Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the Estimation of Word Importance for News Multi-Document Summarization

In this paper, we propose a supervised model for ranking word importance that incorporates a rich set of features. Our model is superior to prior approaches for identifying words used in human summaries. Moreover we show that an extractive summarizer which includes our estimation of word importance results in summaries comparable with the state-of-the-art by automatic evaluation. Disciplines Computer Engineering | Computer Sciences Comments University of Pennsylvania Department of Computer and Information Science Technical Report No. MSCIS-14-02. This technical report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/cis_reports/989 Improving the Estimation of Word Importance for News Multi-Document Summarization Extended Technical Report Kai Hong University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, 19104 hongkai1@seas.upenn. edu Ani Nenkova University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, 19104 nenkova@seas.upenn. edu
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students' Performance on Arithmetic Word Problems

There has been limited research into the intersection of language and arithmetic performance of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, although previous research has shown that many of these students are delayed in both language acquisition and arithmetic performance. The researchers examined the performance on arithmetic word problems of deaf and hard of hearing students in the South-East Queensland region of Australia; they also examined these students' problem-solving strategies. It was found that performance on word problems was similar for deaf and hearing students, but that deaf students experienced delays in achieving successful performance on word problems relative to their hearing peers. The results confirm the findings of other studies showing that students who are deaf or hard of hearing experience delayed language acquisition, which affects their capacity to solve arithmetic word problems. The study conclusions stress the need for greater use of direct teaching of analytic and strategic approaches to arithmetic word problems.
High Positive End-Expiratory Pressure During High-Frequency Jet Ventilation Improves Oxygenation and Ventilation in Preterm Lambs

Increasing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is advocated to recruit alveoli during high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), but its effect on cardiopulmonary physiology and lung injury is poorly documented. We hypothesized that high PEEP would recruit alveoli and reduce lung injury but compromise pulmonary blood flow (PBF). Preterm lambs of anesthetized ewes were instrumented, intubated, and delivered by cesarean section after instillation of surfactant. HFJV was commenced with a PEEP of 5 cm H2O. Lambs were allocated randomly at delivery to remain on constant PEEP (PEEPconst, n = 6) or to recruitment via stepwise adjustments in PEEP (PEEPadj, n = 6) to 12 cm H2O then back to 8 cm H2O over the initial 60 min. PBF was measured continuously while ventilatory parameters and arterial blood gases were measured at intervals. At postmortem, in situ pressure-volume deflation curves were recorded, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue were obtained to assess inflammation. PEEPadj lambs had lower pressure amplitude, fractional inspired oxygen concentration, oxygenation index, and PBF and more compliant lungs. Inflammatory markers were lower in the PEEPadj group. Adjusted PEEP during HFJV improves oxygenation and lung compliance and reduces ventilator requirements despite reducing pulmonary perfusion.
Short-Term Exposure to Antidepressant Drugs and Risk of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Among Older Adults

Abstract Acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) is an ocular emergency that may be precipitated by certain types of medications. Antidepressant drugs can affect a number of neurotransmitters, which are involved in the regulation of the iris, which may precipitate AACG. We used a case-crossover study design to investigate the association between recent exposure to antidepressant drugs and AACG. We identified patients with AACG among adults aged 66 years or older between 1998 and 2010 in Ontario using linked population-based administrative databases. We identified intermittent users of antidepressant medications through prescription drug claims in the year preceding AACG. We determined antidepressant exposure in the period immediately before AACG and compared it with antidepressant exposure in 2 earlier control periods. We used conditional logistic regression to determine the odds ratio for antidepressant exposure in the hazard period compared with the control periods. A total of 6470 patients with AACG occurred during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 74.3 years, and 66% were female. Overall, 5.6% of individuals were intermittent users of antidepressant drugs in the year preceding AACG. The odds ratio for any antidepressant exposure in the period immediately preceding AACG was 1.62 (95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.26). An increased risk of AACG was also observed in several subgroups. We conclude that recent exposure to antidepressant drugs is associated with an increased risk of AACG. Clinicians should remain vigilant for the development of this uncommon but potentially serious adverse event after initiating antidepressant therapy.
Variable structure control of a capsule robot system

