Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modified Q-functions and their use in detection analysis

The Marcum's Q-function is extended to complex arguments. In particular, a set of modified generalized Q-functions for imaginary values of one or both arguments are defined and their properties are investigated. An extended probabilistic interpretation for the modified Q-functions is given appealing to a proposed generalization of the concept of random variable. Complex pseudo-random variables, pseudo-events, and pseudo-probability measures are defined, which formally obey the usual rules of composition of probability measures of independent events. The modified Q-functions are then used to derive the Rayleigh multivariate multidimensional distribution function and the error probability for partially coherent detection of equicorrelated signals. >
Unrepeated WDM Transmission Systems Based on Advanced First-Order and Higher Order Raman-Copumping Technologies

We compare standard fiber Raman laser and new high-power- and low relative-intensity-noise (RIN)-copumping technologies for long-span unrepeated wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) transmission systems. We show that, by using enhanced forward-error-correction techniques and by optimizing the transmission-system parameters in terms of signal power per channel, dispersion map, and copropagating on- off Raman gain, both copumping technologies allow successful transmission of 8 10-Gb/s WDM channels over more than 70 dB of standard single-mode fiber. However, transmission experiments point out that only the newly proposed high-power and low-RIN lasers can guarantee realistic system margins and can potentially provide further span-reach enhancement when used in optimized higher order copumping configurations.
Methyl 1-methyl-3-p-tolyl-1,2,3,3a,4,11c-hexahydrobenzo[f]chromeno[4,3-b]pyrrole-3a-carboxylate

In the title compound, C25H25NO3, the dihydropyran ring adopts a half-chair conformation, whereas the pyrrolidine ring is in a twist conformation. The tolyl group is oriented at an angle of 82.92 (7)° with respect to the napthalene ring system. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimers by C—H⋯π interactions involving the benzene ring of the tolyl group.
Genetic Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes, but Not for Overweight/Obesity, Is Associated with a Restricted Adipogenesis

Background Development of Type 2 diabetes, like obesity, is promoted by a genetic predisposition. Although several genetic variants have been identified they only account for a small proportion of risk. We have asked if genetic risk is associated with abnormalities in storing excess lipids in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. Methodology/Principal Findings We recruited 164 lean and 500 overweight/obese individuals with or without a genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes or obesity. Adipose cell size was measured in biopsies from the abdominal adipose tissue as well as insulin sensitivity (HOMA index), HDL-cholesterol and Apo AI and Apo B. 166 additional non-obese individuals with a genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes underwent a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp to measure insulin sensitivity. Genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes, but not for overweight/obesity, was associated with inappropriate expansion of the adipose cells, reduced insulin sensitivity and a more proatherogenic lipid profile in non-obese individuals. However, obesity per se induced a similar expansion of adipose cells and dysmetabolic state irrespective of genetic predisposition. Conclusions/Significance Genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes, but not obesity, is associated with an impaired ability to recruit new adipose cells to store excess lipids in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, thereby promoting ectopic lipid deposition. This becomes particularly evident in non-obese individuals since obesity per se promotes a dysmetabolic state irrespective of genetic predisposition. These results identify a novel susceptibility factor making individuals with a genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes particularly sensitive to the environment and caloric excess.
Computational models of semantic similarity 1 Running head : Computational models of semantic similarity Explaining human performance in psycholinguistic tasks with models of semantic similarity based on prediction and counting : A review and empirical validation

Recent developments in distributional semantics (Mikolov et al., 2013) include a new class of prediction-based models that are trained on a text corpus and that measure semantic similarity between words. We discuss the relevance of these models for psycholinguistic theories and compare them to more traditional distributional semantic models. We compare the models' performances on a large dataset of semantic priming (Hutchison et al., 2013) and on a number of other tasks involving semantic processing and conclude that the predictionbased models usually offer a better fit to behavioral data. Theoretically, we argue that these models bridge the gap between traditional approaches to distributional semantics and psychologically plausible learning principles. As an aid to researchers, we release semantic vectors for English and Dutch for a range of models together with a convenient interface that can be used to extract a great number of semantic similarity measures. Computational models of semantic similarity 3
Efficacy evaluation of clonazepam for symptom remission in burning mouth syndrome: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES Clonazepam has been used in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) for several decades. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of clonazepam in the treatment of BMS. METHODS We conducted a search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (TS), and the Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies that met our eligibility criteria (up to September 22, 2015). Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.2 and STATA 11.0 software. RESULTS Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two high-quality case-control studies involving 195 BMS patients were selected for this study. Our results show that clonazepam can reduce the oral pain sensation in patients with BMS (WMD: -3.72, 95% CI: -4.57, -2.86; P < 0.05; for all five studies). A positive therapeutic effect was demonstrated for both short-term (≤10 weeks) application (WMD: -1.44, 95% CI: -2.06, -0.82; P < 0.05) and long-term (>10 weeks) application (WMD: -4.50, 95% CI: -4.98, -4.03; P < 0.05). Both topical (WMD: -1.50, 95% CI: -2.14, -0.85; P < 0.05) and systemic (WMD: -3.81, 95% CI: -4.63, -2.98; P < 0.05) administration of clonazepam were confirmed to be effective. CONCLUSION Clonazepam is effective in inducing symptom remission in patients with BMS.
Not only Translation Quality : Evaluating the NESPOLE ! Speech-to-Speech Translation System along other Viewpoints

