Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Target Language Adaptation of Discriminative Transfer Parsers

We study multi-source transfer parsing for resource-poor target languages; specifically methods for target language adaptation of delexicalized discriminative graph-based dependency parsers. We first show how recent insights on selective parameter sharing, based on typological and language-family features, can be applied to a discriminative parser by carefully decomposing its model features. We then show how the parser can be relexicalized and adapted using unlabeled target language data and a learning method that can incorporate diverse knowledge sources through ambiguous labelings. In the latter scenario, we exploit two sources of knowledge: arc marginals derived from the base parser in a self-training algorithm, and arc predictions from multiple transfer parsers in an ensemble-training algorithm. Our final model outperforms the state of the art in multi-source transfer parsing on 15 out of 16 evaluated languages.
Enhancement of Osteogenic Differentiation and Proliferation in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by a Modified Low Intensity Ultrasound Stimulation under Simulated Microgravity

Adult stem cells can differentiate into multiple lineages depending on their exposure to differing biochemical and biomechanical inductive factors. Lack of mechanical signals due to disuse can inhibit osteogenesis and induce adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Long-term bed rest due to both brain/spinal cord injury and space travel can lead to disuse osteoporosis that is in part caused by a reduced number of osteoblasts. Thus, it is essential to provide proper mechanical stimulation for cellular viability and osteogenesis, particularly under disuse conditions. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived human stem cells (Ad-hMSC) in simulated microgravity conditions. Cells were cultured in a 1D clinostat to simulate microgravity (SMG) and treated with LIPUS at 30mW/cm2 for 20 min/day. It was hypothesized that the application of LIPUS to SMG cultures would restore osteogenesis in Ad-hMSCs. The results showed significant increases in ALP, OSX, RANKL, RUNX2, and decreases in OPG in LIPUS treated SMG cultures of Ad-MSC compared to non-treated cultures. LIPUS also restored OSX, RUNX2 and RANKL expression in osteoblast cells. SMG significantly reduced ALP positive cells by 70% (p<0.01) and ALP activity by 22% (p<0.01), while LIPUS treatment restored ALP positive cell number and activity to equivalence with normal gravity controls. Extracellular matrix collagen and mineralization was assessed by Sirius red and Alizarin red staining, respectively. SMG cultures showed little or no collagen or mineralization, but LIPUS treatment restored collagen content to 50% (p<0.001) and mineralization by 45% (p<0.001) in LIPUS treated-SMG cultures relative to SMG-only cultures. The data suggest that LIPUS treatment can restore normal osteogenic differentiation of MSCs from disuse by daily short duration stimulation.
Appropriate Size of Laryngeal Mask Airway for Children

The aim of this crossover study was to determine the optimal size of laryngeal mask airway in children weighing 10 to 20 kg. In each of 67 apnoeic anaesthetized children, the size 2 and size 2½ laryngeal mask airways were inserted consecutively by a skilled user and the cuff inflated to 60 cmH 2 O. Each LMA was assessed for the ease of insertion (by the number of attempts), oropharyngeal leak pressure, anatomical position (assessed fibreoptically) and the volume of air required to achieve intracuff pressure of 60 cmH 2 O. During the measurement of oropharyngeal leak pressure, the airway pressure was not allowed to exceed 30 cmH 2 O. There was no failed attempt at insertion with any size. The oropharyngeal leak pressure was significantly less for the size 2 LMA compared to the size 2½ LMA (P<0.001). The oesophagus was visible on three occasions, all with the size 2 LMA. Gastric insufflation occurred in three patients, all with the size 2 LMA. The incidence of low oropharyngeal leak pressure (<10 cmH 2 O) was low (9.0%) and all occurred with the size 2 LMA. The fibreoptic bronchoscope scores were not significantly different between the two sizes of LMAs. The volume of air to achieve intracuff pressure of 60 cmH 2 O was much lower than the maximum recommended volume (5.1 ml for size 2 and 6.2 ml for size 2½). We conclude that the size 2½ LMA provides a better fit than size 2 in children 10 to 20 kg.
A Machine Learning Approach for Efficient Traffic Classification

