Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hodgkin lymphoma in adolescent and young adults: insights from an adult tertiary single-center cohort of 349 patients

Background Adolescent and young adults (AYA) represent one third of patients affected by Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). These patients are frequently treated either with pediatric or adult protocol depending on their physician background. This population has been understudied so far, in terms of HL characteristics and treatment-associated outcomes. Aim We aimed to extensively describe HL features in the AYA population including HL characteristics, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods From 1979 to 2013, consecutive patients with HL aged between 15 to 25 years and followed at Saint-Louis Hospital were prospectively enrolled. Survivals were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results 349 patients were included and studied, with a median follow-up of 7 years. The majority of patients were treated with adult protocols (mainly ABVD and BEACOPP). They presented adverse clinical characteristics with a high proportion of stage III and IV according to Ann Arbor classification (45 %), a high rate of B symptoms (46 %) and extra-nodal involvement (36 %). Despite these pejorative clinical features, the prognosis remains good with a 10-year PFS and OS estimated at 81.0 % (95%CI [76.7-85.5]) and 90.7% (95%CI [87.2-94.4]), respectively. In multivariate analysis, stages III and IV according to Ann Arbor classification, mixed cellularity histology, elevated neutrophils and LDH above range were independently associated with a worse PFS. We identified a subgroup of 11 primary refractory patients with a particularly poor prognosis. The toxicity rate was low (7.4 %). Conclusion Despite their baseline pejorative features, AYA with HL have a good prognosis. Progresses are still needed in order to reduce toxicities. Primary refractory patients with a particularly poor prognosis should be detected early in order to quickly introduce new targeted therapies.
Empirical margin distributions and bounding the generalization error of combined classifiers

We prove new probabilistic upper bounds on generalization error of complex classifiers that are combinations of simple classifiers. Such combinations could be implemented by neural networks or by voting methods of combining the classifiers, such as boosting and bagging. The bounds are in terms of the empirical distribution of the margin of the combined classifier. They are based on the methods of the theory of Gaussian and empirical processes (comparison inequalities, symmetrization method, concentration inequalities) and they improve previous results of Bartlett (1998) on bounding the generalization error of neural networks in terms of 1 -norms of the weights of neurons and of Schapire, Freund, Bartlett and Lee (1998) on bounding the generalization error of boosting. We also obtain rates of convergence in Levy distance of empirical margin distribution to the true margin distribution uniformly over the classes of classifiers and prove the optimality of these rates.
ac2lus: Bringing SMT-Solving and Abstract Interpretation Techniques to Real-Time Calculus through the Synchronous Language Lustre

We present an approach to connect the Real-Time Calculus (RTC) method to the synchronous data-flow language Lustre, and its associated tool-chain, allowing the use of techniques like SMT-solving and abstract interpretation which were not previously available for use with RTC. The approach is supported by a tool called ac2lus. It allows to model the system to be analyzed as general Lustre programs with inputs specified by arrival curves, the tool can compute output arrival curves or evaluate upper and lower bounds on any variable of the components, like buffer sizes. Compared to existing approaches to connect RTC to other formalisms, we believe that the use of Lustre, a real programming language, and the synchronous hypothesis make the task easier to write models, and we show that it allows a great flexibility of the tool itself, with many variants to fine-tune the performances.
The Application of Shape Memory Alloy as Vortex Generators and Flow Control Devices for Enhanced Convective Heat Transfer

This paper is concerned with convective heat transfer enhancement of heated surfaces through the use of vortex generators and flow control devices. A preliminary proof-of-concept investigation has been carried out into the use of active vortex generators and flow control elements, both manufactured from Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) which are activated at set temperatures. The vortex generators change their shape to intrude further into the flow at high temperature to enhance heat transfer, while they maintain a low profile at low temperatures to minimise flow pressure losses. One set of vortex generators was made from pre-alloyed powders of SMA material in an advanced rapid prototyping process known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Another set of devices was also made from commercially available flat annealed thin SMA sheets for comparison purposes. The flow control elements are devices that preferentially guide the flow to heated parts of a surface, again using temperature-activated SMAs. Promising results were obtained for both the vortex generator and flow control device when their temperatures were varied from 20Â° to 85Â°C. The vortex generators responded by increasing their angle of attack from 20Â° to 35Â° while the wavy flow control elements straightened out at higher temperatures. As the designs were two-way trained, they regain their initial position and shape at a lower temperature. The surface temperature of the heated plate on which the active devices were positioned reduced between 8 to 51, indicating heat transfer enhancement due to the generated vortices and changes in air flow rates. Copyright Â© 2007 by ASME.
Rao-Blackwellised particle filtering for blind system identification

