Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Question Answering with Recurrent Span Representations

Using the Stanford Question and Answering Dataset (SQuAD) released by Rajpurkar et al. [1], we leverage a modiﬁed Recurrent Span Representation (RaSoR) model by Lee et al. [2] but with linear space complexity. This contrasts the original model by Lee et. al which requires a demanding quadratic space requirement to enumerate all answer spans. In addition, we introduce a novel architecture, Sequence Question-Induced Distances (SQuID) as an extension to our modiﬁed Ra-SoR implementation, which allows us to impose a prior on the answer span based on a question representation. Using our modiﬁed RaSoR implementation, we were still capable of obtaining good model accuracy, getting F 1 and Exact Match (EM) scores of around 60% and 45% respectively on both the CodaLab dev and test set, with less memory and shorter time requirements. However, the results from our extension SQuID model are inconclusive; we believe that while imposing a question-induced prior on what the answer span may allow us to encode better answer distances, a generic question representation may not in itself be a very reliable indicator for the length of an answer span.
Proteome analysis of human foetal, aged and advanced nuclear cataract lenses

The most complete proteome of human lenses has been compiled using 2‐D LC‐MS/MS analysis of foetal, aged normal and advanced nuclear cataract lenses. A total of 231 proteins were identified across all lens groups, including 112 proteins that have not been reported previously. Proteins were grouped according to their PANTHER molecular function classification in order to facilitate comparisons. Previously unreported N‐terminal acetylation was detected in a number of proteins, with the majority being associated with the prior removal of a methionine residue. This pattern of proteolysis may indicate that methionine aminopeptidase activity is present in human lenses. Acetylation is likely to aid in the stability of proteins that are present in the lens for many decades. Protein sequences were also used to interrogate the three human lens cDNA libraries publicly available. Surprisingly, 84 proteins we identified were not present in the cDNA libraries.
A Single-Stranded DNA Aptamer That Selectively Binds to Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin B

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a common foodborne pathogen capable of secreting a cocktail of small, stable, and strain-specific, staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) results when improperly handled food contaminated with SEs is consumed. Gastrointestinal symptoms of SFP include emesis, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, which manifest within hours of ingesting contaminated food. Immuno-affinity based methods directly detect, identify, and quantify several SEs within a food or clinical sample. However, the success of these assays depends upon the availability of a monoclonal antibody, the development of which is non-trivial and costly. The current scope of the available immuno-affinity based methods is limited to the classical SEs and does not encompass all of the known or emergent SEs. In contrast to antibodies, aptamers are short nucleic acids that exhibit high affinity and specificity for their targets without the high-costs and ethical concerns of animal husbandry. Further, researchers may choose to freely distribute aptamers and develop assays without the proprietary issues that increase the per-sample cost of immuno-affinity assays. This study describes a novel aptamer, selected in vitro, with affinity to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) that may be used in lieu of antibodies in SE detection assays. The aptamer, designated APTSEB1, successfully isolates SEB from a complex mixture of SEs with extremely high discrimination. This work sets the foundation for future aptamer and assay development towards the entire family of SEs. The rapid, robust, and low-cost identification and quantification of all of the SEs in S. aureus contaminated food is essential for food safety and epidemiological efforts. An in vitro generated library of SE aptamers could potentially allow for the comprehensive and cost-effective analysis of food samples that immuno-affinity assays currently cannot provide.
Video Colposcopy for Reducing Patient Anxiety During Colposcopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE To test whether video colposcopy reduces anxiety among patients undergoing colposcopy. METHODS In a prospective, randomized multicenter trial, we compared video colposcopy and no video colposcopy in a one-to-one ratio. Situation-specific anxiety was measured before (S1) and after (S2) colposcopy using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The primary endpoint was the reduction of the situation-specific anxiety scores (ΔS=S2-S1). Secondary endpoints were pain during and 10 minutes after colposcopy, general unpleasantness, anxiety during colposcopy, satisfaction with the information about the procedure, and overall satisfaction (11-item visual analog scales). Analysis was by intention to treat. A sample size of 104 per group (n=208) was planned to achieve 80% power to detect a difference of 4.8 with a SD of 12.3 in the primary outcome. RESULTS Between August 2016 and March 2017, 225 women were randomized. The mean ΔS was -10.3±11.3 SD in 111 women in the video colposcopy group and -10.3±11.0 SD in 105 women without video colposcopy (P=.50). The secondary endpoints pain during examination (median 2 [interquartile range 1-3] compared with 2 [1-4]; P=.91), pain 10 minutes after examination (1 [0-3] compared with 1 [0-2.5]; P=.24), general unpleasantness (3 [1-5] compared with 3 [1-5]; P=.90), anxiety during examination (3 [1-5] compared with 3 [1-5]; P=.61), satisfaction with the information about the procedure (10 [9-10] compared with 10 [9-10]; P=.88), and overall satisfaction (10 [9-10] compared with 10 [9-10]; P=.54) were also not different between the two study groups. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, study center (P=.028), body mass index (P=.033), and smoking status (P=.025) independently affected the reduction of anxiety. CONCLUSION Video colposcopy does not reduce anxiety in women undergoing colposcopy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02697175.
Designing multi-modal classifiers of spectra : a study on industrial sorting application

