Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Middleware for Creating and Combining Multi-dimensional NLP Markup

We present the Heart of Gold middleware by demonstrating three XML-based integration scenarios where multi-dimensional markup produced online by multilingual natural language processing (NLP) components is combined to deliver rich, robust linguistic markup for use in NLP-based applications like information extraction, question answering and semantic web. The scenarios include (1) robust deep-shallow integration, (2) shallow processing cascades, and (3) treebank storage of multi-dimensionally annotated texts.
A projected gradient algorithm for color image decomposition

In this paper, we are interested in color image processing, and in particular color image decomposition. The problem of image decomposition consists in splitting an original image f into two components u and v. u should contain the geometric information of the original image, while v should be made of the oscillating patterns of f , such as textures. We propose here a scheme based on a projected gradient algorithm to compute the solution of various decomposition models for color images or vector-valued images. We provide a direct convergence proof of the scheme, and we give some analysis on color texture modeling. Key-words: Color image decomposition, projected gradient algorithm, color texture modeling.
Photo‐Thermo‐Mechanical Behaviour Under Quasi‐Static Tensile Conditions of a PMMA‐Core Optical Fibre

As the optical power transmitted by an optical fibre under tensile stress varies with strain, it can be used as a sensor for strain monitoring in structural elements. In the present work, quasi‐static tensile tests of step index polymer optical fibres (POF) with simultaneous measurement of surface temperature and optical power are described. Young's modulus, yield stress and tensile strength are derived from experimental tests. Morphological characterization of the POF fibres using scanning electron microscope images and differential calorimetry technique is performed. The contributions of both elastic and plastic strain components to the variation of temperature and optical power loss are also estimated. The evolution of the POF mechanical properties as well as that of temperature and optical power loss is explained in terms of the progressive relative movement and alignment of the molecular chains in the direction of the applied load. Strain, temperature and optical power loss are then correlated.
Uniformly elliptic operators on Riemannian manifolds

Given a Riemannian manifold (M, g), we study the solutions of heat equations associated with second order differential operators in divergence form that are uniformly elliptic with respect to g . Typical examples of such operators are the Laplace operators of Riemannian structures which are quasi-isometric to g . We first prove some Poincare and Sobolev inequalities on geodesic balls. Then we use Moser's iteration to obtain Harnack inequalities. Gaussian estimates, uniqueness theorems, and other applications are also discussed. These results involve local or global lower bound hypotheses on the Ricci curvature of g. Some of them are new even when applied to the Laplace operator of (M, g).
The H2.0-Like Homeobox Transcription Factor Modulates Yolk Sac Vascular Remodeling in Mouse Embryos

Objective—The H2.0-like homeobox transcription factor (HLX) plays an essential role in visceral organogenesis in mice and has been shown to regulate angiogenic sprouting in vitro and in zebrafish embryos. We therefore examined the role of HLX in vascular development in mouse and avian embryos. Approach and Results—In situ hybridization showed that Hlx is expressed in a subset of sprouting blood vessels in postnatal mouse retinas and embryos. Hlx expression was conserved in quail embryos and upregulated in blood vessels at the onset of circulation. In vitro assays showed that Hlx is dynamically regulated by growth factors and shear stress alterations. Proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor induces Hlx expression in cultured endothelial cells, whereas signals that induce stalk cell identity lead to a reduction in Hlx expression. HLX was also downregulated in embryos in which flow was ablated, whereas injection of a starch solution, which increases blood viscosity and therefore shear stress, causes an upregulation in HLX. HLX knockdown in vitro resulted in a reduction in tip cell marker expression and in reduced angiogenic sprouting, but Hlx−/− embryos showed no defect in vascular sprouting at E8.5, E9.5, or E11.5 in vivo. Vascular remodeling of the capillary plexus was altered in Hlx−/− embryos, with a modestly enlarged venous plexus and reduction of the arterial plexus. Conclusions—Our findings indicate not only that Hlx regulates sprouting in vitro, but that its role in sprouting is nonessential in vivo. We find HLX is regulated by shear stress and a subtle defect in vascular remodeling is present in knockout embryos.
The Formation Mechanism of Defects, Spiral Wave in the Network of Neurons

