Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Prediction of Swell Percent and Swell Pressure by Using Neural Networks

Expansive soils exhibit significantly high volumetric deformations and so pose a serious threat to stability of the structures and foundations. Thus, determination of their swelling properties (i.e. swelling potential and swell pressure) becomes essential. However, measurement of the swelling properties is time-consuming and requires special and expensive equipment. With this in view, efforts were made to develop artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple regression analysis (MRA) models that can be employed for estimating swell percent and swell pressure. To achieve this, the results of free swell tests performed on statically compacted specimens of Kaolinite-Bentonite clay mixtures with varying soil properties were used. Two different ANN (ANN-1 and ANN-2) and MRA (MRA-1 and MRA-2) models have been developed: ANN-1 and MRA-1 models for predicting swell percent and ANN-2 and MRA-2 models for predicting swell pressure. The results obtained from ANN and MRA models were compared vis-a-vis those obtained from the experiments. The values predicted from the ANN models match the experimental values much better than those obtained from MRA models. Moreover, several performance indices such as determination coefficient (R2), variance account for (VAF), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated to check the prediction capacity of the ANN and MRA models developed. The obtained indices make it clear that the constructed ANN models have shown higher prediction performance than MRA models. It has been demonstrated that the ANN models can be used satisfactorily to predict swell percent and swell pressure as a rapid inexpensive substitute for laboratory techniques.
Shape and kinematics of elliptical galaxies: evolution due to merging at z < 1.5

Aims. We investigate the evolution in the shape and kinematics of elliptical galaxies in a cosmological framework. Methods. We identified relaxed, elliptical-like objects (ELOs) at redshifts $z = 0$, $z = 0.5$, $z = 1$ and $z = 1.5$ within a set of hydrodynamic, self-consistent simulations completed for a concordance cosmological model. Results. The population of elliptical systems that we analysed evolve systematically with time becoming rounder in general by $z = 0$ and also more velocity dispersion supported. We found that this is due primarily to major dry mergers where only a modest amount of angular momentum is involved in the merger event. Despite the general trend, in a significant number of cases the merger event involves a relatively high amount of specific angular momentum, which causes the system in general to acquire higher rotational support and/or a more oblate shape. These evolutionary patterns persist when we study our systems in projection, in simulating true observations, and thus should be evident in future observations.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Collagen IV and Laminin Expression in Spontaneous Melanoma Regression in the Melanoma-Bearing Libechov Minipig

Spontaneous regression (SR) of human melanoma is a rare, well-documented phenomenon that is not still fully understood. Its detailed study cannot be performed in patients due to ethical reasons. Using the Melanoma-bearing Libechov Minipig (MeLiM) animals of various ages (from 3 weeks to 8 months) we implemented a long-term monitoring of melanoma growth and SR. We focused on immunohistochemical detection of two important extracellular matrix proteins, collagen IV and laminin, which are associated with cancer. We showed that SR of melanoma is a highly dynamic process. The expression of collagen IV and laminin correlated with changes in population of melanoma cells. Tumours of 3-week-old animals consisted primarily of melanoma cells with a granular expression of collagen IV and laminin around them. Thereafter, melanoma cells were gradually destroyed and tumour tissue was rebuilt into the connective tissue. Collagen IV expression slightly increased in tumours of 10-week-old pigs showing extracellular fibrous appearance. In tumours of older animals, areas lacking melanoma cells demonstrated a low expression and areas still containing melanoma cells a high expression of both proteins. We considered the age of 10 weeks as a turning point in the transition between tumour growth and SR of the MeLiM melanoma.
Gag-Protease-Mediated Replication Capacity in HIV-1 Subtype C Chronic Infection: Associations with HLA Type and Clinical Parameters