Traffic classification is of fundamental importance to track the evolution of network applications and model their behaviours. Further, classified traffic is required to understand how the Internet is being used, and to effectively control the services that traffic receives. In this paper we present a machine-learning approach that accurately classifies live traffic using C4.5 decision tree. By collecting 12 features at the start of the flows, without inspecting the packet payload, our method can identify live traffic of different types of applications with 99.8% total accuracy. Moreover, accuracy is not our only concern; we also consider the latency and throughput as of high importance.
Factors associated with quit attempts and quitting among Eastern Hungarian women who smoked at the time of pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this research was to assess factors associated with quit attempts and successful smoking cessation among a sample of socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant women living in Eastern Hungary. MATERIALS AND METHODS In-person interviews were conducted among 201 women residing in Eastern Hungary who self-identified as occasional or regular smokers at the time they learned they were pregnant. RESULTS 54% of the women were smokers at the time they learned they were pregnant. Just over half tried to quit, but only 20% were successful. Factors associated with reduced likelihood of quit attempts included being a regular (vs. occasional) smoker (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-1.00) and being Roma (vs. non-Roma) (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.72). Women who completed high school were 7% times more likely to quit (OR = 7.5, 95% CI 1.68-33.2) and those who were employed were 7% times more likely to quit (OR = 7.6, 95% CI 1.88-30.35). Regular smokers were 88% less likely to quit than occasional smokers. DISCUSSION Smoking cessation interventions targeting pregnant women are needed in Eastern Hungary. Efforts to integrate smoking cessation into the current excellent pre-natal care and health visitor program will reach most women who are pregnant or who have given birth within the preceding 3 years.
Sprint-and-Halt Scheduling for Energy Reduction in Real-Time Systems with Software Power-Down

Abstract : Mobile computing platforms are performing increasingly complex and computationally intensive tasks. To help lengthen useful battery life, these platforms often incorporate some form of hardware power-down that is controlled by the system software. Unfortunately, these often incur substantial transition latencies when switching between power-down and active states, making them difficult to use in time-critical embedded systems. This paper introduces a class of sprint-and-halt schedulers that attempt to maximize the energy savings of software-controlled power-down mechanisms, while simultaneously maintaining hard real-time deadline guarantees. Several different algorithms are proposed to reclaim unused processing time, defer processing, and extend power-down intervals while respecting task deadlines. Sprint-and-halt schedulers are shown to reduce energy consumption by 40-70% over typical operating parameters. For very large or small state transition latencies, simple approaches work very close to theoretical limits, but over a critical range of latencies, advanced schedulers show 10-20% energy reduction over simpler methods.
Neutrophilia-Inducing Deferoxamine in Mice Infected with Staphylococcus aureus

The ability to sequester iron is a primary defense mechanism against bacterial infection. Iron chelation therapy has been considered as a possible treatment for various infectious diseases. S. aureus isolated from neonatal septicemia were used to study the effect of deferoxamine and sub-minimal inhibitory concentration of gentamicine on some virulence factors of this isolates. Also an experimental sepsis was inducted in mice and treated with gentamicin and deferoxamine. The expression of virulence factor (alpha-hemolysin, beta-hemolysin, delta-hemolysin, coagulase, and DNase) by Staphylococcus aureus isolates was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after exposure to DFO and/or gentamicin. The data of the present study showed that using of DFO led to significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the mortality rate of mice infected with S. aureus. In a murine model of S. aureus sepsis, deferoxamine treatment had an additional effect on survival and bacterial eradication from the organs of septicemic mice. In vitro exposure of S. aureus isolated to gentamicin and deferoxamine led to a decrease in the production of some virulence factors by these isolates.
Ever-Young Sex Chromosomes in European Tree Frogs