Performance and usability of real-world speech-to-speech translation systems, like the one developed within the Nespole! project, are affected by several aspects that go beyond the pure translation quality provided by the Human Language Technology components of the system. In this paper we describe these aspects as viewpoints along which we have evaluated the Nespole! system. Four main issues are investigated: (1) assessing system performance under various network traffic conditions; (2) a study on the usage and utility of multi-modality in the context of multi-lingual communication; (3) the features of the single speech recognition engines, and (4) an end-to-end evaluation of the whole system. Not only Translation Quality: Evaluating the NESPOLE! Speech-to-Speech Translation System along other Viewpoints
Interface Trap Density of Gate-All-Around Silicon Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors With TiN Gate: Extraction and Compact Model

Si/SiO2 interface trap charge distribution of cylindrical cross-sectioned gate-all-around silicon nanowire field-effect transistor is extracted by using three-dimensional simulation. While the interface chemistry of conventional gatestack ( Si/SiO2 polysilicon) in conventional planar devices is well documented, not much work is available on interface trap distribution Dit of alternate gatestacks (gatestacks employing alternate gate materials) in silicon nanowire MOSFET devices. Furthermore, a compact drain current model with interface trap charge parameter is presented. The model is based on gradual channel approximation and uses self-consistent calculation of interface trap charge and surface potential to reproduce experimental current-voltage characteristics.
Morphological and genetic evidence of contemporary intersectional hybridisation in Mediterranean Helichrysum (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae).

Hybridisation is considered an important evolutionary phenomenon in Gnaphalieae, but contemporary hybridisation has been little explored within the tribe. Here, hybridisation between Helichrysum orientale and Helichrysum stoechas is studied at two different localities in the islands of Crete and Rhodes (Greece). Using three different types of molecular data (AFLP, nrDNA ITS sequences and cpDNA ndhF sequences) and morphological data, the aim is to provide simultaneous and direct comparisons between molecular and morphological variation among the parental species and the studied hybrid populations. AFLP profiles, ITS sequences and morphological data support the existence of hybrids at the two localities studied, shown as morphological and genetic intermediates between the parental species. Chloroplast DNA sequences show that both parental species can act either as pollen donor or as maternal parent. Fertility of hybrids is demonstrated by the viability of seeds produced by hybrids from both localities, and the detection of a backcross specimen to H. orientale. Although there is general congruence of morphological and molecular data, the analysis of morphology and ITS sequences can fail to detect backcross hybrids.
Mutations of PIK3CA in Anaplastic Oligodendrogliomas, High-Grade Astrocytomas, and Medulloblastomas

The phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase pathway is activated in multiple advanced cancers, including glioblastomas, through inactivation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. Recently, mutations in PIK3CA, a member of the family of phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase catalytic subunits, were identified in a significant fraction (25–30%) of colorectal cancers, gastric cancers, and glioblastomas and in a smaller fraction of breast and lung cancers. These mutations were found to cluster into two major “hot spots” located in the helical and catalytic domains. To determine whether PIK3CA is genetically altered in brain tumors, we performed a large-scale mutational analysis of the helical and catalytic domains. A total of 13 mutations of PIK3CA within these specific domains were identified in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, anaplastic astrocytomas, glioblastoma multiforme, and medulloblastomas, whereas no mutations were identified in ependymomas or low-grade astrocytomas. These observations implicate PIK3CA as an oncogene in a wider spectrum of adult and pediatric brain tumors and suggest that PIK3CA may be a useful diagnostic marker or a therapeutic target in these cancers.
Protective Immunity and Reduced Renal Colonization Induced by Vaccines Containing Recombinant Leptospira interrogans Outer Membrane Proteins and Flagellin Adjuvant

