Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic sentence segmentation and punctuation prediction for spoken language translation

This paper studies the impact of automatic sentence segmentation and punctuation prediction on the quality of machine translation of automatically recognized speech. We present a novel sentence segmentation method which is specifically tailored to the requirements of machine translation algorithms and is competitive with state-of-the-art approaches for detecting sentence-like units. We also describe and compare three strategies for predicting punctuation in a machine translation framework, including the simple and effective implicit punctuation generation by a statistical phrase-based machine translation system. Our experiments show the robust performance of the proposed sentence segmentation and punctuation prediction approaches on the IWSLT Chinese-to-English and TC-STAR English-to-Spanish speech translation tasks in terms of translation quality.
Structural analysis of integrated polyomavirus DNA in a polyomavirus-induced hamster tumor cell line

The nucleotide sequence and structural organization of integrated polyomavirus DNA and flanking host chromosomal DNA in a polyomavirus-induced hamster tumor cell line were evaluated. Although the proximal portion of the early transcriptional region was intact, the remainder of the integrated viral sequences was characterized by a series of rearrangements, including deletions, insertions, and a tandem duplication. Short direct repeats of different nucleotide sequences located on each side of the host-viral DNA junctions we examined were observed. Tumor cell chromosomal DNA flanking the integration site contained regions of patchy homology with viral DNA sequences which could have participated in the recombinational events leading to stable integration. The presence of several unusual structural features of tumor cell chromosomal DNA at the site of viral DNA integration, which were reminiscent of papovavirus DNA integrated into transformed cells, suggests that the recombinational mechanisms operative in vivo are accurately reflected by those functioning in vitro.
Agent-based modeling: case study in cleavage furrow models

The number of studies in cell biology in which quantitative models accompany experiments has been growing steadily. Roughly, mathematical and computational techniques of these models can be classified as “differential equation based” (DE) or “agent based” (AB). Recently AB models have started to outnumber DE models, but understanding of AB philosophy and methodology is much less widespread than familiarity with DE techniques. Here we use the history of modeling a fundamental biological problem—positioning of the cleavage furrow in dividing cells—to explain how and why DE and AB models are used. We discuss differences, advantages, and shortcomings of these two approaches.
An Experimental Comparison of Perceived Egocentric Distance in Real , Image-Based , and Traditional Virtual Environments using Direct Walking Tasks

In virtual environments, perceived egocentric distances are often underestimated when compared to the same distance judgments in the real world. The research presented in this paper explores two possible causes for this reduced distance perception in virtual environments: (1) real-time computer graphics rendering, and (2) immersive display technology. Our experiment compared egocentric distance judgments in three complex, indoor environments: a real hallway with full-cue conditions; a virtual, stereoscopic, photographic panorama; and a virtual, stereoscopic computer model. Perceived egocentric distance was determined by a directed walking task in which subjects walk blindfolded to the target. Our results show there is a significant difference in distance judgments between real and virtual environments. However, the differences between distance judgments in virtual photographic panorama environments and traditionally rendered virtual environments are small, suggesting that the display device is affecting distance judgments in virtual environments. An Experimental Comparison of Perceived Egocentric Distance in Real, Image-Based, and Traditional Virtual Environments using Direct Walking Tasks Peter Willemsen Amy Ashurst Gooch
Development of a Virtual Approach-Avoidance Task to Assess Alcohol Cravings

The aim of the present study was to develop a new approach-avoidance task in a virtual environment that could be used to assess the response to virtual alcohol-related situations by heavy social drinkers (HSDs) and light social drinkers (LSDs). Thirty-six male undergraduates (18 HSDs, 18 LSDs) responded to signals when they pulled or pushed a joystick after watching scenes of alcohol- or nonalcohol-related situations in a virtual environment. The HSD group spent more time on moving away from alcohol-related situations than nonalcohol-related situations. We found that the HSD group had difficulty in avoiding alcohol-related situations in the virtual environment. The Virtual Approach-Avoidance Task might more accurately measure the levels of social drinkers' craving to drink as it provides realistic situations and allows individuals to be immersed in virtual environments.
The Genome Sequence of the Leaf-Cutter Ant Atta cephalotes Reveals Insights into Its Obligate Symbiotic Lifestyle

