Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Active Learning for Imbalanced Sentiment Classification

Active learning is a promising way for sentiment classification to reduce the annotation cost. In this paper, we focus on the imbalanced class distribution scenario for sentiment classification, wherein the number of positive samples is quite different from that of negative samples. This scenario posits new challenges to active learning. To address these challenges, we propose a novel active learning approach, named co-selecting, by taking both the imbalanced class distribution issue and uncertainty into account. Specifically, our co-selecting approach employs two feature subspace classifiers to collectively select most informative minority-class samples for manual annotation by leveraging a certainty measurement and an uncertainty measurement, and in the meanwhile, automatically label most informative majority-class samples, to reduce human-annotation efforts. Extensive experiments across four domains demonstrate great potential and effectiveness of our proposed co-selecting approach to active learning for imbalanced sentiment classification.
A Spectral Mapping Method for EMG-based Recognition of Silent Speech

This paper reports on our latest study on speech recognition based on surface electromyography (EMG). This technology allows for Silent Speech Interfaces since EMG captures the electrical potentials of the human articulatory muscles rather than the acoustic speech signal. Therefore, our technology enables speech recognition to be applied to silently mouthed speech. Earlier experiments indicate that the EMG signal is greatly impacted by the mode of speaking. In this study we analyze and compare EMG signals from audible, whispered, and silent speech. We quantify the differences and develop a spectral mapping method to compensate for these differences. Finally, we apply the spectral mapping to the front-end of our speech recognition system and show that recognition rates on silent speech improve by up to 12.3% relative.
Electrical Stimulation of Afferent Pathways for the Suppression of Pathological Tremor

Pathological tremors are involuntary oscillatory movements which cannot be fully attenuated using conventional treatments. For this reason, several studies have investigated the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for tremor suppression. In a recent study, however, we found that electrical stimulation below the motor threshold also suppressed tremor, indicating involvement of afferent pathways. In this study, we further explored this possibility by systematically investigating how tremor suppression by afferent stimulation depends on the stimulation settings. In this way, we aimed at identifying the optimal stimulation strategy, as well as to elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms of tremor suppression. Stimulation strategies varying the stimulation intensity and pulse timing were tested in nine tremor patients using either intramuscular or surface stimulation. Significant tremor suppression was observed in six patients (tremor suppression > 75% was observed in three patients) and the average optimal suppression level observed across all subjects was 52%. The efficiency for each stimulation setting, however, varied substantially across patients and it was not possible to identify a single set of stimulation parameters that yielded positive results in all patients. For example, tremor suppression was achieved both with stimulation delivered in an out-of-phase pattern with respect to the tremor, and with random timing of the stimulation. Overall, these results indicate that low-current stimulation of afferent fibers is a promising approach for tremor suppression, but that further research is required to identify how the effect can be maximized in the individual patient.
Convenient Recycling of 3D AgX/Graphene Aerogels (X = Br, Cl) for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Pollutants

3D AgX/graphene aerogel (GA) composites (X = Br, Cl) are synthesized. Not only is the photocatalytic performance increased in comparison with pristine AgX, but also the photocatalytic cycling process is facilitated just using tweezers Thus, the comprehensive performance of the AgX/GA composites provides robust support for future industrial applications of the photocatalyst.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Mmp-1a Is Dispensable for Normal Growth and Fertility in Mice and Promotes Lung Cancer Progression by Modulating Inflammatory Responses*

Background: MMP1 is overexpressed in malignant tumors and its levels are associated with poor prognosis. Results: Mice deficient in Mmp-1a, the ortholog of human MMP-1, develop fewer lung carcinomas than controls and show a Th1 anti-inflammatory response. Conclusion: Mmp-1a is a protumoral protease that alters Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Significance: Mmp1a-deficient mice are a new model for the functional analysis of this metalloproteinase in cancer. Human MMP-1 is a matrix metalloproteinase repeatedly associated with many pathological conditions, including cancer. Thus, MMP1 overexpression is a poor prognosis marker in a variety of advanced cancers, including colorectal, breast, and lung carcinomas. Moreover, MMP-1 plays a key role in the metastatic behavior of melanoma, breast, and prostate cancer cells. However, functional and mechanistic studies on the relevance of MMP-1 in cancer have been hampered by the absence of an in vivo model. In this work, we have generated mice deficient in Mmp1a, the murine ortholog of human MMP1. Mmp1a−/− mice are viable and fertile and do not exhibit obvious abnormalities, which has facilitated studies of cancer susceptibility. These studies have shown a decreased susceptibility to develop lung carcinomas induced by chemical carcinogens in Mmp1a−/− mice. Histopathological analysis indicated that tumors generated in Mmp1a−/− mice are smaller than those of wild-type mice, consistently with the idea that the absence of Mmp-1a hampers tumor progression. Proteomic analysis revealed decreased levels of chitinase-3-like 3 and accumulation of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products and its ligand S100A8 in lung samples from Mmp1a−/− mice compared with those from wild-type. These findings suggest that Mmp-1a could play a role in tumor progression by modulating the polarization of a Th1/Th2 inflammatory response to chemical carcinogens. On the basis of these results, we propose that Mmp1a knock-out mice provide an excellent in vivo model for the functional analysis of human MMP-1 in both physiological and pathological conditions.
The essential role of SepF in mycobacterial division