This paper develops a Rao-Blackwellised particle filtering algorithm for blind system identification. The state space model under consideration uses a time-varying autoregressive (AR) model for the sources, and a time-varying finite impulse response (FIR) model for the channel. The multi-sensor measurements result from the convolution of the sources with the channels in the presence of additive noise. A numerical approximation to the optimal Bayesian solution for the nonlinear sequential state estimation problem is implemented using sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods. The Rao-Blackwellisation technique is applied to improve the efficiency of the particle filter by marginalizing out the AR and FIR coefficients from the joint posterior distribution. Simulation results are given to verify the performance of the proposed method.
Effect of Strain Path and Annealing on Development of Resistance to Intergranular Degradation in Austenitic Stainless Steels

This paper reports on the distribution and precipitation properties of interfaces in twoaustenitic stainless steels as a function of thermomechanical processing. Specimens of type 316 stainless steel were aged at 750� for one week, and the ensuing intergranular precipitation was assessed. Specimens of type 304 stainless steel were processed by a single step of 5% tensile strain followed by annealing at temperatures between 950�C and 1050�C. Selected data sets from both the 316 and 304 specimens were investigated by the new ? five-parameter? analysis method, which allows all five parameters of a grain boundary, i.e. both the misorientation and the boundary plane, to be determined. The distributions obtained showed significant differences between the two specimens, which were explained and discussed with reference to the processing routes. Some of the data were compared with a parallel set of experiments where the deformation had been applied by cold rolling. There were differences in the two series of results. After processing which included rolling deformation, the ? 3 boundaries tended to break up the random boundary network, whereas after processing by tensile deformation the grain boundary network had been affected in other ways. The consequences of these findings for grain boundary engineering are briefly discussed
Improving End-User Satisfaction Through Techno-Stress Prevention: Some Empirical Evidences

Emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs) make it possible for many business end-users to get connected anytime, anywhere. While the pervasive new ICTs have the potential to offer significant end-user performance gains, they also bring some negative side effects such as technostress: a cognitive reaction that an individual experiences when he or she is unable to cope with or adapt to new ICT. Given the importance of end-user satisfaction (EUS) to system success, this paper attempts to explore the impact of a set of technostress creators on EUS, and the effect of some technostress inhibiting mechanisms (e.g. end-user training, end-user help-desk and end-user involvement) on alleviating the negative impact of technostress on EUS. Empirical data were collected through questionnaire survey to help answer the research question.
A novel set of spliceosome‐associated proteins and the essential splicing factor PSF bind stably to pre‐mRNA prior to catalytic step II of the splicing reaction.

We have isolated and determined the protein composition of the spliceosomal complex C. The pre‐mRNA in this complex has undergone catalytic step I, but not step II, of the splicing reaction. We show that a novel set of 14 spliceosome‐associated proteins (SAPs) and the essential splicing factor PSF are specifically associated with the C complex, implicating these proteins in catalytic step II. Significantly, immunodepletion and biochemical complementation studies demonstrate directly that PSF is essential for catalytic step II. Purified PSF is known to UV crosslink to pyrimidine tracts, and our data show that PSF UV crosslinks to pre‐mRNA in purified C complex. Thus, PSF may replace the 3′ splice site binding factor U2AF65 which is destabilized during spliceosome assembly. Finally, we show that SAPs 60 and 90, which are present in both the B and C complexes, are specifically associated with U4 and U6 snRNPs, and thus may have important roles in the functioning of these snRNPs during the splicing reaction.
Declarative Methods for the Evaluation of Ontologies

The ontology web language Owl has been established as a standardized representation for knowledge, especially in the context of the semantic web. An important facet of the management of such knowledge bases consists in its evaluation. Besides standard evaluation methods described in the literature particular applications can require to consider further measures. In this paper, we use a declarative, logic based Xml query and transformation language called FnQuery, which is suitable for exibly de ning queries for evaluating Owl based knowledge. The queries are evaluated using logic programming and nonmonotonic reasoning systems. The presented approach could be extended to handle complex refactorings as well.
Cardioprotective Effects Mediated by Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockade and Enhancing Angiotensin 1-7 in Experimental Heart Failure in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2–Null Mice