Leaf-cutter ants are one of the most important herbivorous insects in the Neotropics, harvesting vast quantities of fresh leaf material. The ants use leaves to cultivate a fungus that serves as the colony's primary food source. This obligate ant-fungus mutualism is one of the few occurrences of farming by non-humans and likely facilitated the formation of their massive colonies. Mature leaf-cutter ant colonies contain millions of workers ranging in size from small garden tenders to large soldiers, resulting in one of the most complex polymorphic caste systems within ants. To begin uncovering the genomic underpinnings of this system, we sequenced the genome of Atta cephalotes using 454 pyrosequencing. One prediction from this ant's lifestyle is that it has undergone genetic modifications that reflect its obligate dependence on the fungus for nutrients. Analysis of this genome sequence is consistent with this hypothesis, as we find evidence for reductions in genes related to nutrient acquisition. These include extensive reductions in serine proteases (which are likely unnecessary because proteolysis is not a primary mechanism used to process nutrients obtained from the fungus), a loss of genes involved in arginine biosynthesis (suggesting that this amino acid is obtained from the fungus), and the absence of a hexamerin (which sequesters amino acids during larval development in other insects). Following recent reports of genome sequences from other insects that engage in symbioses with beneficial microbes, the A. cephalotes genome provides new insights into the symbiotic lifestyle of this ant and advances our understanding of host–microbe symbioses.
Familial clustering of impaired spermatogenesis: no evidence for a common genetic inheritance pattern.

BACKGROUND The aetiology of impaired spermatogenesis is unknown in the majority of cases. Evidence of a contribution of genetic factors is still scarce. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether male factor subfertility due to impaired spermatogenesis has a familial component and to test different genetic models of inheritance. METHODS Cases were all men with severe idiopathic impaired spermatogenesis attending our fertility clinic from January 1998 until December 2001. Controls were all men with normozoospermia attending our fertility clinic in the same period. Family data were collected from the medical records and by additional interviews of the probands. If subfertility of a first-degree relative was mentioned, permission was sought to contact the affected family member in order to obtain all medical information available, including the results of semen analyses. RESULTS In total, 160 patients and 285 controls were included in the analysis. Family size and number of brothers and sisters were equally distributed in both groups. In the patient group, 1.63% of the brothers who had tried to father a child were mentioned to be subfertile compared to 5.8% in the control group [odds ratio 3.18 (95% confidence interval 1.59-6.37)]. The subfertility among the brothers in the patient group was more often due to reduced semen parameters compared to the control group. The data did not fit with frequent autosomal dominant or recessive segregation. CONCLUSION Male factor subfertility due to impaired spermatogenesis appears to cluster in families. Our data suggests that heritable genetic factors play a role in a limited number of cases. Impaired spermatogenesis is not caused by a common genetic defect, but is most likely a complex disease in which several different factors play a role.
Cubulating spaces with walls

The elegant notion of a space with walls was introduced by Haglund and Paulin [6]. Prototypical examples of spaces with walls are CAT(0) cube complexes, introduced by Gromov in [5]. The purpose of this note is to observe that every space with walls has a canonical embedding in a CAT(0) cube complex and, consequently, a group action on a space with walls extends naturally to a group action on a CAT(0) cube complex. The usefulness of this result is that spaces with walls are often easily identifiable by geometric reasons.
Accurate Determination of Photovoltaic Cell and Module Peak Power From Their Current–Voltage Characteristics