Mycobacteria lack several of the components that are essential in model systems as Escherichia coli or Bacillus subtilis for the formation of the divisome, a ring‐like structure assembling at the division site to initiate bacterial cytokinesis. Divisome assembly depends on the correct placement of the FtsZ protein into a structure called the Z ring. Notably, early division proteins that assist in the localisation of the Z ring to the cytoplasmic membrane and modulate its structure are missing in the so far known mycobacterial cell division machinery. To find mycobacterium‐relevant components of the divisome that might act at the level of FtsZ, a yeast two‐hybrid screening was performed with FtsZ from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We identified the SepF homolog as a new interaction partner of mycobacterial FtsZ. Depending on the presence of FtsZ, SepF‐GFP fusions localised in ring‐like structures at potential division sites. Alteration of SepF levels in Mycobacterium smegmatis led to filamentous cells, indicating a division defect. Depletion of SepF resulted in a complete block of division. The sepF gene is highly conserved in the M. tuberculosis complex members. We therefore propose that SepF is an essential part of the core division machinery in the genus Mycobacterium.
A Comparative Analysis of Impulse Noise Removal Techniques on Gray Scale Images

Various kinds of images and pictures are required as sources of information for analysis and interpretation. When an image is converted from one form to another such as scanning, transmitting, digitizing, storing etc., degradation occurs to the output image. Hence, the output image needs to be enhanced in order to be better analyzed. Denoising is the one of the pre processing technique in digital image processing. This paper investigates the performance of four denoising methods for removing the High Density Impulse Noise. They are Adaptive Bilateral Filter (ABF), Fuzzy Peer Group Filter (FPGF), Switching Bilateral Filter (SBF), and Boundary Discriminative Noise Detection Filter (BDND). The performance of the above four filters is compared by using five performance metrics. They are PeakSignal-to-Noise-Ratio, Mean Square Error and Root Mean Square Error. The Experimental results show that the BDND filter based denoising method performs well than the other three methods.
Identifying multi-variable relationships based on the maximal information coefficient

Since the maximal information coefficient (MIC) was proposed by Reshef et al. [20], it has been successfully applied into many fields to discover hidden but valuable two-variable relationships. But the algorithm proposed by Reshef et al. [20] can only calculate the MIC of two-variable relationships. In this paper, to the best of our knowledge, the definition of MIC of multi-variable relationships is proposed for the first time, and afterward, an adaptive algorithm, named Adaptive-MIC, is presented which can deal with not only relationships of pairs of variables, but also multi-variable relationships. Compared to the algorithm of Reshef et al. [20], the proposed Adaptive-MIC algorithm is much faster when dealing with two-variable relationships. Furthermore, with the increasing of the size of data sets and the dimensions of relationships, the computing time of the proposed Adaptive-MIC algorithm increases slowly. The fast Adaptive-MIC algorithm is scalable for high-dimensional relationships, and therefore, it is suitable for big data.
Target‐Specific 3D DNA Gatekeepers for Biomimetic Nanopores

3D cross-linked DNA superstructures switch off the ionic flux through solid-state nanopores with extremely high ON-OFF ratios of 10(3) -10(5) . This gating mechanism can be generally applicable in a wide range of nanopores with opening diameters up to 650 nm. The 3D bio-supramolecular gatekeepers outperform previous low-dimensional or simple-structured DNA functional components.
Three-dimensional modeling and simulation of manufacturing processes for transmuter fuel fabrication

Three Dimensional Modeling and Simulation of Manufacturing Processes for Transmuter Fuel Fabrication by Richard Arthur Silva Dr. Georg F. Mauer, Examination Committee Chair Professor o f Mechanical Engmeering University o f Nevada, Las Vegas A proposed method o f converting long-lived radionuclides contained w ithin spent nuclear fuel into shorter-lived radionuclides is known as transmutation. The feasibility assessment o f fuel manufacturing for transmutation is necessary for the overall success o f the transmutation project. As part o f that assessment, this paper reviews current methodologies fo r handhng spent nuclear fuel and other highly radioactive material. W hile not exhaustive, the review encompassed facihties w ithin the U.S. Department o f Energy, international operations, as w ell as, work per&rmed coUegiately. The manufacturing o f fuel for transmutation wiU certainly utihze automation and robotics. A simpliGed 3-D model o f a fuel handling operation was produced. Forward and inverse kinematic routines were implemented for a commercially available robotic manipulator, as w ell as path planning routines. M ultip le software packages were integrated and used to create 3-D robotic manipulator models and simulate the model. A tim ing study was performed which validated the need for process optim ization throughout the design process.
Experimental Mathematics: Examples, Methods and Implications