Capsule robots have attracted great attention from researchers due to their potential applications in medicine. In this paper, the capsule robot system is studied from the control point of view, i.e. an underactuated system which has two degrees of freedom but only one control actuator. An exponentially stable robust nonlinear control scheme based on Lyapunov stability theory is studied on the capsule robot system. The proposed scheme is robust to parameter uncertainty caused by the imprecise measurement in real experiment. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed scheme.
Evaluation of Multiaxial Fatigue Life Prediction Methodologies for Ti-6Al-4V

Many critical engineering components are routinely subjected to cyclic multiaxial stress states, which may include non-proportional loading and multidimensional mean stresses. Existing multiaxial fatigue models are examined to determine their suitability at estimating fatigue damage in Ti-6Al-4V under complex, multiaxial loading, with an emphasis on long-life conditions. Both proportional and non-proportional strain-controlled tension/ torsion experiments were conducted on solid specimens. Several multiaxial fatigue damage parameters are evaluated based on their ability to correlate the biaxial fatigue data and uniaxial fatigue data with tensile mean stresses (R>-1) to a fully-reversed (R=-1) uniaxial baseline. Both equivalent stress-based models and critical plane approaches are evaluated. Only one equivalent stress model and two critical plane models showed promise for the range of loadings and material considered.
Molecular biology of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous but largely preventable disease with complex molecular abnormalities. It arises from a premalignant progenitor followed by outgrowth of clonal populations associated with cumulative genetic alterations and phenotypic progression to invasive malignancy. These genetic alterations result in inactivation of multiple tumour suppressor genes and activation of proto-oncogenes, including p16ink4A, p53, cyclin D1, p14ARF, FHIT, RASSF1A, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and Rb. Intramucosal migration and clonal expansion of transformed cells with formation of abnormal genetic fields appear to be responsible for local recurrences and development of second primary tumours.
Islands within an island: Population genetic structure of the endemic Sardinian newt, Euproctus platycephalus

Abstract The identification of historic and contemporary barriers to dispersal is central to the conservation of endangered amphibians, but may be hindered by their complex life history and elusive nature. The complementary information generated by mitochondrial (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers generates a valuable tool in elucidating population structure and the impact of habitat fragmentation. We applied this approach to the study of an endangered montane newt, Euproctus platycephalus. Endemic to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, it is threatened by anthropogenic activity, disease, and climate change. We have demonstrated a clear hierarchy of structure across genetically divergent and spatially distinct subpopulations. Divergence between three main mountain regions dominated genetic partitioning with both markers. Mitochondrial phylogeography revealed a deep division dating to ca. 1 million years ago (Mya), isolating the northern region, and further differentiation between the central and southern regions ca. 0.5 Mya, suggesting an association with Pleistocene severe glacial oscillations. Our findings are consistent with a model of southward range expansion during glacial periods, with postglacial range retraction to montane habitat and subsequent genetic isolation. Microsatellite markers revealed further strong population structure, demonstrating significant divergence within the central region, and partial differentiation within the south. The northern population showed reduced genetic diversity. Discordance between mitochondrial and microsatellite markers at this scale indicated a further complexity of population structure, in keeping with male‐biased dispersal and female philopatry. Our study underscores the need to elucidate cryptic population structure in the ecology and conservation strategies for endangered island‐restricted amphibians, especially in the context of disease and climate change.
Podocyturia as a Diagnostic Marker for Preeclampsia amongst High-Risk Pregnant Patients

Urinary podocyte (podocyturia) has been studied as a diagnostic marker for preeclampsia. We sought to validate its use in preeclampsia and in differentiating it from other high risk pregnancy states. We studied an obstetric population at high risk to develop preeclampsia (study group) and uncomplicated pregnancies (control group) by analyzing their urine sediment for podocytes within 24 hours of delivery. Podocytes were identified by immunohistochemistry using the podocyte-specific protein synaptopodin. Of the 56 patients who were enrolled, 29 patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia, 9 patients had hypertensive conditions such as chronic and gestational hypertension, 6 patients had Type I/II and gestational diabetes mellitus, 3 patients were classified as others, and 9 patients exhibited uncomplicated pregnancies. Podocyturia was identified in 11 out of 29 (38%) of patients with preeclampsia/eclampsia, 3 out of 9 (33%) with gestational and chronic hypertension, and 3 out of 6 (50%) with Type I/II and gestational diabetes mellitus. None of the 9 patients (0%) with uncomplicated pregnancies demonstrated podocyturia. The sensitivity and specificity of podocyturia for preeclampsia were found to be 38% and 70%. Our study showed that podocyturia does not appear to be a sensitive nor a specific marker to diagnose preeclampsia.
Evaluation of a Dry Extract System Involving NIR Spectroscopy (DESIR) for Rapid Assessment of Pesticide Contamination of Fruit Surfaces