We investigate the extraction of the peak power of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules from their current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. Synthetic I-V curves are generated by numerically solving the two-diode equation in steady-state conditions with representative parameters for crystalline silicon-based solar cells. Parasitic effects that may affect the shape of the current- voltage curves are not considered yet. The cases of high- and low-voltage sampling frequencies are addressed. We propose and qualify a novel fit procedure, where the boundaries are defined as two independent power thresholds, and demonstrate a factor 3-4 improvement on the peak power estimation in comparison with other state-of-the-art approaches. We unveil the dependence of the fit accuracy on the devices parameters, especially their fill factor (FF). Interestingly, we show that an equally good fit accuracy is obtained when only five to ten points are placed neighboring the peak power, provided that these points are placed at the appropriate positions. We then broaden our approach to the extraction of the short-circuit current density and the open-circuit voltage from I-V curves. We validate our guidelines by extracting the maximum peak power from (I-V) curves measured on actual PV devices.
A mountain of millipedes VII: The genus Eviulisoma Silvestri, 1910, in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, and related species from other Eastern Arc Mountains. With notes on Eoseviulisoma Brolemann, 1920, and Suohelisoma Hoffman, 1963 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae)

Twenty-two new species of the genus Eviulisoma Silvestri, 1910, from the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania, are described: E. acaciae sp. nov., E. aequilobatum sp. nov., E. akkariae sp. nov., E. angulatum sp. nov., E. articulatum sp. nov., E. biquintum sp. nov., E. breviscutum sp. nov., E. cetafi sp. nov., E. chitense sp. nov., E. commelina sp. nov., E. coxale sp. nov., E. ejti sp. nov., E. grumslingslak sp. nov., E. kalimbasiense sp. nov., E. navuncus sp. nov., E. nessiteras sp. nov., E. ottokrausi sp. nov., E. paradisiacum sp. nov., E. sternale sp. nov. and E. zebra sp. nov. from the Udzungwa Mts, E. culter sp. nov. from the Rubeho Mts and E. kangense sp. nov. from the Kanga Mts. Eviulisoma kwabuniense Kraus, 1958, and E. dabagaense Kraus, 1958, both from the Udzungwa Mts, are redesribed based on new material. Notes are provided on E. iuloideum (Verhoeff, 1941) based on type material. Eoseviulisoma Brolemann, 1920, is synonymized under Eviulisoma, based on newly collected material of E. julinum (Attems, 1909), type species of Eoseviulisoma. New material of Suohelisoma ulugurense Hoffman, 1964, type species of Suohelisoma Hoffman, 1964, has revealed that the gonopod structure is more similar to that of Eviulisoma than originally thought, but Suohelisoma is retained as a valid genus. Four species groups are recognized among Eviulisoma species from the Udzungwa Mts, but the need for a revision of the entire genus is emphasized. Two types of epizootic fungi are recorded from Eviulisoma spp. , and an enigmatic amorphous mass, which may be a kind of plugging substance, is recorded from the gonopod tips and excavated sixth sternum of several species.
An Analysis of Single-Layer Networks in Unsupervised Feature Learning

A great deal of research has focused on algorithms for learning features from unlabeled data. Indeed, much progress has been made on benchmark datasets like NORB and CIFAR by employing increasingly complex unsupervised learning algorithms and deep models. In this paper, however, we show that several simple factors, such as the number of hidden nodes in the model, may be more important to achieving high performance than the learning algorithm or the depth of the model. Specifically, we will apply several othe-shelf feature learning algorithms (sparse auto-encoders, sparse RBMs, K-means clustering, and Gaussian mixtures) to CIFAR, NORB, and STL datasets using only singlelayer networks. We then present a detailed analysis of the eect of changes in the model setup: the receptive field size, number of hidden nodes (features), the step-size (“stride”) between extracted features, and the eect of whitening. Our results show that large numbers of hidden nodes and dense feature extraction are critical to achieving high performance—so critical, in fact, that when these parameters are pushed to their limits, we achieve state-of-the-art performance on both CIFAR-10 and NORB using only a single layer of features. More surprisingly, our best performance is based on K-means clustering, which is extremely fast, has no hyperparameters to tune beyond the model structure itself, and is very easy to implement. Despite the simplicity of our system, we achieve accuracy beyond all previously published results on the CIFAR-10 and NORB datasets (79.6% and 97.2% respectively).
ContextFJ: a minimal core calculus for context-oriented programming