ABSTRACT The mechanisms underlying HIV-1 control by protective HLA class I alleles are not fully understood and could involve selection of escape mutations in functionally important Gag epitopes resulting in fitness costs. This study was undertaken to investigate, at the population level, the impact of HLA-mediated immune pressure in Gag on viral fitness and its influence on HIV-1 pathogenesis. Replication capacities of 406 recombinant viruses encoding plasma-derived Gag-protease from patients chronically infected with HIV-1 subtype C were assayed in an HIV-1-inducible green fluorescent protein reporter cell line. Viral replication capacities varied significantly with respect to the specific HLA-B alleles expressed by the patient, and protective HLA-B alleles, most notably HLA-B*81, were associated with lower replication capacities. HLA-associated mutations at low-entropy sites, especially the HLA-B*81-associated 186S mutation in the TL9 epitope, were associated with lower replication capacities. Most mutations linked to alterations in replication capacity in the conserved p24 region decreased replication capacity, while most in the highly variable p17 region increased replication capacity. Replication capacity also correlated positively with baseline viral load and negatively with baseline CD4 count but did not correlate with the subsequent rate of CD4 decline. In conclusion, there is evidence that protective HLA alleles, in particular HLA-B*81, significantly influence Gag-protease function by driving sequence changes in Gag and that conserved regions of Gag should be included in a vaccine aiming to drive HIV-1 toward a less fit state. However, the long-term clinical benefit of immune-driven fitness costs is uncertain given the lack of correlation with longitudinal markers of disease progression.
Loss of Estrogen Receptor Signaling Triggers Epigenetic Silencing of Downstream Targets in Breast Cancer

Alterations in histones, chromatin-related proteins, and DNA methylation contribute to transcriptional silencing in cancer, but the sequence of these molecular events is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that on disruption of estrogen receptor (ER) α signaling by small interfering RNA, polycomb repressors and histone deacetylases are recruited to initiate stable repression of the progesterone receptor (PR) gene, a known ERα target, in breast cancer cells. The event is accompanied by acquired DNA methylation of the PR promoter, leaving a stable mark that can be inherited by cancer cell progeny. Reestablishing ERα signaling alone was not sufficient to reactivate the PR gene; reactivation of the PR gene also requires DNA demethylation. Methylation microarray analysis further showed that progressive DNA methylation occurs in multiple ERα targets in breast cancer genomes. The results imply, for the first time, the significance of epigenetic regulation on ERα target genes, providing new direction for research in this classical signaling pathway.
Evaluation of nonlinear regression approaches to estimation of insulin sensitivity by the minimal model with reference to Bayesian hierarchical analysis.

Minimal model analysis of intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) glucose and insulin concentrations offers a validated approach to measuring insulin sensitivity, but model identification is not always successful. Improvements may be achieved by using alternative settings in the modeling process, although results may differ according to setting, and care must be exercised in combining results. IVGTT data (12 samples, regular test) from 533 men without diabetes was modeled by the traditional nonlinear regression (NLR) approach, using five different permutations of settings. Results were evaluated with reference to the more robust Bayesian hierarchical (BH) approach to model identification and to the proportion of variance they explained in known correlates of insulin sensitivity (age, BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin, serum triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and uric acid concentration). BH analysis was successful in all cases. With NLR analysis, between 17 and 35 IVGTTs were associated with parameter coefficients of variation (PCVs) for minimal model parameters S(I) (insulin sensitivity) and S(G) (glucose effectiveness) of >100%. Systematic use of each different approach in combination reduced this number to five. Mean (interquartile range) S(I)(NLR) was then 3.14 (2.29-4.63) min(-1). mU(-1). l x 10(-4) and 2.56 (1.74-3.83) min(-1). mU(-1). l x 10(-4) for S(I)(BH) (correlation 0.86, P < 0.0001). S(I)(NLR) explained, on average, 10.6% of the variance in known correlates of insulin sensitivity, whereas S(I)(BH) explained 8.5%. In a large body of data, which BH analysis demonstrated could be fully identified, use of alternative modeling settings in NLR analysis could substantially reduce the number of analyses with PCVs >100%. S(I)(NLR) compared favorably with S(I)(BH) in the proportion of variance explained in known correlates of insulin sensitivity.
Comparative Study of Endothelial Function and Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry between Pregnant Women with or without Preeclampsia Development

