Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational Feature-Sensitive Reconstruction of Language Relationships: Developing the ALINE Distance for Comparative Historical Linguistic Reconstruction

Abstract Historical relationships among languages are used as a proxy for social history in many non-linguistic settings, including the fields of cultural and molecular anthropology. Linguists have traditionally assembled this information using the standard comparative method. While providing extremely nuanced linguistic information, this approach is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Conversely, computational approaches are appreciably quicker, but can potentially introduce significant error. Furthermore, current methods often use cognate sets that were themselves coded by historical linguists, thus reducing the benefit of computational approaches. Here we develop a method, based on the ALINE distance, to extract feature-sensitive relationships from paired glosses, datasets that require minimal contribution from trained linguists beyond transcription from primary sources. We validate our results by comparison with data generated independently via the comparative method, and quantify error rates using consistency indices. To showcase our method's utility and to demonstrate its robustness at local and regional scales, we apply it to two language datasets from eastern Indonesia. As linguistic datasets proliferate, scalable computational methods that mimic historical linguistic reconstruction will become increasingly necessary. Although at present we cannot disentangle all the processes driving linguistic change (e.g. lexical borrowing), our method provides a robust and accurate alternative to manual linguistic analysis. The feature-sensitive method adopted here accurately and automatically identifies emergent patterns hidden in traditional word-lists by analysing critical phonetic information that is discarded (or required as prerequisite) by many current cognate-based computational methods. This approach is not intended to supplant manual linguistic analysis, but has an important role in quickly generating robust data for non-linguistic fields or interdisciplinary projects that require formal quantitative analysis of historical linguistic relationships. Our approach provides a workable approximate phylogeny in cases where a trained linguist is unavailable, or otherwise significantly reduces the time and effort required for manual classification.
Functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs in lung cancer

Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and there is a lack of adequate biomarkers for diagnosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as an important set of molecules because of their roles in various key pathophysiological pathways, including cell growth, apoptosis, and metastasis. We review the current knowledge of the lncRNAs in lung cancer. In-depth analyses of lncRNAs in lung cancer have increased the number of potential effective biomarkers, thus providing options to increase the therapeutic benefit. In this review, we summarize the functions, mechanisms, and regulatory networks of lncRNAs in lung cancer, providing a basis for further research in this field.
Image Attributes and Quality for Evaluation of Tone Mapping Operators

The problem of reproducing high dynamic range images on devices with restricted dynamic range has gained a lot of interest in the computer graphics community. There exist various approaches to this issue, which span several research areas including computer graphics, image processing, color science, physiology, neurology, psychology, etc. These approaches assume a thorough knowledge of both the objective and subjective attributes of an image. However, no comprehensive overview and analysis of such attributes has been published so far. In this paper, we present an overview of image quality attributes of different tone mapping methods. Furthermore, we propose a scheme of relationships between these attributes, leading to the definition of an overall image quality measure. We present results of subjective psychophysical tests that we have performed to prove the proposed relationship scheme. We also present the evaluation of existing tone mapping methods with regard to these attributes. Our effort is not just useful to get into the tone mapping field or when implementing a tone mapping operator, but it also sets the stage for well-founded quality comparisons between tone mapping operators. By providing good definitions of the different attributes, user-driven or fully automatic comparisons are made possible at all.
Metiram-induced histological and histochemical alterations in Liver and kidney of pregnant mice

Metiram is a non-systemically acting fungicide of dithiocarbamate group. It is used on food and ornamental crops to prevent crop damage in the field and to protect harvested crops from deterioration in storage or transport. The present work was conducted to evaluate the histological and histochemical effects of miteram in pregnant albino mice. Oral treatment of metiram to pregnant mice from the 2 day to 19 day of gestation induced many histological and histochemical alterations in the hepatic tissue and kidney cortex. The liver tissue showed congestion of blood vessels, leucocytic infiltrations, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes and fatty degeneration. The kidney cortex showed degeneration of renal tubules, atrophy of glomeruli and intertubular leucocytic infiltrations. Moreover, histochemical observations revealed reduction of total carbohydrates and total proteins in the hepatocytes and renal tubules. It is suggested that the histological and histochemical alterations observed in liver and kidney of pregnant mice by metiram may be mediated by depletion of antioxidants and elevation of lipid peroxidation. [Saber A. Sakr, Somya Y. Shalaby Metiram-induced histological and histochemical alterations in Liver and kidney of pregnant mice] Life Science Journal, 2012; 9(1):71-76] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com.
Cannabinoids and Cystic Fibrosis: A Novel Approach to Etiology and Therapy