Recent years have seen the flowering of "experimental" mathematics, namely the utilization of modern computer technology as an active tool in mathematical research. This development is not limited to a handful of researchers, nor to a handful of universities, nor is it limited to one particular field of mathematics. Instead, it involves hundreds of individuals, at many different institutions, who have turned to the remarkable new computational tools now available to assist in their research, whether it be in number theory, algebra, analysis, geometry or even topology. These tools are being used to work out specific examples, generate plots, perform various algebraic and calculus manipulations, test conjectures, and explore routes to formal proof. Using computer tools to test conjectures is by itself a major time saver for mathematicians, as it permits them to quickly rule out false notions.
MRI findings in Hirayama disease

The objective of the study was to study the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Hirayama disease on a 3 Tesla MRI scanner. Nine patients with clinically suspected Hirayama disease were evaluated with neutral position, flexion, contrast-enhanced MRI and fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) sequences. The spectrum of MRI features was evaluated and correlated with the clinical and electromyography findings. MRI findings of localized lower cervical cord atrophy (C5-C7), abnormal curvature, asymmetric cord flattening, loss of attachment of the dorsal dural sac and subjacent laminae in the neutral position, anterior displacement of the dorsal dura on flexion and a prominent epidural space were revealed in all patients on conventional MRI as well as with the dynamic 3D-FIESTA sequence. Intramedullary hyperintensity was seen in four patients on conventional MRI and on the 3D-FIESTA sequence. Flow voids were seen in four patients on conventional MRI sequences and in all patients with the 3D-FIESTA sequence. Contrast enhancement of the epidural component was noted in all the five patients with thoracic extensions. The time taken for conventional and contrast-enhanced MRI was about 30–40 min, while that for the 3D-FIESTA sequence was 6 min. Neutral and flexion position MRI and the 3D-FIESTA sequence compliment each other in displaying the spectrum of findings in Hirayama disease. A flexion study should form an essential part of the screening protocol in patients with suspected Hirayama disease. Newer sequences such as the 3D-FIESTA may help in reducing imaging time and obviating the need for contrast.
Successful antibiotic treatment of Helicobacter pylori negative gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas

Background and aims: The role of antibiotic treatment in early stage gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma not associated with Helicobacter pylori infection has not been investigated. Patients and methods: Six patients with localised gastric MALT lymphoma underwent antibiotic treatment with clarithromycin, metronidazole, and pantoprazole. Staging, including endosonography plus gastroscopy, computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen, colonoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging of the salivary glands, and bone marrow biopsy were performed to rule out distant spread of the disease. In addition, MALT specific genetic changes, including reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for t(11;18)(q21;q21), were tested in all patients. H pylori infection was ruled out by histology, urease breath test, serology, and stool antigen testing. Results: All six patients had MALT lymphoma restricted to the stomach, and no evidence of infection with H pylori was found. Only one patient tested positive for t(11;18)(q21;q21) while the remaining five displayed no genetic aberrations. Following antibiotic treatment, endoscopic controls were performed every three months. Five patients responded with lymphoma regression between three and nine months following antibiotic treatment (one partial remission and four complete responses). One patient had stable disease for 12 months and was then referred for chemotherapy. Conclusions: Patients with early stage gastric MALT lymphoma negative for H pylori might still benefit from antibiotic treatment as the sole treatment modality.
Anatomy-based modeling of the human musculature

Artists study anatomy to understand the relationship between exterior form and the structures responsible for creating it. In this paper we follow a similar approach in developing anatomy-based models of muscles. We consider the influence of the musculature on surface form and develop muscle models which react automatically to changes in the posture of an underlying articulated skeleton. The models are implemented in a procedural language that provides convenient facilities for defining and manipulating articulated models. To illustrate their operation, the models are applied to the torso and arm of a human figure. However, they are sufficiently general to be applied in other contexts where articulated skeletons provide the basis of modeling. CR
In vivo delivery of functional Flightless I siRNA using layer-by-layer polymer surface modification