We develop a minimal core calculus called ContextFJ to model language mechanisms for context-oriented programming (COP). Unlike other formal models of COP, ContextFJ has a direct operational semantics that can serve as a precise description of the core of COP languages. We also discuss a simple type system that helps to prevent undefined methods from being accessed via proceed.
Why the Structure but Not the Activity of the Immunoproteasome Subunit Low Molecular Mass Polypeptide 2 Rescues Antigen Presentation

The proteasome is responsible for the generation of most epitopes presented on MHC class I molecules. Treatment of cells with IFN-γ leads to the replacement of the constitutive catalytic subunits β1, β2, and β5 by the inducible subunits low molecular mass polypeptide (LMP) 2 (β1i), multicatalytic endopeptidase complex-like-1 (β2i), and LMP7 (β5i), respectively. The incorporation of these subunits is required for the production of numerous MHC class I-restricted T cell epitopes. The structural features rather than the proteolytic activity of an immunoproteasome subunit are needed for the generation of some epitopes, but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. Experiments with LMP2-deficient splenocytes revealed that the generation of the male HY-derived CTL-epitope UTY246–254 was dependent on LMP2. Treatment of male splenocytes with an LMP2-selective inhibitor did not reduce UTY246–254 presentation, whereas silencing of β1 activity increased presentation of UTY246–254. In vitro degradation experiments showed that the caspase-like activity of β1 was responsible for the destruction of this CTL epitope, whereas it was preserved when LMP2 replaced β1. Moreover, inhibition of the β5 subunit rescued the presentation of the influenza matrix 58–66 epitope, thus suggesting that a similar mechanism can apply to the exchange of β5 by LMP7. Taken together, our data provide a rationale why the structural property of an immunoproteasome subunit rather than its activity is required for the generation of a CTL epitope.
Embedded Transmission of Multi-Service Over DTMB System

To efficiently support the transmission of terrestrial and mobile services within the same spectrum over the Digital Television Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DTMB) system, a flexible multi-service datacasting scheme in a backward compatible manner is proposed. Using this scheme, the conventional DTMB receivers work as usual by simply selecting the specific terrestrial DTV programs on the basis of the package identifier (PID) checking, while only the desired mobile service data are processed by the mobile receivers via the designed control signals. Both theoretical analysis and computer simulation show that, at acceptable spectral efficiency penalty, the proposed method not only supports the embedded transmission of multi-services with no reception performance degradation for the traditional terrestrial broadcasting service, but also flexibly provides much better mobile reception performance.
Hinchey I and II diverticular abscesses: long‐term outcome of conservative treatment

The management of diverticular disease and its complications are an increasing burden to the health system. The natural history of conservatively managed diverticular abscesses (Hinchey I and II) is poorly described and it remains open to debate whether subsequent sigmoid resection is indicated after conservative management. This observational study compares outcomes of patients treated with conservative management (antibiotics +/− percutaneous drainage) and surgery.
A cross-cultural study of nursing aides’ attitudes to elder abuse in nursing homes

ABSTRACT Background: Nursing aides’ attitudes to elder abuse may serve as predictors of a proclivity to it, and may be influenced by cultural and situational context such as immigration. The purpose of the current study was to examine attitudes to elder abuse in three groups of Israeli nursing aides, namely veteran Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs, and new immigrants, and their associations to demographic and work-related factors. Methods: 188 nursing aides (31 veteran Israeli Jews, 38 Israeli Arabs, 119 new immigrants) at 18 nursing homes in Israel completed questionnaires on work stressors, attitudes to elder abuse, sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: New immigrant nursing aides reported a higher tendency to condone abusive behaviors than did veteran Jewish and Arab nursing aides. Some 23% of the variance in attitudes was explained by group, demographics, work stressors and burnout. Greater condoning of elder abuse was associated with belonging to the new immigrant group, being unmarried and reporting higher work stressors. There was an interaction effect of work stressors × group, indicating that higher work stressors were related to a stronger tendency to condone elder abuse in the new immigrant group than in the veteran Jewish and Arab groups. Burnout was correlated with greater condoning of elder abuse; this association was not significant when the other variables were controlled for in the regression analysis. Conclusions: Attitudes condoning elder abuse are related to work stressors, and may be accelerated by the additional stressors on new immigrant nursing aides. Careful planning of the professional guidance and support given to new immigrant nursing aides is important.
C-Reactive Protein Is an Independent Predictor of the Rate of Increase in Early Carotid Atherosclerosis