Background. Poor placentation and systemic endothelial dysfunction have been identified as main events in Preeclampsia (PE). The relationship and chronology of these phenomena are important if we are to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this major clinical problem. Objectives. To compare the evolution of placentation and endothelial function in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies. Patients and methods. In a prospective cohort study, 59 pregnant women with a high risk of developing PE were subjected to flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and to Doppler velocimetry of uterine arteries in order to obtain their Pulsatility Index (UtA-PI). The variations in the FMD and UtA-PI values, between 16+0 and 19+6 and 24+0 and 27+6 weeks of gestation, were compared, taking PE development into consideration. Results. Nine patients developed PE and the other 50 women remained normotensive. At 16+0 to 19+6 weeks of pregnancy, patients that developed PE presented higher values of UtA-PI than the normotensive group, but there was no difference in FMD results between them. At 24+0 to 27+6 weeks, the patients that developed PE presented higher values of UtA-PI and lower values of FMD than the women that remained normotensive. Conclusions. These results corroborate the evidence that endothelial injury is secondary to poor placentation.
Cardiorespiratory fitness in Flemish adolescents and its relationship with leisure-time physical activity, active travel to school and screen-based sedentariness

Introduction Cardiorespiratory fitness is a key component of overall physical fitness and has been identified as a powerful health index in youth (Anderssen et al., 2007). The apparently obvious positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity still requires further research. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the association of cardiorespiratory fitness with leisuretime physical activity, active travel to school and screen-based sedentary behaviour in a sample of Flemish adolescents.
b Lymphocytes by TGF-Type I Receptors on Quiescent Naive T Induction of Human T Cell Leukemia Virus

The retrovirus human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV) type I (HTLV-I) is primarily transmitted by breast-feeding or sexual contact, by cell-to-cell contact between T cells. TGF- (cid:1) , which has been shown to enhance transmission of HTLV-I in vitro, is found at high levels in breast milk and semen. In this study, the ability of TGF- (cid:1) to regulate expression of molecules involved in HTLV-I binding and entry was examined. Previous studies using a soluble form of the HTLV-I envelope protein SU have shown that quiescent human T cells do not express cell surface molecules that speciﬁcally bind SU. After T cell activation, HTLV SU binding proteins are rapidly induced. In this study, we report that TGF- (cid:1) induces expression of proteins that bind soluble HTLV SU and HTLV virions on naive CD4 (cid:2) T lymphocytes. The induction of these proteins occurred without cell cycle entry or expression of activation markers, involved TGF- (cid:1) -induced intracellular signaling, and required de novo transcription and translation. Treatment of naive CD4 (cid:2) T lymphocytes with TGF- (cid:1) induced expression of GLUT-1, which has recently been reported to function as a receptor for HTLV. Treatment of a TGF- (cid:1) -sensitive human myeloid cell line increased the titer of both HTLV-I- and HTLV-II-pseudotyped viruses. Although earlier studies suggested that HTLV SU binding proteins might be an early marker of T cell activation and/or cell proliferation, we report in this study that TGF- (cid:1) induces binding of HTLV virions and expression of glucose transporter type 1 in primary CD4 (cid:2) T lymphocytes
Classification of particle shapes from lidar depolarization ratio in convective ice clouds compared to in situ observations during CRYSTAL-FACE

[1] A technique to classify ice particles into different shape categories, based on lidar depolarization ratio, is considered. This technique is applied to observations taken during the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers–Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL-FACE) campaign with the airborne Cloud Physics Lidar. The retrieved relative concentrations of particle shapes are compared with shape images from an airborne, in situ, cloud particle imager probe, operating in the same cloud. A first high-resolution time-based comparison, conducted over a short period of close collocation, leads to a good agreement between both techniques, with an average difference below 5% in retrieved relative concentrations. The same technique applied over the entire lifetime of three different convective ice clouds cases shows a maximum difference below 10% in average retrieved relative concentrations. The application of this technique to future spaceborne observations could lead to large-scale classification of particle shapes in ice clouds.
Measuring consumer vulnerability to perceived product-similarity problems and its consequences