The dry-extract system for (near) infrared (DESIR) technique was implemented using reflectance near-infrared spec-troscopy in context of detection of contact pesticide residues on fruit. Based on chemical structure, spectra features and regression statistics for PLSR models, a product containing metiram and pyraclostrobin was chosen from six pesticides for further consideration. Regression models based on spectra of dry extracts of aqueous solutions and either acetone or water washes of contaminated fruit were encouraging (RMSECV of approximately 0.03 - 0.06 mg a.i.). This level of analytical performance would support the use of the technique as a rapid screening tool, with suspect samples then subject to the reference GC-MS analysis method. However, the PLSR model performance was poor across populations of fruit, suggesting that matrix changes in the solvent wash between sets of fruit is problematic. Further work is required to establish whether sufficient variation can be built into a calibration set to overcome this issue, without degrading model performance to the point where it loses practical application.
Establishment of a new relationship between posed smile width and lower facial height: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The present study is intended to add a new parameter that would be useful in orthodontic clinical evaluation, treatment planning, and determination of vertical dimension (at occlusion). Materials and Methods: Standardized videographic recording of 79 subjects during posed smile was captured. Each video was then cut into 30 photos using the free studio software. The widest commissure-to-commissure posed smile frame (posed smile width [SW]) was selected as one of 10 or more frames showing an identical smile. Lower third of the face is measured from subnasale to soft tissue menton using a digital vernier caliper. Two values were then compared. Ratio between lower facial height and posed SW was calculated. Results: The co-relation between smiling width and lower facial height was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). The ratio of lower facial height and smiling width was calculated as 1.0016 with a standard deviation (SD) = 0.04 in males and 1.0301 with an SD = 0.07 in females. The difference between the mean lower facial height in males and females was statistically significant with a t = 10.231 and P = 0.000. The difference between the mean smiling width in males and females was also statistically significant with a t = 5.653 and P = 0.000. Conclusion: In class I subjects with pleasing appearance, normal facial proportions, normal overjet and overbite, and average Frankfort mandibular angle, the lower facial height (subnasale to soft tissue menton) is equal to posed SW.
Family support for stroke: one year follow up of a randomised controlled trial

Background: There is evidence that family support can benefit carers of stroke patients, but not the patients themselves. Objective: To extend the follow up of a single blind randomised controlled trial of family support for stroke patients and carers to one year to ascertain whether there were any late effects of the intervention. Methods: The study was a randomised controlled trial. Patients admitted to hospital with acute stroke who had a close carer were assigned to receive family support or normal care. Families were visited at home by a researcher 12 months after the stroke, and a series of questionnaires was administered to patient and carer. Results: The benefits to carers mostly persisted, though they were no longer statistically significant because some patients were lost to follow up. There was no evidence of any effects on patients. Conclusion: Family support is effective for carers, but different approaches need to be considered to alleviate the psychosocial problems of stroke patients.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as a Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Tinnitus is experienced by up to 15% of the population and can lead to significant disability and distress. There is rarely a medical or surgical target and psychological therapies are recommended. We investigated whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) could offer an effective new therapy for tinnitus. Methods: This single-site randomized controlled trial compared MBCT to intensive relaxation training (RT) for chronic, distressing tinnitus in adults. Both treatments involved 8 weekly, 120-min sessions focused on either relaxation (RT) or mindfulness meditation (MBCT). Assessments were completed at baseline and at treatment commencement 8 weeks later. The primary outcomes were tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Questionnaire) and psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Non-Risk, CORE-NR), 16 weeks after baseline. The analysis utilized a modified intention-to-treat approach. Results: A total of 75 patients were randomly allocated to MBCT (n = 39) or RT (n = 36). Both groups showed significant reductions in tinnitus severity and loudness, psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and disability. MBCT led to a significantly greater reduction in tinnitus severity than RT, with a mean difference of 6.3 (95% CI 1.3-11.4, p = 0.016). Effects persisted 6 months later, with a mean difference of 7.2 (95% CI 2.1-2.3, p = 0.006) and a standardized effect size of 0.56 (95% CI 0.16-0.96). Treatment was effective regardless of initial tinnitus severity, duration, or hearing loss. Conclusions: MBCT is effective in reducing tinnitus severity in chronic tinnitus patients compared to intensive RT. It also reduces psychological distress and disability. Future studies should explore the generalizability of this approach and how outcome relates to different aspects of the intervention.
Study of the synthesis and bonding properties of reactive hot‐melt polyurethane adhesive