A regular network of neurons is constructed by using the Morris-Lecar (ML) neuron with the ion channels being considered, and the potential mechnism of the formation of a spiral wave is investigated in detail. Several spiral waves are initiated by blocking the target wave with artificial defects and/or partial blocking (poisoning) in ion channels. Furthermore, possible conditions for spiral wave formation and the effect of partial channel blocking are discussed completely. Our results are summarized as follows. 1) The emergence of a target wave depends on the transmembrane currents with diversity, which mapped from the external forcing current and this kind of diversity is associated with spatial heterogeneity in the media. 2) Distinct spiral wave could be induced to occupy the network when the target wave is broken by partially blocking the ion channels of a fraction of neurons (local poisoned area), and these generated spiral waves are similar with the spiral waves induced by artificial defects. It is confirmed that partial channel blocking of some neurons in the network could play a similar role in breaking a target wave as do artificial defects; 3) Channel noise and additive Gaussian white noise are also considered, and it is confirmed that spiral waves are also induced in the network in the presence of noise. According to the results mentioned above, we conclude that appropriate poisoning in ion channels of neurons in the network acts as ‘defects’ on the evolution of the spatiotemporal pattern, and accounts for the emergence of a spiral wave in the network of neurons. These results could be helpful to understand the potential cause of the formation and development of spiral waves in the cortex of a neuronal system.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: cardiovascular risk factors according to specific phenotypes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the impact of insulin resistance and body mass index (BMI) on inflammatory and hemostatic variables associated with long‐term risk of cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS.
Noise Robust Music Artist Recognition Using I-Vector Features

In music information retrieval (MIR), dealing with different types of noise is important and the MIR models are frequently used in noisy environments such as live performances. Recently, i-vector features have shown great promise for some major tasks in MIR, such as music similarity and artist recognition. In this paper, we introduce a novel noise-robust music artist recognition system using i-vector features. Our method uses a short sample of noise to learn the parameters of noise, then using a Maximum A Postriori (MAP) estimation it estimates clean i-vectors given noisy i-vectors. We examine the performance of multiple systems confronted with different kinds of additive noise in a clean training - noisy testing scenario. Using open-source tools, we have synthesized 12 different noisy versions from a standard 20-class music artist recognition dataset encountered with 4 different kinds of additive noise with 3 different Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Using these datasets, we carried out music artist recognition experiments comparing the proposed method with the state-of-the-art. The results suggest that the proposed method out-performs the state-of-the-art.
Sulphur–carbon composites for Li/S batteries

Abstract Structural and electrochemical properties of various types of sulphur–carbon composites were reviewed to propose approaching ways for the development of lithium/sulphur battery with high energy density and good cycle performance. To improve the electrochemical properties of a sulphur cathode, carbon and polymer materials are applied to sulphur composites: multiwalled nanotube (MWNT), graphene, CMK-3 and activated carbon; and polyaniline (PANi), polyacrylonitrile and polythiophene (PTh). These can serve conducting paths and a polysulphide reservoir to enhance the electrical conductivity of the sulphur cathode and effectively prevent dissolution of polysulphides. And the composites are categorised in two parts such as mixed type sulphur composites and embedded type sulphur composites. Among the sulphur–carbon composites, the hollow carbon capsule/S composite prepared by a geometric control and an infusion method of sulphur in sulphur carbon composite electrode, demonstrated the best electrochemical properties.
Angiotensin II increases vascular proteoglycan content preceding and contributing to atherosclerosis development11 This work was presented in part at the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology annual conference, Denver, CO, 2006. Published, JLR Papers in Press, November 21, 2007.

Angiotensin II (angII) is known to promote atherosclerosis; however, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. To determine whether angII stimulates proteoglycan production and LDL retention, LDL receptor-deficient mice were infused with angII (1,000 ng/kg/min) or saline via osmotic minipumps. To control for the hypertensive effect of angII, a parallel group received norepinephrine (NE; 5.6 mg/kg/day). Arterial lipid accumulation was evaluated by measuring the retention rate of LDL in isolated carotid arteries perfused ex vivo. Mice infused with angII had increased vascular content of biglycan and perlecan and retained twice as much LDL as saline- or NE-infused mice, although no group developed atherosclerosis at this time. To determine whether this increase in biglycan and perlecan content predisposed to atherosclerosis development, mice were infused with angII, saline, or NE for 4 weeks, then pumps were removed and mice received an atherogenic Western diet for another 6 weeks. Mice that had received angII infusions had 3-fold increased atherosclerosis compared with mice that had received saline or NE, and apolipoprotein B colocalized with both proteoglycans. Thus, one mechanism by which angII promotes atherosclerosis is increased proteoglycan synthesis and increased arterial LDL retention, which precedes and contributes to atherosclerosis development.
Effects of Channel Estimation on Spatial Modulation