Cannabis stimulates appetite and food intake. This prop- erty has been exploited to benefit AIDS and cancer patients suffering from wasting disease, by administering the whole plant or its major ac- tive ingredient ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Endogenous cannabinoids ("endocannabinoids") are found in mater- nal milk. We have recently shown that endocannabinoids are critical for milk ingestion and survival of newborns because blocking CB 1 receptors resulted in death from malnutrition. Lack of appetite resulting in malnutrition is a contributing factor to mortality in many Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. It is proposed here for the first time, to administer THC to CF patients. It is hoped that the cannabinoid will alleviate malnutrition and thus help prevent wasting in CF patients. Recent findings suggest that a lipid imbalance (high arachidonic acid/low DHA) is a primary factor in the etiology of CF and that defec- tive CFTR (CF transmembrane conductor regulator) that characterizes the CF condition is responsible for the dysregulation. Endocannabinoids are all fatty acid derivatives. Therefore, it is further proposed here that the CFTR gene product also modulates endocannabinoid synthesis, through regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis. According to this hypothe- sis, CF patients display decreased levels of endocannabinoids and by elevating these levels, symptoms may improve. Indeed, a number of physiological mechanisms of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids coin- cide with the pathology of CF. Thus it is suggested that potential benefits from THC treatment, in addition to appetite stimulation, will include
The Impact of an Integrated Program of Return-to-Field and Targeted Trap-Neuter-Return on Feline Intake and Euthanasia at a Municipal Animal Shelter

Simple Summary Dramatic declines in the number of cats admitted to and euthanized at U.S. shelters have taken place in recent decades. Still, millions of cats, many of them free-roaming, enter shelters each year. At some facilities, as many as 70% of feline admissions are euthanized, and it is estimated that, nationally, up to one million or more cats are euthanized each year. New approaches, including return-to-field (RTF) and targeted trap-neuter-return (TNR) appear to have transformative potential. The present study examines changes in feline intake and euthanasia, as well as impacts on associated metrics, at a municipal animal shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after formal RTF and targeted TNR protocols, collectively referred to as a community cat program (CCP), were added to ongoing community-based TNR efforts and a pilot RTF initiative. As part of the three-year CCP, 11,746 cats were trapped, sterilized, vaccinated and returned or adopted. Feline euthanasia at the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AAWD) declined by 84.1% and feline intake dropped by 37.6%; the live release rate (LRR) increased by 47.7% due primarily to these reductions in both intake and euthanasia. Modest increases in the percentage of cats returned to owner (RTO) and the adoption rate were also observed, although both metrics decreased on an absolute basis, while the number of calls to the city about dead cats declined. Abstract Available evidence indicates that overall levels of feline intake and euthanasia at U.S. shelters have significantly declined in recent decades. Nevertheless, millions of cats, many of them free-roaming, continue to be admitted to shelters each year. In some locations, as many as 70% of cats, perhaps up to one million or more per year nationally, are euthanized. New approaches, including return-to-field (RTF) and targeted trap-neuter-return (TNR) appear to have transformative potential. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in feline intake and euthanasia, as well as additional associated metrics, at a municipal animal shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after institutionalized RTF and targeted TNR protocols, together referred to as a community cat program (CCP), were added to ongoing community-based TNR efforts and a pilot RTF initiative. Over the course of the CCP, which ran from April 2012 to March 2015, 11,746 cats were trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and returned or adopted. Feline euthanasia at the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AAWD) declined by 84.1% and feline intake dropped by 37.6% over three years; the live release rate (LRR) increased by 47.7% due primarily to these reductions in both intake and euthanasia. Modest increases in the percentage of cats returned to owner (RTO) and the adoption rate were also observed, although both metrics decreased on an absolute basis, while the number of calls to the city about dead cats declined.
Treatment of Colon Carcinoma Tumors by Electrolysis: Effect of Electrical Dose and Polarity

