Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-almost periodic solutions of limit periodic and almost periodic homogeneous linear difference systems

We study limit periodic and almost periodic homogeneous linear difference systems. The coefficient matrices of the considered systems are taken from a given commutative group. We mention a condition on the group which ensures that, by arbitrarily small changes, the considered systems can be transformed to new systems, which do not possess any almost periodic solution other than the trivial one. The elements of the coefficient matrices are taken from an infinite field with an absolute value.
PRETREATMENT EXPECTATIONS, INTERPERSONAL FUNCTIONING, AND SYMPTOMS IN THE PREDICTION OF THE THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE ACROSS SUPPORTIVE-EXPRESSIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COGNITIVE THERAPY

Therapeutic alliance has been a robust predictor of therapy outcome, yet little is known about which patient variables predict the development of an alliance between patient and therapist in time-limited manualized therapies. The authors evaluated pretreatment predictors of therapeutic alliance, controlling for symptom change before its assessment, using a large sample of patients treated with either supportive-expressive (SE) dynamic psychotherapy or cognitive therapy. They found that SE patients with greater pretreatment expectations of improvement formed better alliances with their therapist at Session 2, and expectations significantly predicted alliance at Session 10 for both treatment groups. Further, patients in the SE condition demonstrated a significant relation between positive expectations and growth in alliance. Women achieved better alliances at Session 10. Finally, hostile-dominant interpersonal problems significantly predicted poor alliance. Pretreatment symptom level was not significantly predictive of alliance.
Tailoring ultrasonic beams with optoacoustic holography

A combination of laser-induced ultrasound generation and ultrasonic holography for spatial control of the generated ultrasonic pulse is presented. Ultrasound is produced by absorption of laser pulses at an absorbing layer in a water tank via the optoacoustic effect. In order to produce a defined ultrasonic frequency in the MHz range, the laser pulses are harmonically time-modulated using an acousto-optic modulator (AOM). Additionally, the laser intensity is spatially controlled. This is realized with a high resolution liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LCD). A computer generated pattern is displayed at the LCD and projected by the expanded laser beam to an absorptive layer in the water tank. As a result, the emitted ultrasonic wave emerges in a predetermined way, which is an acoustical analogue to the effect of a "diffractive optical element" in laser optics. The flexible method of optical ultrasound generation and diffractive steering promises new applications in medical and technical ultrasound diagnostics.
Acute Ethanol Causes Hepatic Mitochondrial Depolarization in Mice: Role of Ethanol Metabolism

Background/Aims An increase of ethanol metabolism and hepatic mitochondrial respiration occurs in vivo after a single binge of alcohol. Here, our aim was to determine how ethanol intake affects hepatic mitochondrial polarization status in vivo in relation to ethanol metabolism and steatosis. Methods Hepatic mitochondrial polarization, permeability transition (MPT), and reduce pyridine nucleotides, and steatosis in mice were monitored by intravital confocal/multiphoton microscopy of the fluorescence of rhodamine 123 (Rh123), calcein, NAD(P)H, and BODIPY493/503, respectively, after gavage with ethanol (1–6 g/kg). Results Mitochondria depolarized in an all-or-nothing fashion in individual hepatocytes as early as 1 h after alcohol. Depolarization was dose- and time-dependent, peaked after 6 to 12 h and maximally affected 94% of hepatocytes. This mitochondrial depolarization was not due to onset of the MPT. After 24 h, mitochondria of most hepatocytes recovered normal polarization and were indistinguishable from untreated after 7 days. Cell death monitored by propidium iodide staining, histology and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was low throughout. After alcohol, mitochondrial NAD(P)H autofluorescence increased and decreased, respectively, in hepatocytes with polarized and depolarized mitochondria. Ethanol also caused steatosis mainly in hepatocytes with depolarized mitochondria. Depolarization was linked to ethanol metabolism, since deficiency of alcohol dehydrogenase and cytochrome-P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), the major ethanol-metabolizing enzymes, decreased mitochondrial depolarization by ∼70% and ∼20%, respectively. Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase decreased depolarization, whereas inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase enhanced depolarization. Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase also markedly decreased steatosis. Conclusions Acute ethanol causes reversible hepatic mitochondrial depolarization in vivo that may contribute to steatosis and increased mitochondrial respiration. Onset of this mitochondrial depolarization is linked, at least in part, to metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde.
A Literature Survey on Algorithms for Multi-label Learning

Multi-label Learning is a form of supervised learning where the classification algorithm is required to learn from a set of instances, each instance can belong to multiple classes and so after be able to predict a set of class labels for a new instance. This is a generalized version of most popular multi-class problems where each instances is restricted to have only one class label. There exists a wide range of applications for multi-labelled predictions, such as text categorization, semantic image labeling, gene functionality classification etc. and the scope and interest is increasing with modern applications. This survey paper introduces the task of multi-label prediction (classification), presents the sparse literature in this area in an organized manner, discusses different evaluation metrics and performs a comparative analysis of the existing algorithms. This paper also relates multi-label problems with similar but different problems that are often reduced to multi-label problems to have access to wide range of multi-label algorithms.
Halogenated bisphenol-A analogs act as obesogens in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio).