In this letter, we investigate the effects of training-based channel estimation on the achievable performance of the recent spatial modulation (SM) based multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme. This is motivated by the fact that the SM transmitter is constituted by a single radio-frequency (RF) branch and multiple antenna elements (AEs), hence simultaneous pilot transmissions from the AEs are impossible, unlike in the classic multiple-RF MIMO transmitters. Our simulation results demonstrate that the SM scheme's BER curve exhibits a performance penalty, while relying on realistic imperfect channel-estimation. In order to combat these limitations, we propose two single-RF arrangements, namely a reduced-complexity joint channel estimation and data detection aided SM scheme as well as a non-coherently detected single-RF space-time shift keying scheme dispensing with channel estimation.
Parametric completeness for separation theories

In this paper, we close the logical gap between provability in the logic BBI, which is the propositional basis for separation logic, and validity in an intended class of separation models, as employed in applications of separation logic such as program verification. An intended class of separation models is usually specified by a collection of axioms describing the specific model properties that are expected to hold, which we call a separation theory. Our main contributions are as follows. First, we show that several typical properties of separation theories are not definable in BBI. Second, we show that these properties become definable in a suitable hybrid extension of BBI, obtained by adding a theory of naming to BBI in the same way that hybrid logic extends normal modal logic. The binder-free extension captures most of the properties we consider, and the full extension HyBBI(↓) with the usual ↓ binder of hybrid logic covers all these properties. Third, we present an axiomatic proof system for our hybrid logic whose extension with any set of "pure" axioms is sound and complete with respect to the models satisfying those axioms. As a corollary of this general result, we obtain, in a parametric manner, a sound and complete axiomatic proof system for any separation theory from our considered class. To the best of our knowledge, this class includes all separation theories appearing in the published literature.
Removal of Confounding Effects of Global Signal in Functional MRI Analyses

Local signals obtained from BOLD fMRI are generally confounded by global effects. In this paper, we make an essential distinction between global effects and the global signal. Global effects have a similar influence on local signals from a large proportion of cerebral voxels. They may reflect diffuse physiological processes or variations in scanner sensitivity and are difficult to measure directly. Global effects are often estimated from the global signal, which is the spatial average of local signals from all cerebral voxels. If the global signal is strongly correlated with experimental manipulations, meaningfully different results may be obtained whether or not global effects are modeled (G. K. Aguirre et al., 1998, NeuroImage, 8, 302-306). In particular, if local BOLD signals make a significant contribution to the global signal, analyses using ANCOVAor proportional scaling models may yield artifactual deactivations. In this paper, we present a modification to the proportional scaling model that accounts for the contribution of local BOLD signals to the global signal. An event-related oddball stimulus paradigm and a block design working memory task were used to illustrate the efficacy of our model.
Bib2vec: An Embedding-based Search System for Bibliographic Information

We propose a novel embedding model that represents relationships among several elements in bibliographic information with high representation ability and flexibility. Based on this model, we present a novel search system that shows the relationships among the elements in the ACL Anthology Reference Corpus. The evaluation results show that our model can achieve a high prediction ability and produce reasonable search results.
Photonic metallic nanostructures in photodynamic therapy

Plasmons are resonant modes that involve the interaction between free charges and light. Nanoparticle-based photonic explorers have been developed for photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT has been widely used in both oncological (e.g., tumors) and nononcological (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, localized infection, and nonmalignant skin conditions) applications. Three primary components are involved in PDT: light, a photosensitizing drug, and oxygen. The photosensitizer adsorbs light energy, which it then transfers to molecular oxygen to create an activated form of oxygen called singlet oxygen. The singlet oxygen is a cytotoxic agent and reacts rapidly with cellular components to cause damage that ultimately leads to cell death and tumor destruction. The changed topography of the film surface after deposition is caused by a local material transport and a material separation between formed particles (probably AgNO3) and an embedding polymer matrix as chitosan. This paper focuses on the current use of injectable in situ Au/(Ag)/chitosan hydrogels in cancer photodynamic treatment. Formulation protocols for their cytotoxic properties, their effect on cell growth in vitro and inhibition of tumor growth in vivo using mouse models, are discussed.
Genetic evolution of hepatitis G virus in chronically infected individual patients.

Comparative sequence analysis of different isolates of hepatitis G virus (HGV) has demonstrated significant intersubject genetic heterogeneity, but few data on intrasubject genetic evolution have been reported. To further investigate the genetic diversification of the HGV genome, 36 plasma samples from eleven patients chronically infected with HGV serially obtained 2-4 years apart were analysed. We determined the viral nucleotide sequence of the 5' non-coding (NC) and the NS3 regions by directly sequencing the RT-PCR amplified products obtained from the viral RNAs. Intrasubject sequence variation was found to be 1.3-2.4 x 10(-3) base substitutions per genome site per year within the 5' NC region and 1.3-9.4 x 10(-3) base substitutions per genome site per year within the NS3 region. Depending on the genomic region analysed (i.e. 5' NC or NS3 region), pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic reconstructions showed that intersubject genetic distances were 17.5- to 20.8-fold greater than intrasubject ones. Overall, the evolution rate of HGV in the regions analysed is not significantly different from that found in hepatitis C virus.
Foundations of compositional models: structural properties