Non-recombining sex chromosomes are expected to undergo evolutionary decay, ending up genetically degenerated, as has happened in birds and mammals. Why are then sex chromosomes so often homomorphic in cold-blooded vertebrates? One possible explanation is a high rate of turnover events, replacing master sex-determining genes by new ones on other chromosomes. An alternative is that X-Y similarity is maintained by occasional recombination events, occurring in sex-reversed XY females. Based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, we estimated the divergence times between European tree frogs (Hyla arborea, H. intermedia, and H. molleri) to the upper Miocene, about 5.4–7.1 million years ago. Sibship analyses of microsatellite polymorphisms revealed that all three species have the same pair of sex chromosomes, with complete absence of X-Y recombination in males. Despite this, sequences of sex-linked loci show no divergence between the X and Y chromosomes. In the phylogeny, the X and Y alleles cluster according to species, not in groups of gametologs. We conclude that sex-chromosome homomorphy in these tree frogs does not result from a recent turnover but is maintained over evolutionary timescales by occasional X-Y recombination. Seemingly young sex chromosomes may thus carry old-established sex-determining genes, a result at odds with the view that sex chromosomes necessarily decay until they are replaced. This raises intriguing perspectives regarding the evolutionary dynamics of sexually antagonistic genes and the mechanisms that control X-Y recombination.
Glutamate receptor channels in isolated patches from CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampal slices.

1. Currents activated by glutamate receptor (GluR) agonists were recorded from outside‐out patches isolated from the soma of visually identified pyramidal neurones of the CA3 and CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices. alpha‐Amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), L‐glutamate (L‐Glu), and kainate (KA) were delivered either by bath application through perfusion of the recording chamber or by rapid application via a piezo‐driven two‐barrelled fast application system. 2. Bath application of each of the three agonists activated inward currents in all patches (n = 134) at holding potentials of ‐50 or ‐60 mV. The current amplitude increased in size between 3 to 30 microM‐AMPA and 100 microM to 1 mM‐KA. With this slow mode of bath application, the responses showed no apparent desensitization even at saturating concentrations of AMPA (30 microM) and KA (1 mM). 3. The ratio of currents activated by 30 microM‐AMPA and 300 microM‐KA showed a characteristic difference between CA3 and CA1 neurones. The ratio was 0.242 +/‐ 0.028 (mean +/‐ S.E.M., n = 16) for CA3 cell patches and 0.097 +/‐ 0.012 (n = 8) for CA1 cell patches indicating that GluRs in the two cell populations are different. 4. The steady‐state current‐voltage relations (I‐Vs) for AMPA‐ and KA‐activated currents showed pronounced outward rectification for both cell types (when the main cations are Na+ in the bath and Cs+ in the pipette solution). The current reversed close to 0 mV and the ratio of chord conductances 80 mV on either side of the reversal potential was 2.66 for KA‐activated currents in CA3 cell patches and 2.60 in CA1 cell patches. AMPA‐activated currents showed a time‐dependent increase after steps to positive membrane potentials and a decrease after steps to negative voltages, indicating that a gating process is responsible for outward rectification of the steady‐state I‐V. 5. The permeability (P) of GluR channels was high for Na+ as compared to Cs+ for both cell types (PNa/PCs = 0.88 and 0.84). The permeability was low for N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine+ (PNMG/PCs < or = 0.03) and Ca2+ (PCa/PCs < or = 0.05). 6. The current noise level increased during application of AMPA or KA. Apparent single‐channel conductances obtained from fluctuation analysis were higher for AMPA than for KA, but similar for both cell types. In CA3 cell patches, AMPA activated channels with an apparent chord conductance of 7.2 pS, KA of 3.0 pS conductance. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Studies in the transmission of Plasmodium malariae by Anopheles mosquitoes