Abstract The brand clutter in many product categories and increasing numbers of similar products, some of which are deliberate look-alikes, make it more difficult for consumers to distinguish between brands, which can lead to more mistaken and misinformed purchases. Moreover, increasing brand similarity is likely to influence important consumer outcomes. To examine this phenomenon, a perceived product-similarity scale developed in Germany was administered to 220 consumers in the United Kingdom. Following the formulation of testable hypotheses and assessments of the scale's reliability and validity, the scale was used to measure perceived product similarity (PPS) across three different product categories, while examining the impact of PPS on brand loyalty and word of mouth. Structural equation modelling revealed that PPS significantly affects word of mouth but not brand loyalty. In addition, cluster analysis identified three meaningful and distinct PPS groups. Implications for marketing managers, consumer policy makers, and marketing research are discussed.
Accuracy of Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Diagnosing Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy in Patients Showing Spinal Cord Compression

Objective To assess the performance of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for the diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in patients with deformed spinal cord but otherwise unremarkable conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Materials and Methods A total of 33 patients who underwent MRI of the cervical spine including DTI using two-dimensional single-shot interleaved multi-section inner volume diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging and whose spinal cords were deformed but showed no signal changes on conventional MRI were the subjects of this study. Mean diffusivity (MD), longitudinal diffusivity (LD), radial diffusivity (RD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured at the most stenotic level. The calculated performance of MD, FA, MD∩FA (considered positive when both the MD and FA results were positive), LD∩FA (considered positive when both the LD and FA results were positive), and RD∩FA (considered positive when both the RD and FA results were positive) in diagnosing CSM were compared with each other based on the estimated cut-off values of MD, LD, RD, and FA from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with the clinical diagnosis of CSM from medical records as the reference standard. Results The MD, LD, and RD cut-off values were 1.079 × 10-3, 1.719 × 10-3, and 0.749 × 10-3 mm2/sec, respectively, and that of FA was 0.475. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were: 100 (4/4), 44.8 (13/29), 20 (4/20), and 100 (13/13) for MD; 100 (4/4), 27.6 (8/29), 16 (4/25), and 100 (8/8) for FA; 100 (4/4), 58.6 (17/29), 25 (4/16), and 100 (17/17) for MD∩FA; 100 (4/4), 68.9 (20/29), 30.8 (4/13), and 100 (20/20) for LD∩FA; and 75 (3/4), 68.9 (20/29), 25 (3/12), and 95.2 (20/21) for RD∩FA in percentage value. Diagnostic performance comparisons revealed significant differences only in specificity between FA and MD∩FA (p = 0.003), FA and LD∩FA (p < 0.001), FA and RD∩FA (p < 0.001), MD and LD∩FA (p = 0.024) and MD and RD∩FA (p = 0.024). Conclusion Fractional anisotropy combined with MD, RD, or LD is expected to be more useful than FA and MD for diagnosing CSM in patients who show deformed spinal cords without signal changes on MRI.
CCR5 Small-Molecule Antagonists and Monoclonal Antibodies Exert Potent Synergistic Antiviral Effects by Cobinding to the Receptor