The paper is a follow-up of [R.J.: Foundations of compositional model theory. IJGS, 40(2011): 623–678], where basic properties of compositional models, as one of the approaches to multidimensional probability distributions representation and processing, were introduced. In fact, it is an algebraic alternative to graphical models, which does not use graphs to represent conditional independence statements. Here, these statements are encoded in a sequence of distributions to which an operator of composition – the key element of this theory – is applied in order to assemble a multidimensional model from its low-dimensional parts. In this paper, we show a way to read conditional independence relations, and to solve related topics, above all the so-called equivalence problem, i.e. the problem of recognizing whether two different structures induce the same system of conditional independence relations.
Novel Implementation of Transversal Filters in Multilayered Microstrip Technology

This paper presents novel and compact implementations of bandpass filters using transversal topologies. The structures presented implement different transfer functions of order three in multilayered microstrip technology. In order to allow for easy implementation of the required coupling, multilayered broadside configurations are proposed. We demonstrate that with the proposed configurations, both dualband and quasi-elliptic responses can be easily synthesized, by only changing the sign of certain entries in the coupling matrix. To easily adjust the sign of the coupling, novel resonators are proposed, including simple half-wavelength transmission line resonators, meander line resonators and shortcircuited resonators. Experimental validations for both prototypes are presented, demonstrating the validity and usefulness of the proposed configurations.
An Observer and Observer Based Modeling Lateral Dynamics For Moving Steel Strip

The steel strip processing systems rely on accurate lateral positioning to achieve high processing speeds and improved product quality. In real steel strip process systems are not just nonlinear and time-varying but also highly uncertain. This research focuses on the disturbance estimation approach to modeling unknown dynamics of physical plant. The Euler’s beam theory with boundary condition is considered to derive the equation of the moving steel strip. To consider unknown dynamics in the real steel strip, a nonlinear state space equation is employed to describe unknown dynamics of the moving steel strip. The nonlinear part of this system is proposed as an unknown disturbance input to this system. The neural-based observer (NNO) is designed to estimate nonlinear unknown dynamics. The online weight-updating mechanism is a modified version of the backpropagation algorithm with a simple structure together with an error-modification term added to guarantee the robustness of the observer. The measure of sensor and estimation of observer pair of input and output is used to train the weight of NN. The simulation and measure result shown that the NNO can track the un-modeling dynamic of nonlinear systems.
Quantifying gyrification using Laplace Beltrami eigenfunction level-sets

Cortical surface is folded into gyri and sulci in the brains of higher mammals. Gyrification indices (GI) are widely used to characterise cortical folding complexity, and are important metrics employed in the quantitative assessment of normal brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. A new GI metric is proposed that endeavours to combine the advantages of surface-based methods with curvature-based methods. The proposed metric employs a measurement of curvature; however, the use of Laplace-Beltrami eigenfunction level-sets introduces the advantage of focusing on folds, a characteristic previously attributed only to surface-based methods. Applying Laplace-Beltrami eigenfunction level-sets also avoids the need to define an outer surface and correspondence function required by surface-based methods. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed GI with an application to fetal ovine MRI data across key developmental time points.
The dynamic nature of bacterial surfaces: Implications for metal–membrane interaction

Bacterial envelopes are chemically complex, diverse structures. Chemical and physical influences from cellular microenvironments force lipids, proteins, and sugars to organize dynamically. This constant reorganization serves to maintain compartmentalization and function, but also affects the influence of charged functional groups that drive electrochemical interactions with metal ions. The interactions of metal species with cell walls are of particular interest because (i) metals must be taken up or excluded to maintain cell function, and (ii) electrochemical interactions between charged metals and anionic ligands are inevitable. In this review we explore the associations of metals with metal-reactive ligands found within bacterial envelopes, and outward to include those within biofilm matrics. The mechanisms that underpin metal binding to these ligands have not been well considered with respect to the dynamic organization of the biological structures themselves. Bacteria respond sensitively and rapidly to growth environment with de novo syntheses of chemical constituents, which can impact metal interactions. We discuss causes of membrane chemical variability as observed in laboratory experiments, and offer consequences for this adaptability in natural settings. The structural impacts of metal ion associations with bacterial envelopes are often overlooked. This review explores how dynamic bacterial surface chemistry influences metal binding and, in turn, how metal ions impact membrane organization in laboratory and natural conditions.