Spectral imaging is frequently used in various industrial sorting applications. Spectral images of objects, moving on the conveyor belt are processed by a pattern recognition system and classified into one of prespecified high-level classes. Because these terminal decisions are often defined in terms of material types (e.g. of lower-level classes), a sorting application generally poses a multi-modal pattern recognition problem with multiple levels (spectra, objects, materials, and high-level decisions). It remains an open question how to design high-performance and fast classifiers applicable in such situations. In this paper, we propose a strategy based on a decomposition of the multi-modal problem into a set of two-class sub-problems formed by pairs of clusters originating from different classes. Based on individual spectra, a specific feature representation and classifier is derived for each sub-problem. The outcomes of the sub-problem classifiers are fused using a trainable combiner. The final assignment on the object level is carried on by majority voting of the per-spectrum decisions. On a set of experiments with an industrial paper sorting dataset, we discuss the proposed methodology comparing it with several state-of-the art techniques. keywords: spectral imaging, sorting applications, pattern recognition, multi-modal problems
Transparent testing for intra-word memory faults

Transparent BIST schemes for RAM modules assure the preservation of the memory contents during periodic testing. Symmetric Transparent Built-in Self Test (BIST) schemes skip the signature prediction phase required in traditional transparent BIST, achieving considerable reduction in test time. In this work we propose a Symmetric transparent BIST scheme that can be utilized to serially apply march tests bit-by-bit to word-organized RAM's, in a transparent manner, in the sense that the initial contents of the RAM are preserved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scheme proposed in the open literature to target intraword faults in the concept of transparent BIST for RAMs.
The Dependent Origination of Skepticism in Classical India: An Experiment in Cross-Cultural Philosophy

I begin with the question of whether the problem of philosophical skepticism is inevitable, a question that was answered affirmatively by Hume and has come to be a source of debate in contemporary epistemology. If skepticism is an inevitable problem, then it should arise in any sufficiently sophisticated tradition of epistemology such as the tradition found in classical India. The Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu gives arguments from ignorance based on dreams that are quite similar to the dream argument of Descartes. However, while Vasubandhu’s arguments give an invitation to skeptical concerns (especially if he is a phenomenalist, rather than an idealist), this invitation was not accepted in quite the same way as it has been by Western philosophers. Yet there is another form of skepticism in Indian philosophy, which is more like Pyrrhonian skepticism. I call this metaphilosophical skepticism, which consists of doubts about the possibility of philosophy itself. Reading the Madhyamaka Buddhist philosopher Nāgārjuna as a metaphilosophical skeptic solves the puzzle of how to reconcile his arguments for the view of emptiness with his injunctions against holding any view whatsoever. Jayarāśi, a skeptical member of the irreligious Cārvāka school, refutes any positive epistemological theory and embodies a contextualism that makes room to enjoy everyday practice. Thus, skeptical concerns in classical India invite us to question what we think we know about issues of philosophical skepticism. I conclude by considering what it is that allows concerns about metaphilosophical skepticism to arise in a philosophical tradition, arguing that it is this type of skeptical concern, rather than the problem of external world skepticism, that may be inevitable.
Molecular analysis of ivy cells of the hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum using spectral identification of immunofluorophores