Introduction: As a physical treatment, electrochemical therapy (ECHT) has provided an effective and useful approach for treating localized tumors. The chemical changes due to a direct electric current destroy the tumor. This study evaluates the effect of electrical dose and polarity on the efficacy of the treatment of a colon tumor model. Materials and Methods: In order to induce tumors, 5 × 10 5 CT26 cells were injected into the right dorsal side of 100 Balb/c mice subcutaneously. When the mean volume of the tumors reached 350 ± 50 mm 3 , they were randomly divided into 2 control and 8 test groups, each consisting of 10 mice. Six platinum electrodes (3 cathodes and 3 anodes) were inserted into the base and the apex of each tumor. Electrical doses of 0, 10, 20, 30 or 40 C/cm 3 were then applied. Tumors volumes were subsequently measured daily and the mortalities were recorded. A histopatholological study was also performed. Results: After ECHT, a decrease in tumor volume and also an increase in necrosis and cumulative survival were statistically significant. In the control groups, the tumors were not destroyed and the mice did not survive more than 50 days. With 40 C/cm 3 electrical dosage and anode electrode polarity applied to bases of the tumors, 80% of the tumors showed complete response until 120 days post-treatment. Increasing the electrical dose caused a statistically significant effect on the complete response percentage and the cumulative survival fraction. Applying anode polarity to the bases of the tumors produced better results although without statistical significance. Discussions and Conclusions: Complete response in the treatment groups (10 to 80 percent) demonstrates the antitumor effects and the high potential of electrolysis for tumors eradication. Also, occurrence of only one death event in the highest electrical dose group and the good health of the animals until 120 days after treatment demonstrate that electrolysis is a safe technique.
Evidence for galaxies being pre-processed before accreted into clusters

I use the spectroscopic data for galaxies in and around 28 nearby (0.02 ≤ z ≤ 0.06) X-ray bright galaxy clusters, to show that the incidence of k+A (or post-starburst) galaxies (EW(Ha) 3A in absorption) may be correlated with the accretion of small galaxy groups in clusters. At r < 2r200, the k+A galaxies are found in regions of higher galaxy density relative to other cluster galaxies. The k+A galaxies have a positively skewed distribution of absolute velocity, v/σv, where vlos is the difference between the line-of-sight velocity of the galaxy and the cluster's mean, and σv is the cluster's velocity dispersion. This distribution is statistically different from that of other cluster galaxies within 2r200, and in the same absolute velocity range. Moreover, 87 per cent of clusters in the sample studied here show statistically significant substructure in their velocity distribution, and 91.4 per cent of all the k+A galaxies are found to be a part of one of these substructures with 4-10 members. These results suggest that star formation in these k+A galaxies is likely to have been quenched due to 'pre-processing' in a poor group-like environment before they are accreted into clusters. I also find a mild, but statistically significant trend in the fraction of k+A galaxies increasing with the temperature of the X-ray emitting gas in clusters.
Effect of RNA interference of the expression of HMGA2 on the proliferation and invasion ability of ACHN renal cell carcinoma cells

This aim of the present study was to observe the effect of high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) on the proliferation and invasion ability of ACHN renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. Human ACHN cells, an RCC cell line, and HKC normal human renal tubular epithelial cells were cultured. HMGA2 small interfering (si)RNA, Mock-siRNA and their negative control group were designed and synthesized. Subsequently, the ACHN cells were transiently transfected using RNA interference technology. Finally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HMGA2 were detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. The proliferation ability of the ACHN cells was determined using MTT, and ACHN cell invasion ability was detected using the Transwell method. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of HMGA2 in the ACHN cells were considerably higher, compared with those in the HKC cells (P<0.01). The RCC cells, in which the expression of HMGA2 was specifically silenced, was successfully constructed. The proliferation rate of cells in the HMGA2-siRNA group was significantly lower, compared with that of cells in the Mock-siRNA group and control group at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-transfection (P<0.05). The invasion ability of cells in the HMGA2-siRNA group was significantly lower, compared with that of cells in the Mock-siRNA group and control group (P<0.05) 48 h following transfection. Therefore, the HMGA2 gene may function as an oncogene in the occurrence and development of RCC, and provide specific targets for the targeted therapy of RCC. Further detailed investigations of the HMGA2 gene are important for future gene therapy of RCC.
A Generic Approach for Escaping Saddle points

A central challenge to using first-order methods for optimizing nonconvex problems is the presence of saddle points. First-order methods often get stuck at saddle points, greatly deteriorating their performance. Typically, to escape from saddles one has to use second-order methods. However, most works on second-order methods rely extensively on expensive Hessian-based computations, making them impractical in large-scale settings. To tackle this challenge, we introduce a generic framework that minimizes Hessian based computations while at the same time provably converging to second-order critical points. Our framework carefully alternates between a first-order and a second-order subroutine, using the latter only close to saddle points, and yields convergence results competitive to the state-of-the-art. Empirical results suggest that our strategy also enjoys a good practical performance.
A Fly in the Ointment: Evaluation of Traditional Use of Plants to Repel and Kill Blowfly Larvae in Fermented Fish