Obesity has increased dramatically over the past decades, reaching epidemic proportions. The reasons are likely multifactorial. One of the suggested causes is the accelerated exposure to obesity-inducing chemicals (obesogens). However, out of the tens of thousands of industrial chemicals humans are exposed to, very few have been tested for their obesogenic potential, mostly due to the limited availability of appropriate in vivo screening models. In this study, we investigated whether two commonly used flame retardants, the halogenated bisphenol-A (BPA) analogs tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and tetrachlorobisphenol-A (TCBPA), could act as obesogens using zebrafish larvae as an in vivo animal model. The effect of embryonic exposure to these chemicals on lipid accumulation was analyzed by Oil Red-O staining, and correlated to their capacity to activate human and zebrafish peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in zebrafish and in reporter cell lines. Then, the metabolic fate of TBBPA and TCBPA in zebrafish larvae was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) . TBBPA and TCBPA were readily taken up by the fish embryo and both compounds were biotransformed to sulfate-conjugated metabolites. Both halogenated-BPAs, as well as TBBPA-sulfate induced lipid accumulation in zebrafish larvae. TBBPA and TCBPA also induced late-onset weight gain in juvenile zebrafish. These effects correlated to their capacity to act as zebrafish PPARγ agonists. Screening of chemicals for inherent obesogenic capacities through the zebrafish lipid accumulation model could facilitate prioritizing chemicals for further investigations in rodents, and ultimately, help protect humans from exposure to environmental obesogens.
The SULFs, Extracellular Sulfatases for Heparan Sulfate, Promote the Migration of Corneal Epithelial Cells during Wound Repair

Corneal epithelial wound repair involves the migration of epithelial cells to cover the defect followed by the proliferation of the cells to restore thickness. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are ubiquitous extracellular molecules that bind to a plethora of growth factors, cytokines, and morphogens and thereby regulate their signaling functions. Ligand binding by HS chains depends on the pattern of four sulfation modifications, one of which is 6-O-sulfation of glucosamine (6OS). SULF1 and SULF2 are highly homologous, extracellular endosulfatases, which post-synthetically edit the sulfation status of HS by removing 6OS from intact chains. The SULFs thereby modulate multiple signaling pathways including the augmentation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. We found that wounding of mouse corneal epithelium stimulated SULF1 expression in superficial epithelial cells proximal to the wound edge. Sulf1−/−, but not Sulf2−/−, mice, exhibited a marked delay in healing. Furthermore, corneal epithelial cells derived from Sulf1−/− mice exhibited a reduced rate of migration in repair of a scratched monolayer compared to wild-type cells. In contrast, human primary corneal epithelial cells expressed SULF2, as did a human corneal epithelial cell line (THCE). Knockdown of SULF2 in THCE cells also slowed migration, which was restored by overexpression of either mouse SULF2 or human SULF1. The interchangeability of the two SULFs establishes their capacity for functional redundancy. Knockdown of SULF2 decreased Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in THCE cells. Extracellular antagonists of Wnt signaling reduced migration of THCE cells. However in SULF2- knockdown cells, these antagonists exerted no further effects on migration, consistent with the SULF functioning as an upstream regulator of Wnt signaling. Further understanding of the mechanistic action of the SULFs in promoting corneal repair may lead to new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of corneal injuries.
Increasing dietary fish intake has contributed to decreasing mortality from CHD among the older population in Hong Kong

Abstract Objective To test whether change in the frequency of fish intake at population level would affect the trends of death from CHD and how many CHD events could be prevented in Hong Kong, a population among those with the highest fish consumption and the lowest CHD mortality in the world. Design Time trends analysis with data from repeated dietary surveys and death registration. Setting Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China. Subjects A total of 3096 men and women aged 40–69 years who participated in territory-wide surveys in 1995 or 2003 were included in the analysis of changes in dietary fish intake; all adults aged 40–69 years in Hong Kong were included in the analysis of time trends of CHD mortality. Results Over the period, the frequency of fish intake increased and CHD mortality decreased significantly in the population age group of 50–69 years, while in the age group of 40–49 years little change in both fish intake and CHD mortality was observed. It was estimated that 240 CHD deaths (or 29 % of the total) were avoided among the population aged 40–69 years in 2003, as more than half of the population consumed fish every day in Hong Kong. Conclusions The time trend of CHD mortality was inversely related to the trend of fish intake. The frequency of fish intake may have a substantial impact on the population for the prevention of CHD deaths in Hong Kong.
ON STRESS AND ACCENT IN INDO-EUROPEAN