Gene silencing using small interfering RNA has been proposed as a therapy for cancer, viral infections and other diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether layer-by-layer polymer surface modification could deliver small interfering RNA to decrease fibrotic processes associated with medical device implantation. Anti-green fluorescent protein labelled small interfering RNA was applied to tissue culture plates and polyurethane using a layer-by-layer technique with small interfering RNA and poly-L-lysine. In vitro studies showed that the level of down-regulation of green fluorescent protein was directly related to the number of coatings applied. This layer-by-layer coating technique was then used to generate Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA-coated implants for in vivo studies of small interfering RNA delivery via subcutaneous implantation in mice. After two days, Rh-positive cells were observed on the implants’ surface indicating cellular uptake of the Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA. Decreased Flii gene expression was observed in tissue surrounding the Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA coated implants for up to seven days post implantation, returning to baseline by day 21. Genes downstream from Flii, including TGF-β1 and TGF-β3, showed significantly altered expression confirming a functional effect of the Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA on gene expression. This research demonstrates proof-of-principle that small interfering RNA can be delivered via layer-by-layer coatings on biomaterials and thereby can alter the fibrotic process.
Revisiting Cadential Retention in GTTM

In GTTM, “Cadential Retention” grants the egg symbol to combine into one cadence (V-I). However, criteria for the cadential retention are ambiguous. In this paper, we propose a harmonic theory that the chord symbol has been limited on the basis of the musical scale, and formulate a cadence finding algorithm by adapting to the TPS theory. As a result, the candidate of the chord having a function of V is increased, it has facilitated cadence discovery. In addition, it can determine local cadence and the half cadence.
From gene to protein

This article describes a 3‐week intensive molecular biology methods course based upon fluorescent proteins, which is successfully taught at the McGill University to advanced undergraduates and graduates in physics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and medicine. No previous knowledge of biological terminology or methods is expected, so the material could readily be adapted to earlier undergraduates or students in other fields. The course emphasizes hands‐on experience with one half‐hour of lecture and 3 and a half hours of laboratory 4 days per week, for a total of 39 hours. The materials are simple and low in cost and all software used is free, making the budget accessible to small universities and community colleges that possess basic teaching wet labs. Conceptual understanding is reinforced with lab reports and an independent final paper on a subject of the student's choice. The final paper describes a possible thesis project, not necessarily the student's own, with assessment based upon grasping of key concepts and methods of molecular biology.
Functionalization of Surfaces for Sensors and Optoelectronics

With the potential to overcome barriers in current silicon-based semiconductor technology, two-dimensional (2D) materials research is rapidly developing in nano-scale applied sciences. This dissertation provides guidance for the fabrication and application of functionalized 2D silicon nanosheets, which show remarkable (opto)electronic properties. Their incorporation into well-known fabrication techniques leads to highly sensitive field-effect transistors, photodetectors and humidity sensors.
Monitoring in situ in real time of resin infusion for thermoset composite structures

The presented work investigates changes in electrical resistance of embedded sensory yarns as a method to monitor the resin flow front position and curing degree of resin during manufacturing of composite structures by vacuum infusion technology. The sensor concept is based on Piezo-resistive sensors integrated to the flax fabric, having almost identical propriety and dimensions as the flax threads used for the production of reinforcements. In the first time sensors have been characterized and first measures of the resin infusion have been realized in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Then, the measures in real time were realized with fibrous sensors added to the flax fabric (green composites) to monitor the flow front of resin. A large amount of data recorded, filtered, examined, analysed and processed in order to understand and to optimize the infusion and polymerization process.
Polymorphisms in the Intermediate Region of VacA Impact Helicobacter pylori-Induced Disease Development

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori is the etiological agent of diseases such as gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and two types of gastric cancers. While some insight has been gained into the etiology of these diverse manifestations, by and large, the reason that some individuals develop more severe disease remains elusive. Recent studies have focused on the roles of H. pylori toxins CagA and VacA on the disease process and have suggested that both toxins are intimately involved. Moreover, CagA and VacA are polymorphic within different H. pylori strains, and particular polymorphisms seem to show a correlation with the development of particular disease states. Among VacA polymorphisms, the intermediate region has recently been proposed to play a major role in disease outcome. In this article, we describe a detailed sequence analysis of the polymorphic intermediate region of vacA from strains obtained from a large South Korean population. We show that polymorphisms found at amino acid position 196 are associated with more severe disease manifestations. Additionally, polymorphisms found at amino acid position 231 are linked to disease in strains that carry the non-EPIYA-ABD allele of CagA. Collectively, these data help explain the impact of the VacA intermediate region on disease and lead to the hypothesis that there are allele-driven interactions between VacA and CagA.
Antecedents of Community Source Network Formation: The Case of Kuali

Community source system development has emerged as a new way of developing enterprise applications, leading to a unique type of open source development involving collaborative investment decisions by multiple institutional partners. The community source network formation has become an interesting issue to study. We use the social entrepreneurship case of the Kuali community source network to examine the antecedents of community source network formation, and in particular the likelihood of existing organizations to join such a network. We develop propositions and a model, and offer some thoughts on future directions for research on this emerging phenomenon.