P. malariae was first used for therapy purposes at Horton in 1928. Between 1928 and 1945, nine strains have been used. Most of these were from Africa, but some were from Holland, Roumania and South America. The strain from Holland was probably not indigenous to that country. All transmission experiments carried out between 1928 and 1945 were with Anopheles maculipennis var. atroparvus. Nineteen separate batches of mosquitoes were fed on patients in whose blood parasites believed to be gametocytes were seen. In only six of these batches were any of the mosquitoes found to be infected and then with only scanty oocysts; sporozoites were never found. No patients were infected by the bites of any of these mosquitoes. In 1947 a colony of A. stephensi (type) was established. From 1948 to 1950, sixty-eight batches of A. stephensi were fed on patients in whose blood Plasmodium malariae parasites were present. Scanty gametocytes were found in some of these patients, and on occasion mosquitoes which fed on them became infected, but in others no infection occurred. Other batches of mosquitoes did become infected after feeding on patients in whose blood no typical gametocytes were found even after a prolonged search. Out of sixty-eight batches of mosquitoes fed, infection was seen in twelve batches, in varying degree, but never with more than nine oocysts in an individual mosquito. Two consecutive human anopheline passages with laboratory-bred Anopheles mosquitoes (A. stephehsi type) and induced human carriers are reported.
A 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS UWB transceiver

A direct-conversion UWB transceiver for mode 1 OFDM applications employs three resonant networks and three PLLs. Designed in a 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, the transceiver provides a total gain in the range of 69 to 73 dB, an NF in the range of 5.5 to 8.4 dB across three bands, and a TX P/sub 1dB/ of -10 dBm. The circuit consumes 105 mW from a 1.5 V supply.
Cell‐surface‐bound Yersinia translocate the protein tyrosine phosphatase YopH by a polarized mechanism into the target cell

YopH is translocated by cell‐surface‐bound bacteria through the plasma membrane to the cytosol of the HeLa cell. The transfer mechanism is contact dependent and polarizes the translocation to only occur at the contact zone between the bacterium and the target cell. More than 99% of the PTPase activity is associated with the HeLa cells. In contrast to the wild‐type strain, the yopBD mutant cannot deliver YopH to the cytosol. Instead YopH is deposited in localized areas in the proximity of cell‐associated bacteria. A yopN mutant secretes 40% of the total amount of YopH to the culture medium, suggesting a critical role of YopN in regulation of the polarized translocation. Evidence for a region in YopH important for its translocation through the plasma membrane of the target cell but not for secretion from the pathogen is provided.
Parameterization of articulatory pattern in speakers with ALS

A combination of parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to parameterize the articulatory pattern of tongue, jaw and lip movements in 8 English vowels produced by 7 subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A two-factor PARAFAC model derived an overall articulatory pattern represented by two basic modes dominated by tongue raising and advancement, respectively. The relation between the two articulatory modes and the acoustic formants (F1, F2) followed a simple one-to-one linear mapping. The PCA on the residuals of the PARAFAC model showed various individualized articulatory features superimposed on the overall pattern. These articulatory features contributed in a systematic way to the acoustic deviation across different subjects. The parameterization approach (1) provided a simple and generalizable way to explore the underlying articulatory mechanism of speech decline in ALS and (2) accounted for the articulatory features across affected individuals. With further development of the approach and a comparison with the articulatory pattern for healthy subjects, it is possible to derive a set of quantitative articulatory indicators of speech impairment in ALS. Index Terms: parameterization, articulatory-acoustic mapping, ALS
Strategic Alignment and Information System project portfolio optimization model

With the evolution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Information Systems (IS) have become complex and difficult to control in the absence of definite necessary accompanying measures and lack of adherence of all stakeholders. Thus, a serious problem has faced organizations: how to develop Information Systems that provide both a better alignment with the organization's business strategy and a better added value? In this paper, we propose an optimization model that addresses this problem by providing a strategic alignment (SA) approach of IS projects while maximizing the value of projects. Strategic alignment is evaluated according to a well defined process that determines strategic axes, operational objectives, processes and functions of the information system to be developed according to a target of functional architecture. The project value is calculated according to criteria that each organization could define (estimated financial benefit, risk control, environmental efficiency, etc.). The model allows for determining IS project portfolio by taking into account the synergy created by projects that are located in the same portfolio, the constraints related to projects and resources.
A Statistical Detection of Gamma-Ray Emission from Galaxy Clusters: Implications for the Gamma-Ray Background and Structure Formation