Ablaut, the grammatically conditioned vowel alternations found in e.g. English sing vs. sang vs. sung, is one of the most characteristic features of the Indo-European languages. The different ablaut grades seem to be related to the position of the accent in Proto-Indo-European. A good understanding of the relationship between accent and ablaut in Proto-Indo-European requires thorough analyses of the role played by the two phenomena in the Indo-European daughter languages. The aim of the volume is to present the state of the art in current work on accent and ablaut in Proto-Indo-European and its daughter languages. The contributors analyse the interplay between accent and ablaut with attention both to theoretical aspects and to the specific linguistic material. Presenting up-to-date overviews of the models developed by various schools of thought, the contributors discuss a wide array of empirical as well as methodological problems, thus opening up vistas for further research.
Generation of powerful sub-nanosecond e-beams and x-rays in gas discharges under atmospheric pressure

This paper reports on experimental studies on generation of sub-nanosecond electron beams and X-rays in gas discharges under atmospheric pressure. The properties of the runaway electrons and X-ray radiation produced using a nanosecond volume discharge are examined. An electron beam with amplitude of ∼ 100 A has been obtained. Current pulse duration (FWHM) of the fast electrons beam formed in an atmospheric gas diode behind the foil is ≤ 100 ps. A prepulse is found on the waveforms of the beam current of fast electrons, which advances the main peak by ∼200 ps. Three groups of the runaway electrons are formed in a gas diode under atmospheric air pressure, when nanosecond voltage pulses with amplitude of hundreds of kilovolts are applied.
A “DOGLEG” channel router

This paper presents an algorithm for interconnecting two sets of terminals across an intervening channel. It is assumed that the routing is done on two distinct levels with all horizontal paths being assigned to one level and all vertical paths to the other. Connections between the levels are made through contact windows. A single net may result in many horizontal and vertical segments. Experimental results indicate that this algorithm is very successful in routing channels that contain severe constraints. Usually, the routing is accomplished within one track of the mathematical lower bound. The routing algorithm presented here was developed as part of LTX, a computer-aided design system for integrated circuit layout and was implemented on an HP-2100 minicomputer. A typical channel (300 terminals, 100 nets) can be routed in less than 5 seconds. Routing results are presented both for polycell chips under development at Bell Laboratories and for examples that exist in the published literature. For the latter, reductions of 10% in the wiring area were typical.
Paradoxical Pro-invasive Effect of the Serine Proteinase Inhibitor Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor-2 on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells*

We have previously shown that human liver myofibroblasts promote in vitro invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/urokinase/plasmin-dependent mechanism. In this study, we demonstrate that myofibroblasts synthesize the serine proteinase inhibitor tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2). Despite the fact that recombinant TFPI-2 readily inhibits plasmin, we show that it potentiates HGF-induced invasion of HCC cells and is capable of inducing invasion on its own. Furthermore, HCC cells stably transfected with a TFPI-2 expression vector became spontaneously invasive. HCC cells express tissue factor and specifically factor VII. Addition of an antibody to factor VII abolished the pro-invasive effect of TFPI-2. We suggest that TFPI-2 induces invasion following binding to a tissue factor-factor VIIa complex preformed on HCC cells. Our data thus demonstrate an original mechanism of cell invasion that may be specific for liver tumor cells.
MarkeTrak V: Consumer satisfaction revisited

&NA; Part one of the MarkeTrak V series, published in January 1999, presented bottom‐line customer satisfaction results and concluded that: (1) overall customer satisfaction with newer hearing instruments (<5 years of age) has not improved since we began detailed measurement of customer satisfaction in 1991, and (2) that customer satisfaction with instruments less than 1 year of age had actually dropped.1 In addition, the survey found that more than 16% of our customers, or 907,120 hearing aid owners, do not use their hearing aids. The following article will explore detailed consumer satisfaction results in MarkeTrak III (1991), MarkeTrak IV (1994), and MarkeTrak V (1997). Part three in the MarkeTrak V series will analyze the reasons why hearing aids are in the drawer, while part four will document, at a national level, subjective benefit with hearing instruments.
The diagnosis of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm and associated adenocarcinoma in males: An eight‐institution study of 349 patients over 15 years