A panel of four CCR5 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing different epitopes on CCR5 was examined in CCR5-mediated cell-cell fusion assay, alone or in combination with a variety of small molecule CCR5 antagonists. Although no antagonism was observed between any of the CCR5 inhibitors, surprisingly potent synergy was observed between CCR5 mAbs and antagonists, and the synergistic activity was confirmed in other antiviral assays. Strong synergy was also observed between CCR5 inhibitors and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide. There was no synergy observed between small molecule CCR5 inhibitors; however, potent synergy was observed between mAbs recognizing different parts of CCR5. In all synergistic combinations, greater synergy was achieved at higher percent inhibition levels. A negative correlation was found between the degree of synergy between the two classes of CCR5 inhibitors and the ability to compete each other for binding to the receptor. For example, the greatest synergy, observed between the mAb ROAb13 and the small molecule inhibitor maraviroc, did not interfere with binding to CCR5 for either inhibitor, whereas no synergy was found between mAb 45523 and maraviroc, which do compete for binding to CCR5. In addition, in contrast to a recent report, the CCR5 inhibitors tested here were found to inhibit the same stage of HIV entry. Based on the data presented here, we hypothesize that CCR5 inhibitors exert synergistic antiviral actions through a cobinding mechanism.
A robust system for printed and handwritten character recognition of images obtained by camera phone

In Recent years, character recognition has gained more importance in the area of pattern recognition owning to its application in various domains. The biggest challenge is to build an efficient optical character recognition system (OCR) able to recognize documents, also to allow overcoming the problems of blurred and noisy image. Many OCRs systems are been applied, but less interest have been given to document images obtained by camera phone. In this paper, we will present a complete offline handwritten and machine-printed character recognition system for isolated character acquired via camera-mobile. Our system includes five stages namely: preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction and classification. We investigated various techniques in the preprocessing stage in order to select the best. In feature extraction and classification stages, we examined several features methods with three different types of classifiers The Support vector machines (SVM), The Naïve Bayes (NB) and the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP). We performed the experiments with two databases of handwritten and machine-printed character images. The results indicate that the proposed system is very effective and yields good recognition rate for character images obtained by camera phone. Key-Words: Preprocessing, Feature Extraction, Classification, OCR, SVM and MLP.
Segmented Regression Estimators for Massive Data Sets

We describe two methodologies for obtaining segmented regression estimators from massive training data sets. The first methodology, called Linear Regression Tree (LRT), is used for continuous response variables, and the second and complementary methodology, called Naive Bayes Tree (NBT), is used for categorical response variables. These are implemented in the IBM ProbE (Probabilistic Estimation) data mining engine, which is an object-oriented framework for building classes of segmented predictive models from massive training data sets. Based on this methodology, an application called ATM-SETM for direct-mail targeted marketing has been developed jointly with Fingerhut Business Intelligence [1]).
Attitudes toward Physical Contact in a Therapeutic Setting: Role of Gender and Expertise

Pune Counselor initiated touch in therapy is a much debated topic. Yet there is a growing consensus about the positive effects of therapeutic touch while acknowledging that when used inconsiderately touch can harm clients. 61 counselors and therapists completed a questionnaire about attitudes toward touch in therapy and the frequency of touch use. Most counselors believed that non-erotic and ethical touch had positive effects on clients. There was a significant main effect of therapist gender on attitudes towards touch, F(1, 57) = 9.05, p<. 003, and frequency of touch use, F(1, 57) = 6.4, p < . 05. Female therapists had more positive attitudes toward touch and were more likely to use touch in therapy as compared to male counselors. The paper calls for an open discussion among therapeutic community about the benefits and possible negative effects of touch in a therapeutic relationship.
Self-perceived strengths among people who are homeless

This study examined self-perceived strengths among 116 people who were homeless. Those who had experienced a longer period of current homelessness tended to report fewer personal strengths (r = −0.23). Nonetheless, in spite of their marginalized position in society, the vast majority of participants (114 out of 116) perceived personal strengths. A prior diagnosis with mental illness was not associated with the number of strengths reported, but self-perception of strengths was associated with altruistic orientation. The Values in Action (VIA) taxonomy of character strengths captured many of the responses generated by this population. The most frequently mentioned character categories included social intelligence, kindness, persistence, authenticity and humour. The most frequently mentioned other strengths included personal skills (e.g. music, sports), job skills, intelligence and education. The results have relevance for efforts to build self-perceptions that facilitate escape from homelessness.