Introduction In rural areas in Laos, fly larvae infestations are common in fermenting fish. Blowflies (Chrysomya megacephala, Diptera: Calliphoridae) are attracted to oviposit (and/or larviposit) onto fermenting fish which results in infestations with fly larvae. Knowledge of traditional use of plants to repel larvae during the production of fermented fish is common and widespread in Lao PDR. Research Questions How effective are the most salient species in repelling, and killing fly larvae in fermenting fish? Material and Methods The three plant species most frequently reported to repel fly larvae during an ethnobotanical survey throughout Lao PDR were tested for repellence and larvicidal activity of fly larvae infesting fermented fish. The lethality and repellence of Tadehagi triquetrum (L.) H. Ohashi (Fabaceae), Uraria crinita (L.) Desv. ex DC. (Fabaceae) and Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult. & Schult. f. (Poaceae) were tested in an experimental design using fermenting fish in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Results The repellent effect of fresh material of T. triquetrum and U. crinita, and the larvicidal effect of fresh B. multiplex, is significantly more effective than that of dried material of the same species, and the total effect (repellence and larvicidal effect combined) for each of the three species was significantly more effective for fresh than for dry material. Fresh material of T. triquetrum, U. crinita, or B. multiplex added on top of the fermenting fish repelled 50%, 54%, 37%, and killed 22%, 28%, and 40% of fly larvae. The total effect was not significantly different per species at 72%, 82%, and 77%, respectively. Discussion and Conclusions The three most salient species are effective in repelling and killing fly larvae in the production of fermented fish, and may be essential to augment food safety during traditional fermentation in open jars.
CFRP reinforcing to extend the fatigue lives of steel structures

In recent years, the problem of fatigue cracking in existing steel structures has be- come an increasingly important one. One possible method of rehabilitating structures such as these that has received recent attention is the application of adhesively bonded carbon fibre rein- forced polymer (CFRP) overlays. Herein, the results of an experimental study are presented on the effectiveness of high modulus CFRP overlays in increasing the fatigue lives of notched steel plates. This study includes fatigue tests on unreinforced plates and plates reinforced with high modulus CFRP overlays on one or both sides, with or without prior surface preparation by sandblasting. Based on this work, conclusions are drawn regarding the prospects of this ap- proach for rehabilitating steel bridges and how it could be further developed.
Characterization of blueberry fruits (Vaccinium spp.) and derived products

The objectives of this study were to physicochemically characterize and determine the antioxidant activities and anthocyanin contents of organic Rabbiteye blueberries grown in Southern Brazil and its derived products, in order to investigate the utility of food processing wastes as raw materials for developing products with beneficial health properties. The antioxidant capacity of the blueberries was superior to that of other fruits and juices. The pomace exhibited high activity, albeit lower than that of the fruit, while the flour and the dried blueberries lost 66% and 46% of the original antioxidant activity, respectively. The average anthocyanin contents of the fruits were moderate compared to other sources and species of blueberries. The pomace contains a large amount of anthocyanins while the flour and dried blueberries exhibited a 32% and 42% loss in anthocyanin content, respectively. The use of agro-industrial residues, in addition to adding value and minimizing the impact caused by the accumulation in the environment, can be directed toward the development of new products with bioactive properties.
Comparison of peak torque, intensity and discomfort generated by neuromuscular electrical stimulation of low and medium frequency

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an important tool in clinical practice to improve the recruitment of motor units. Optimal forms of NMES, as well as the optimal frequency to achieve the highest torque with the least possible discomfort are not well established. This study was designed to compare maximum electrically-induced torque (MEIT) in the quadriceps, the maximum intensity tolerated by the subject, and the level of discomfort generated by three types of stimulation. METHODS: Thirty subjects (mean age of 25.0 ± 3.0 years) participated in the study. Each subject was submitted to three currents: medium frequency (2500 Hz) modulated in low frequency (Russian Current), and two currents of low frequency (50 Hz), i.e. without an intrapulse interval (FES), and another with an intrapulse interval of 100 µs (VMS). The maximum voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) of the quadriceps was measured. The MEIT, the level of discomfort, and the maximum intensity reached were also measured while applying the three types of NMES. The order of the tests was randomized and the torque was normalized in relation to MVIT. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference between the three types of NMES in relation to the generated torque. However, the subjects were able to tolerate a significantly higher intensity with the medium frequency current, and suffered less discomfort when compared to subjects exposed to low frequency currents. CONCLUSION: Russian Current, FES, and VMS can be used clinically in order to increase the torque of the quadriceps muscle. However, we suggest using the Russian Current in the early stages of a rehabilitation protocol because it showed better tolerance by the participants with less discomfort.