Background—An elevated plasma concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. However, there have been no longitudinal studies of the relations between development of atherosclerotic lesions and hs-CRP concentrations. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether increased hs-CRP concentrations result in the development of atherosclerosis. Methods and Results—The study included 179 outpatients 40 to 79 years of age who were treated at our institute for traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The patients had no evidence of advanced carotid atherosclerosis at the time of baseline examination. Patients underwent repeated ultrasonographic evaluation of the carotid arteries for 35±10 months. Blood samples were collected for hs-CRP measurements. Based on focal intima-media thickening ≥1.1 mm representing plaque, plaque number (PN) and plaque score (PS; the sum of all plaque thicknesses) were calculated. The development of atherosclerosis was estimated by the formula &Dgr;value/year=(last value−baseline value)/number of follow-up years. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the log-transformed value for hs-CRP concentration was not related to baseline PN or PS but was related to &Dgr;PN/year and &Dgr;PS/year (&bgr;=0.29 and 0.30;P <0.001 for both) independently of the effect of traditional risk factors. Conclusions—During the early stages of carotid atherosclerosis, the hs-CRP concentration is a marker of carotid atherosclerotic activity rather than extent of atherosclerosis.
Somatic hypermutation: activation-induced deaminase for C/G followed by polymerase η for A/T

Somatic hypermutation (SHM) introduces nucleotide substitutions into immunoglobulin variable (Ig V) region genes at all four bases, but the mutations at C/G and A/T pairs are achieved by distinct mechanisms. Mutations at C/G pairs are a direct consequence of the C→U deamination catalyzed by activation-induced deaminase (AID). Mutations at A/T pairs, however, require a second mutagenic process that occurs during patch repair of the AID-generated U/G mismatch. Several DNA polymerases have been proposed to play a role in SHM, but accumulating evidence indicates that the mutations at A/T are overwhelmingly achieved by recruitment of DNA polymerase η.
Prognostic factors and reporting of prostate carcinoma in radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens

This paper, based on the activity of the Morphology-Based Prognostic Factors Committee of the 2004 World Health Organization-sponsored International Consultation, describes various methods of handling radical prostatectomy specimens for both routine clinical use and research purposes. The correlation between radical prostatectomy findings and postoperative failure is discussed in detail. This includes issues relating to pelvic lymph node involvement, detected both at the time of frozen section and in permanent sections. Issues of seminal vesicle invasion, including its definition, routes of invasion and relationship to prognosis, are covered in detail. The definition, terminology and incidence of extra-prostatic extension are elucidated, along with its prognostic significance relating to location and extent. Margins of resection are covered in terms of their definition, the etiology, incidence and sites of positive margins, the use of frozen sections to assess the margins and the relationship between margin positivity and prognosis. Issues relating to grade within the radical prostatectomy specimen are covered in depth, including novel ways of reporting Gleason grade and the concept of tertiary Gleason patterns. Tumor volume, tumor location, vascular invasion and perineural invasion are the final variables discussed relating to the prognosis of radical prostatectomy specimens. The use of multivariate analysis to predict progression is discussed, together with proposed modifications to the TNM system. Finally, biomarkers to predict progression following radical prostatectomy are described, including DNA ploidy, microvessel density, Ki-67, neuroendocrine differentiation, p53, p21, p27, Bcl-2, Her-2/neu, E-cadherin, CD44, retinoblastoma proteins, apoptotic index, androgen receptor status, expression of prostate-specific antigen and prostatic-specific acid phosphatase and nuclear morphometry.