Loss of angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and inability to metabolize Ang II to Ang 1-7 perpetuate the actions of Ang II after biomechanical stress and exacerbate early adverse myocardial remodeling. Ang receptor blockers are known to antagonize the effect of Ang II by blocking Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and also by upregulating the ACE2 expression. We directly compare the benefits of AT1R blockade versus enhancing Ang 1-7 action in pressure-overload–induced heart failure in ACE2 knockout mice. AT1R blockade and Ang 1-7 both resulted in marked recovery of systolic dysfunction in pressure-overloaded ACE2-null mice. Similarly, both therapies attenuated the increase in NADPH oxidase activation by downregulating the expression of Nox2 and p47phox subunits and also by limiting the p47phox phosphorylation. Biomechanical stress-induced increase in protein kinase C-&agr; expression and phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3&bgr; were normalized by irbesartan and Ang 1-7. Ang receptor blocker and Ang 1-7 effectively reduced matrix metalloproteinase 2 activation and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels. Ang II–mediated cellular effects in cultured adult cardiomyocytes and cardiofibrolasts isolated from pressure-overloaded ACE2-null hearts were inhibited to similar degree by AT1R blockade and stimulation with Ang 1-7. Thus, treatment with the AT1R blocker irbesartan and Ang 1-7 prevented the cardiac hypertrophy and improved cardiac remodeling in pressure-overloaded ACE2-null mice by suppressing NADPH oxidase and normalizing pathological signaling pathways.
System Dynamics and Intelligent Agent-Based Simulation : Where is the Synergy ?

Pedagogical research has demonstrated that while traditional teaching methods can be useful for imparting factual information ("cold knowledge"), simulations and video games are more effective in teaching decision-making processes ("warm knowledge"). Advances in video game creation allow the development of multi-agent, artificial society simulators with capabilities for modeling physiology, stress, emotion, and course-of-action decision-making. This new approach enables superior understanding of the complexity in organizations and their relevant business environments. This in turn provides an opportunity for game-play that helps promote better decision-making. System Dynamics also allows managers to make their understanding of business problems explicit and improve upon them. This occurs by modelling structures (e.g., relationships, policies, incentives, etc) that underlie behaviour of systems. While system dynamics acknowledges the critical role of personal and organizational mental models (e.g., motivations, values, norms, biases, etc.) as the foundation or key influencers of structure, it does not explicitly model mental models, nor does it take into account decision makers ‘mood’. In contrast, in Agent-Based Modelling (ABM), organizations are modelled as a system of semiautonomous decision-making parts (purposeful individuals) called agents). Macro-behaviour is not simulated; it emerges from the micro-decisions of individual agents. In this work, each agent individually assesses its situation and makes decisions based upon value hierarchies of goals for action, preferences for artefacts, and standards for behaviour. In ABM, agents have a bounded rationality that is subject to stress, time pressure, and emotive forces. At the simplest level, an agent-based model consists of a system of agents and the relationships between them. Experience with agent-based modelling shows that even a simple agent-based model can exhibit complex behaviour patterns and provide valuable information about the dynamics of the real world system that emulates them. In this paper the two different simulation approaches to learning effectiveness, i.e., the agent-based modelling and systems dynamics are compared conceptually and the potential synergy between them is discussed. As such this paper is theoretical and exploratory in nature. Further studies are needed to provide empirical evidence to the observations and theories put forward in this paper.
Structures and electrical properties of Ag-tetracyanoquinodimethane organometallic nanowires

Ag-tetracyanoquinodimethane (Ag-TCNQ) nanostructures are synthesized using both solution reaction in acetonitrile and a novel vacuum-saturated vapor reaction method. Experiments show that the latter synthesis method produces Ag-TCNQ nanowires with better uniformity and higher aspect ratio. These nanowires, having diameters around 100 nm and lengths about 5 /spl mu/m, could serve as potential building blocks of nanoscale electronics. Nanodevices based on these nanowires are fabricated using the electron-beam lithography technique. Electrical transport study shows reproducible I--V hysteresis with a change in resistance of four orders of magnitude, demonstrating electrical memory effect. This electrical bistability makes Ag-TCNQ nanowires a promising candidate for future applications in ultrahigh-density information storage.
The distinct leukocyte integrins of mouse spleen dendritic cells as identified with new hamster monoclonal antibodies

Hybridoma fusions with hamster hosts were undertaken to generate mAbs to mouse spleen dendritic cells. Two mAb were obtained and used to uncover the distinct integrins of these APC. One, 2E6, bound a determinant common to all members of the CD11/CD18 family, most likely the shared 90 kD CD18 beta chain. 2E6 immunoprecipitated the characteristic beta 2 integrin heterodimers from lymphocytes (p180, 90; CD11a) and macrophages (p170,90; CD11b), but from dendritic cells, a p150,90 (presumably CD11c) integrin was the predominant species. 2E6 inhibited the binding function of the CD11a and CD11b integrins on B cells and macrophages in appropriate assays, but 2E6 exerted little or no inhibition on the clustering of dendritic cells to T cells early in primary MLR, suggesting a CD11/CD18-independent mechanism for this binding. The second mAb, N418, precipitated a 150, 90 kD heterodimer that shared the 2E6 CD18 epitope. This N418 epitope may be the murine homologue of the previously characterized human CD11c molecule, but the epitope was only detected on dendritic cells. N418 did not react with peritoneal macrophages, anti-Ig-induced spleen B blasts, or bulk lymph node cells. When used to stain sections of spleen, N418 stained dendritic cells in the T-dependent areas, much like anti-class II mAbs that were also generated in these fusions. In addition, N418 revealed nests of dendritic cells that punctuated the rim of marginal zone macrophages between red and white pulp. This localization positioned most dendritic cells at regions where arterial vessels and T cells enter the white pulp. We conclude that the p150, 90 heterodimer is the major beta 2 integrin of spleen dendritic cells, and we speculate that it may function to localize these APC at sites that permit access to the recirculating pool of resting T cells.
Sequential interpenetrating polymer networks of novolac resin and poly(2-ethyl hexyl acrylate)—thermal, mechanical, and morphological study