The origin of the diffuse extragalactic high-energy gamma-ray background (EGRB) filling the universe remains unknown. The spectrum of this extragalactic radiation, as measured by EGRET on board the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, is well fitted by a power law across nearly four decades in energy, from 30 MeV to 100 GeV. It has been estimated that not more than a quarter of the diffuse gamma-ray background could be due to unresolved point sources. Recent studies have suggested that much of the diffuse background could originate from the upscatter of cosmic microwave background photons by relativistic electrons produced by shock waves in the intergalactic medium during large-scale structure formation. In this work, we search for evidence of gamma-ray emission associated with galaxy clusters by cross-correlating high Galactic latitude EGRET data with Abell clusters. Our results indicate a possible association of emission with clusters at a ≥3 σ level. For a subset of the 447 richest (R ≥ 2) clusters, the mean surface brightness excess is 1.2 × 10-6 photons cm-2 s-1 sr-1 (>100 MeV), corresponding to a typical nonthermal bolometric luminosity of Lγ ~ 1 × 1044 ergs s-1. Extrapolating this measurement and assuming no evolution, we conservatively estimate that ~1%-10% of the EGRB could originate from clusters with z < 1. For this cluster population, the predicted nonthermal luminosity is in excellent agreement with our measurement, suggesting that the clusters have experienced mass accretion within the last 109 yr. If correct, then future gamma-ray missions, such as the Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, should be able to directly detect nearby galaxy clusters.
Predictive value of ceruloplasmin for metabolic syndrome in adolescents.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is precisely defined and the cardiovascular risk associated with the clustering of its components has been demonstrated in adults. However, data on children and adolescents are still scarce, in part, because of difficulties in transposing the definition from adults. The identification of risk factors for the development of MetS at an early age is essential for prevention purposes with low-grade inflammation acting as a determinant for the association among the MetS components. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of the MetS with systemic markers of inflammation and ceruloplasmin in a population of adolescents. The present is a cross-sectional study whose sample population consisted of 976 adolescents, 13.2 ± 1.2 years of age. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was determined by a solid-phase chemiluminiscent immunometric assay. Ceruloplasmin was measured by immunoturbidimetry. MetS adolescents exhibited higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and ceruloplasmin compared to non-MetS individuals. TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP showed strong correlations with the MetS components and insulin resistance but not relevant predictive values according to ROC curves (AUC values 0.544- 0.555). In contrast, ceruloplasmin only showed significant correlations in non-Mets individuals, but exhibited a very high predictive value (AUC=0.941, P < 0.001). The determination of serum ceruloplasmin in adolescents might be a useful tool to identify patients with the highest risk of future cardiovascular disease.
Well-Being of Nursing Students: Role of Affect Regulation, Self-Esteem, Family Cohesion and Social Support

Nursing is a profession often characterized with high level of stress, physical and mental demands at work, which then can bring personal and social strains in nurses’ life. It is important to identify the factors, which can lead to nurses’ better subjective well-being. This study explores the relationship between subjective well-being (life satisfaction, happiness) and set of personal (self-esteem, affect regulation strategies) and social variables (family cohesion, social support). 411 participants were nursing part-time students, 79% females (M=25 years). They reported life satisfaction, happiness, strategies used by the Measure of Affect Regulation Styles classified into 6 scales: Behavioral, Cognitive, Situation-directed, Affect-directed, Disengagement and Avoidance, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Family cohesion scale and shortened and adapted version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List belonging subscale, their gender, age and socioeconomic status. Well-being variables were best predicted positively by behavioral and affect-focused strategies, social support, family cohesion and self-esteem. Both sets of personal and social variables showed similar predictive power. The findings of our study showed the importance of personal as well as social variables in predicting well-being among nursing students. Providing strong social support and good family cohesion, as well as using effective regulation strategies and having higher self-esteem would help in improving their life satisfaction and happiness.