ABSTRACT Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by different Leptospira species, such as Leptospira interrogans, that colonize the renal tubules of wild and domestic animals. Thus far, attempts to develop effective leptospirosis vaccines, both for humans and animals, have failed to induce immune responses capable of conferring protection and simultaneously preventing renal colonization. In this study, we evaluated the protective immunity induced by subunit vaccines containing seven different recombinant Leptospira interrogans outer membrane proteins, including the carboxy-terminal portion of the immunoglobulinlike protein A (LigAC) and six novel antigens, combined with aluminum hydroxide (alum) or Salmonella flagellin (FliC) as adjuvants. Hamsters vaccinated with the different formulations elicited high antigen-specific antibody titers. Immunization with LigAC, either with alum or flagellin, conferred protective immunity but did not prevent renal colonization. Similarly, animals immunized with LigAC or LigAC coadministered with six leptospiral proteins with alum adjuvant conferred protection but did not reduce renal colonization. In contrast, immunizing animals with the pool of seven antigens in combination with flagellin conferred protection and significantly reduced renal colonization by the pathogen. The present study emphasizes the relevance of antigen composition and added adjuvant in the efficacy of antileptospirosis subunit vaccines and shows the complex relationship between immune responses and renal colonization by the pathogen.
The Discrepancy between Performance-Based Measures and Questionnaires when Assessing Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Neurological Disorders

ABSTRACT In clinical outcome assessment, the relation between performance-based measures and questionnaire ratings of the same domain is weak, but correlations between questionnaires proposed for the evaluation of different domains are strong. The present study aims to illustrate these phenomena in a group of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and to propose an explanatory hypothesis. A single neuropsychologist interviewed the parents about the child's situation and current difficulties and then assessed this parental view as overall positive or overall negative. The same assessor then administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scales and neuropsychological tests to 78 children and adolescents with NF1 (5–18 years). Parents then completed the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL), the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), as well as questionnaires assessing quality of life, impact of the medical disorder, and their own difficulties. All questionnaires were inter-correlated (r = 0.29 – 0.84) and associated with the overall positive or negative parental view of the child's progress (effect size = 0.41–1.46). Conversely, questionnaires were weakly or not significantly related to intelligence, cognitive measures, or clinical severity. In conclusion, the parental view of the child's progress was related to the answers to questionnaires assessing quality of life or strengths and difficulties of patients with a neurological disorder. This factor should be assessed independently and taken into account when assessing clinical outcome.
Biological Functions of ilvC in Branched-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis and Diffusible Signal Factor Family Production in Xanthomonas campestris

In bacteria, the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) is tightly associated with branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) synthetic pathways. Although previous studies have reported on BCFAs biosynthesis, more detailed associations between BCAAs metabolism and BCFAs biosynthesis remain to be addressed. In this study, we deleted the ilvC gene, which encodes ketol-acid reductoisomerase in the BCAAs synthetic pathway, from the Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) genome. We characterized gene functions in BCFAs biosynthesis and production of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals. Disruption of ilvC caused Xcc to become auxotrophic for valine and isoleucine, and lose the ability to synthesize BCFAs via carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, ilvC mutant reduced the ability to produce DSF-family signals, especially branched-chain DSF-family signals, which might be the main reason for Xcc reduction of pathogenesis toward host plants. In this report, we confirmed that BCFAs do not have major functions in acclimatizing Xcc cells to low temperatures.
Neurotrophins and peripheral neuropathy.

Endogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were studied in patients with nerve trauma, diabetes mellitus and leprosy, the most common causes of human peripheral neuropathy. In diabetics, there was an early length-dependent dysfunction of small-diameter sensory fibres, with depletion of skin NGF and the sensory neuropeptide substance P. The NGF depletion correlated significantly with decreased skin axon-reflex vasodilatation, which is mediated by small sensory fibres at least partly via substance P release. Immunostaining showed depletion of NGF in keratinocytes in diabetic skin. In injured nerves, NGF levels were reduced when compared to intact nerve, except acutely distal to injury; NGF-immunostaining was seen in Schwann cells in distal segments, including neuromas. NGF levels were decreased in leprosy-affected skin and nerve. The role of neurotrophins in the rational treatment of human neuropathies is discussed e.g. loss of nociception and axon-reflex vasodilatation contribute to skin ulceration, a major and serious complication, for which NGF may provide prophylaxis.
DEVELOPING TEXTS FOR AN ENGLISH FOR TOURISM COURSE: THE EFFECT OF USING TASK-CYCLING, SPACED RETRIEVAL AND HIGH-FREQUENCY WORDS ON STUDENTS' SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF ABILITY AND LEVELS OF CONFIDENCE