Per WHO, 2000 classification, pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) are defined by presence of ovarian stroma, and are primarily located in the pancreatic body/tail of females. The incidence of MCN and associated malignancy in males, since, standardization of MCN diagnostic‐criteria is unknown.
Localization and symmetry breaking in the quantum quasiperiodic Ising glass

Quasiperiodic modulation can prevent isolated quantum systems from equilibrating by localizing their degrees of freedom. In this article, we show that such systems can exhibit dynamically stable long-range orders forbidden in equilibrium. Specifically, we show that the interplay of symmetry breaking and localization in the quasiperiodic quantum Ising chain produces a \emph{quasiperiodic Ising glass} stable at all energy densities. The glass order parameter vanishes with an essential singularity at the melting transition with no signatures in the equilibrium properties. The zero temperature phase diagram is also surprisingly rich, consisting of paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and quasiperiodically alternating ground state phases with extended, localized and critically delocalized low energy excitations. The system exhibits an unusual quantum Ising transition whose properties are intermediate between those of the clean and infinite randomness Ising transitions. Many of these results follow from a geometric generalization of the Aubry-Andr\'e duality which we develop. The quasiperiodic Ising glass may be realized in near term quantum optical experiments.
Unionization and Productivity: Evidence from Charter Schools

This paper studies the relationship between teacher unionization and student achievement. Generally stable patterns of teacher unionization since the 1970s have historically presented challenges in measuring the effects of unionization on educational production. However, the blossoming of the charter school sector in recent decades provides fertile ground for study because while most charters are non-union, teachers at some charters have unionized. Using a generalized difference-in-difference approach combining California union certification data with student achievement data from 2003-2012, we find that, aside from a one-year dip in achievement associated with the unionization process itself, unionization does not affect student achievement.
The cultural dimension of assertiveness in cross-cultural advertising

This paper proposes a conceptual model that attempts to explain the impact of the cultural dimension of assertiveness on the perception and evaluation of a standardized advertisement. The basic concept of the model is that a given standardised advertising stimulus is likely to be perceived and evaluated differently in various cultures, dependent upon the level of importance individuals place on assertiveness (individual level assertiveness) as well as the level of assertiveness in the environment surrounding that individual (societal level assertiveness). Applying the GLO BE framework of cultural dimensions (House et al. 2004) to advertising research, consumers in the United States, Germany, Great Britain, Austria and Argentina were surveyed. Results indicate that, overall, assertiveness is a favourable cultural dimension for advertising purposes. Results demonstrate that it is not consumers from the country with the highest assertiveness scores who most positively evaluate advertisements incorporating assertive appeals. Rather, consumers from the country who perceive the highest level of assertiveness in the advertisement tend to evaluate it most positively – and they, in fact, are from the country with the lowest assertiveness scores. The proposed model was confirmed to a large extent. Implications for the use of assertive appeals in international advertising are discussed and the limitations of the research are addressed.
Profiles of Turkish pre-service teachers of English in terms of language learning background

Abstract This study aims to describe the language learning backgrounds of Turkish pre-service teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) with reference to their perceived language competence and satisfaction with perceived speaking ability. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a questionnaire that was administered to 365 first-year students studying at English language teaching departments at seven universities, categorised into three groups according to their rankings. The data were analysed through descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Regardless of the university, participants reported having limited language learning experience because their English classes focused mainly on grammar, vocabulary and reading. They reported feeling least proficient in listening, speaking and vocabulary, which suggested that people enter English language teaching in Turkey with limited oral communication skills in English. This has implications for the EFL teacher education field in Turkey and other monolingual countries where the focus of English classes is limited to teaching structural aspects of the target language.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the thalamus in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess N-acetyl aspartate changes in the thalamus in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Methods Nine patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (symptomatic group, nine women; mean age 61.4 years (48 to 78)) and nine healthy volunteers (control group, six men, three women; mean age 30.0 years (26 to 38)) underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess the changes of N-acetyl aspartate in the thalamus. Results The ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip was significantly lower than the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus in the control group (1.611 (range; 1.194-1.882) vs 1.355 (range; 1.043-1.502), p < 0.001). And, a strong negative correlation was detected between the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and pain duration (r = -0.83, p = 0.018). Conclusions We evaluated the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We concluded that the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine in the thalamus contralateral to the symptomatic hip in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip were significantly lower than those in the thalamus of the control group, and that pain duration was strongly related to the decrease of the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate to creatine plus phosphocreatine.