Reactive hot-melt polyurethane adhesive (RHMPA) is moisture-curing polyurethane (PU) adhesive whose main component is an isocyanate-terminated PU prepolymer that can be cured after application by reaction with ambient moisture. Two series of RHMP-containing poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) of different molecular weights and different degrees of polymerization of the hard segment have been successfully synthesized using a two-step bulk polymerization with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, PTMG, and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO). The structure and basic properties of the RHMPA film have also been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic force microscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), shore hardness (A/D), and tensile tests. The results show that the initial decomposition temperature is more than 250°C, and the tensile strength of the RHMPA film was greater than 15 MPa. The adhesive performance of the RHMPA with different hard-segment content was studied through studies of the single lap-shear strength and tensile strength of butt joints. The results show a general trend of the bonding strength increases with the hard-segment content at 25°C. The adhesive performance of RHMPA in different environments was also investigated. It was found that the RHMPA exhibited excellent bonding strength to thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) when placed in the fridge at −20°C, hot water at 80°C, 1 M HCl solution (acid) at 25°C, and 1 M NaOH solution (alkaline) at 25°C for 10 h. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Plasma fibrinogen and incident hypertension in the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study

Background Several cross-sectional studies have reported a positive association between plasma fibrinogen levels and prevalent hypertension. Other studies have reported a positive association between hypertension and whole-blood or plasma viscosity, to which fibrinogen contributes. To our knowledge, there has been no prospective study of fibrinogen and incident hypertension. Subjects and methods We measured plasma fibrinogen levels in a population-based cohort study of middle-aged adults and related it to the occurrence of incident hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication) over 6 years. Results There was a moderately strong positive association between fibrinogen levels and prevalent hypertension in both men and women, with the odds of hypertension elevated by 50% for the highest fibrinogen quartile versus the lowest. Among 7884 participants at risk, 1609 developed hypertension over 6 years. Adjusted for age, race, field center and baseline systolic blood pressure, the odds ratio of incident hypertension in relation to fibrinogen quartiles was 1.0, 1.07, 1.21 and 1.43 in men (P = 0.003 for trend) and 1.0, 0.92, 0.99 and 0.99 in women (P = 0.89 for trend). After adjustment for other risk factors, the odds ratios were 1.0, 1.03, 1.15 and 1.29 (P = 0.045 for trend) in men and remained nonsignificant in women. Conclusions Despite a moderately strong positive association between fibrinogen levels and prevalent hypertension in both sexes, there was only a weak positive association between fibrinogen levels and incident hypertension in men and no association in women. Whether an elevated fibrinogen level is a risk factor for, or a consequence of, hypertension remains unclear.
Towards Selective Tidal-Stream Transport for Lagrangian profilers

Autonomous Lagrangian profilers are widely used as measurement and monitoring platforms. In their current mode of operation, the profilers usually drift passively at their parking depth before making a vertical profile to go back to the surface. This paper presents a control strategy to actively select and use tidal currents so that a profiler can autonomously reach a desired destination. After presenting the profiler and possible modifications for a coastal environment, we introduce simple mathematical models for the profiler and its environment. We then present a feedback controller that, taking into account the direction of oscillating tidal currents, is able to steer the profiler to any horizontal location. For illustration, we also give a few simulation results using tidal current data from the North Sea.
Forecasting Exchange Rates: A Neuro-Fuzzy Approach

This paper presents an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for USD/JPY exchange rates forecasting. Previous work often used time series techniques and neural networks (NN). ANFIS can be used to better explain solutions to users than completely black-box models, such as NN. The proposed neurofuzzy rule based system applies some technical and fundamental indexes as input variables. In order to generate membership functions (MFs), we make use of fuzzy clustering of the output space. The neuro-fuzzy model is tested with 28 candidate input variables for both currencies. For the purpose of comparison, Sugeno-Yasukawa model, feedforward multi-layer neural network, and multiple regression are benchmarked. The comparison demonstrates that the presented algorithm shows its superiority in terms of prediction error minimization, robustness and flexibility. Keywords— ANFIS Network, Exchange Rates, Forecasting, Neuro-Fuzzy Systems, Nonlinear Identification.