Texts used in traditional reading courses often contain complicated grammatical structures and academic lexical items. Exposing students to high level texts can aid language acquisition, but if the text is too complex, students can become overwhelmed and demotivated. To address this, texts and activities used in an undergraduate English for Tourism course were developed based on frequency lists and applying the principles of the modified natural approach (Byrnes 2006), task-cycling (Skehan 1998; Levy and Kennedy 2004) and spaced retrieval (Karpicke and Roediger 2007). This article reports on enrolled students’ perceptions of ability and levels of confidence.
A High Power RF Power Supply for High Energy Physics Applications

This paper considers the design of a “long-pulse” modulator supply rated at 25kV, 10A (250kW peak power, duty ratio 10%, 25kW average power, pulse length ≃ 1 – 2ms). The supply is based on direct modulation of a multi-phase resonant power supply, fed by an active rectifier. The objectives of the development are to produce a compact power supply, with low stored energy and with high power quality at the utility supply. The paper provides a brief overview of the technology, followed by a discussion of the design choices.
The Biphasic Root Growth Response to Abscisic Acid in Arabidopsis Involves Interaction with Ethylene and Auxin Signalling Pathways

Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) is known to either stimulate or inhibit root growth, depending on its concentration. In this study, the roles of ethylene and auxin in this biphasic effect of ABA on root elongation were investigated using chemical inhibitors and mutants. Inhibitors of ethylene perception and biosynthesis and an auxin influx inhibitor were all found to block the inhibitory effect of high ABA concentrations, but not the stimulatory effect of low ABA concentrations. In addition, three ethylene-insensitive mutants (etr1-1, ein2-1, and ein3-1), two auxin influx mutants (aux1-7, aux1-T) and an auxin-insensitive mutant (iaa7/axr2-1) were all insensitive to the inhibitory effect of high ABA concentrations. In the case of the stimulatory effect of low ABA concentrations, it was blocked by two different auxin efflux inhibitors and was less pronounced in an auxin efflux mutant (pin2/eir1-1) and in the iaa7/axr2-1 auxin-insensitive mutant. Thus it appears that the stimulatory effect seen at low ABA concentrations is via an ethylene-independent pathway requiring auxin signalling and auxin efflux through PIN2/EIR1, while the inhibitory effect at high ABA concentrations is via an ethylene-dependent pathway requiring auxin signalling and auxin influx through AUX1.
SemEval-2010 Task 14: Word Sense Induction &Disambiguation

This paper presents the description and evaluation framework of SemEval-2010 Word Sense Induction & Disambiguation task, as well as the evaluation results of 26 participating systems. In this task, participants were required to induce the senses of 100 target words using a training set, and then disambiguate unseen instances of the same words using the induced senses. Systems' answers were evaluated in: (1) an unsupervised manner by using two clustering evaluation measures, and (2) a supervised manner in a WSD task.
Handbook of Research on International Entrepreneurship

This unique reference book provides an array of diverse perspectives on international entrepreneurship, a new and emerging field of research that blends concepts and methodologies from more traditional social sciences. The Handbook includes chapters written by top researchers of economics and sociology, as well as academic leaders in the fields of entrepreneurship and international business. State-of-the-art contributions provide up-to-date literature reviews, making this book essential for the researcher of entrepreneurship and the internationalisation of entrepreneurs.
Distinguishing Monophonies From Polyphonies Using Weibull Bivariate Distributions

In the context of music indexation, it would be useful to have a precise information about the number of sources performing; a source is a solo voice or an isolated instrument which produces a single note at any time. This correspondence discusses the automatic distinction between monophonic music excerpts, where only one source is present, and polyphonic ones. Our method is based on the analysis of a “confidence indicator,” which gives the confidence (in fact its inverse) on the current estimated fundamental frequency (pitch). In a monophony, the confidence indicator is low. In a polyphony, the confidence indicator is higher and varies more. This leads us to compute the short term mean and variance of this indicator, take this 2-D vector as the observation vector and model its conditional distribution with Weibull bivariate models. This probability density function is characterized by five parameters. A method to perform their estimation is developed (in theory and practice). The decision is taken considering the maximum likelihood, computed over one second. The best configuration gives a global error rate of 6.3%, performed on a balanced corpus (18 minutes in total).