follow-up duration because of the variable time to progression, too frequent follow-up study seems to be unnecessary considering that most malignant cases were of a low stage.