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) of novolac/poly (2- ethyl hexyl acrylate) (PEHA) have been prepared via in situ sequential technique of IPN formation. Full and semi-IPNs were prepared with different blend ratios (w/w) e.g., 90 : 10, 80 : 20, and 70 : 30 in which the major constituent was novolac resin. A gradual decrease in specific gravity and hardness values was observed with increase in PEHA incorporation. A steady decrease in crosslink density with increase in PEHA fraction in the IPNs was quite evident. The IPNs were characterized with respect to their mechanical properties, e.g., ultimate tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, modulus, and toughness. Thermal behavior was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. A plasticizing influence of PEHA on the rigid, brittle, and hard matrix of crosslinked phenolic resin is evidenced from the mechanical and thermal properties. The two-phase surface morphology is revealed by scanning electron microscope. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Antibody-Mediated Inhibition of TNFR1 Attenuates Disease in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is known to regulate inflammation in a number of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Although targeting of TNF in models of MS has been successful, the pathological role of TNF in MS remains unclear due to clinical trials where the non-selective inhibition of TNF resulted in exacerbated disease. Subsequent experiments have indicated that this may have resulted from the divergent effects of the two TNF receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. Here we show that the selective targeting of TNFR1 with an antagonistic antibody ameliorates symptoms of the most common animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), when given following both a prophylactic and therapeutic treatment regime. Our results demonstrate that antagonistic TNFR1-specific antibodies may represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of MS in the future.
Heart rate asymmetry in aortic valve stenosis patients

Heart rate asymmetry is one of the measure of the autonomic nervous system activity. Here we use the Phase Rectified Signal Averaging method for heart rate asymmetry calculations and focus on Deceleration Capacity (DC) obtained for aortic valve stenosis patients just before surgical replacement of the aortic valve. In the study we used 6-h nighttime data from 107 patients aged 60-71 y. We compare the results between male and female groups obtaining a larger diversity in males. Unfortunately, the decrease of the DC parameter, which is used as mortality risk marker in other several regulatory dysfunctions is not applicable for aortic stenosis in risk stratification. We did not observe distinction of patients who died earlier than one year after surgery. In spite of this, we introduce the modified nDC and Acceleration Capacity (nAC) parameters for a better assessment of the ability to lengthen and shorten RR intervals.
The Human Brain Encodes Event Frequencies While Forming Subjective Beliefs

To make adaptive choices, humans need to estimate the probability of future events. Based on a Bayesian approach, it is assumed that probabilities are inferred by combining a priori, potentially subjective, knowledge with factual observations, but the precise neurobiological mechanism remains unknown. Here, we study whether neural encoding centers on subjective posterior probabilities, and data merely lead to updates of posteriors, or whether objective data are encoded separately alongside subjective knowledge. During fMRI, young adults acquired prior knowledge regarding uncertain events, repeatedly observed evidence in the form of stimuli, and estimated event probabilities. Participants combined prior knowledge with factual evidence using Bayesian principles. Expected reward inferred from prior knowledge was encoded in striatum. BOLD response in specific nodes of the default mode network (angular gyri, posterior cingulate, and medial prefrontal cortex) encoded the actual frequency of stimuli, unaffected by prior knowledge. In this network, activity increased with frequencies and thus reflected the accumulation of evidence. In contrast, Bayesian posterior probabilities, computed from prior knowledge and stimulus frequencies, were encoded in bilateral inferior frontal gyrus. Here activity increased for improbable events and thus signaled the violation of Bayesian predictions. Thus, subjective beliefs and stimulus frequencies were encoded in separate cortical regions. The advantage of such a separation is that objective evidence can be recombined with newly acquired knowledge when a reinterpretation of the evidence is called for. Overall this study reveals the coexistence in the brain of an experience-based system of inference and a knowledge-based system of inference.