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-expressing (nNOS+) GABAergic interneurons are common in hippocampal stratum (str.) radiatum. However, these cells are less well characterized than nNOS+ ivy cells in str. pyramidale or neurogliaform cells (NGC) in str. lacunosum-moleculare. Here we have studied the laminar distribution of the axons and dendrites, and the immunoreactivity of these neurons recorded in rat hippocampal slices. We have used spectral analysis of antibody- or streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores to improve recognition of genuine signals in reactions for molecules such as nNOS and neuropeptide-Y (NPY). We found that most nNOS+ cells with soma in the CA1 area str. radiatum exhibit characteristic properties of ivy cells, and were positive for NPY and negative for reelin. However, laminar distributions of their neurites differ from original characterization of ivy cells with the soma in or close to str. pyramidale. Both their dendrites and axon are mainly in str. radiatum and to a lesser extent in str. oriens, and in addition often extend to str. lacunosum-moleculare. We conclude that ivy cells in str. radiatum may predominantly be feedforward inhibitory interneurons in the CA1 area, and their axonal output delivering GABA, NPY, and NO can influence both the entorhinal cortex innervated and the CA3 innervated zones pre- and post-synaptically. Spectral analysis of fluorophores provides an objective algorithm to analyze signals in immunoreactions for neurochemical markers.
Functional importance of polymerization and localization of calsequestrin in C. elegans

Dual roles of calsequestrin (CSQ-1) being the Ca2+ donor and Ca2+ acceptor make it an excellent Ca2+-buffering protein within the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). We have isolated and characterized a calsequestrin (csq-1)-null mutant in Caenorhabditis elegans. To our surprise, this mutant csq-1(jh109) showed no gross defects in muscle development or function but, however, is highly sensitive to perturbation of Ca2+ homeostasis. By taking advantage of the viable null mutant, we investigated the domains of CSQ-1 that are important for polymerization and cellular localization, and required for its correct buffering functions. In transgenic animals rescued with various CSQ-1 constructs, the in vivo patterns of polymerization and localization of several mutated calsequestrins were observed to correlate with the structure-function relationship. Our results suggest that polymerization of CSQ-1 is essential but not sufficient for correct cellular localization and function of CSQ-1. In addition, direct interaction between CSQ-1 and the ryanodine receptor (RyR) was found for the first time, suggesting that the cellular localization of CSQ-1 in C. elegans is indeed modulated by RyR through a physical interaction.
Hardware filtering of non-intended frames for energy optimisation in wireless sensor networks

Communication is responsible for the majority of energy consumption in typical wireless sensor networks WSNs. While transmission energy can be controlled at each node, reception energy is outside the control of the nodes because they usually do not know the arrival time of their packets and they cannot avoid overhearing packets directed to the other nodes in range. Energy-aware MAC protocols apply duty-cycling which keeps the radio module off for most of the time and wakes it up periodically, but they suffer from overhearing which has been addressed so far either by means of preambles or by means of separate wake-up channels. This paper proposes a complementary approach which exploits the hardware frame filtering capabilities provided by state-of-the-art radio transceivers. Extensive experiments performed on VirtualSense motes show that hardware frame filtering saves more than 50% of the energy spent in the reception of non-intended packets.
Improvements in Measures of Vision and Self-Reported Visual Function After Cataract Extraction in Patients with Late-Stage Age-Related Maculopathy

Purpose. A recent study indicated that patients with cataracts and early age-related maculopathy may benefit from cataract extraction. To ascertain whether cataract extraction in the presence of concurrent advanced age-related maculopathy was also associated with a clear benefit, we studied visual function and self-reported visual functioning in a cohort of 12 patients pre- and post-phakoemulsification. Methods. All 12 patients had a diagnosis of advanced age-related maculopathy in the eye scheduled for cataract surgery. Preoperative assessment included refraction and recording of best corrected distance and near acuity and contrast sensitivity in both eyes. The Daily Living Tasks Dependent on Vision questionnaire was administered. After phakoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, all patients were reviewed and assessed. Results. After surgery, improvement in acuity was recorded in nine operated eyes, whereas acuity remained unchanged in three eyes. Improvement in contrast sensitivity in the operated eye occurred in 10 patients, but in two patients contrast was reduced postoperatively. In terms of self-reported visual functioning, improvement in the ability to undertake many daily living tasks dependent on vision was recorded after cataract surgery. Conclusions. Significant improvements in specific areas of self-reported visual functioning and measures of vision were recorded after cataract surgery. During the follow-up period, none of the operated eyes suffered a fall in visual acuity. There was also no evidence of worsening of the pre-existing macular lesion as judged by clinical examination and fundus photography.
The Appropriateness of Multicriteria Analysis in Environmental Decision-Making Problems

Environmental decision-making occurs in numerous environmental sectors and covers a diverse range of problems. Of the various decision tools available not all of them may be appropriate for any single decision problem, and any particular decision-aid may not be applicable in all decision problems. This article reviews applications of MCA, and considers the appropriateness of Multicriteria Analysis (MCA) in environmental decision-making problems. Due to natural and decision environments being multidimensional, environmental decision-making is characterized by complexity. Consequently MCA has commonly been used in this area. In Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) the multiple dimensions of the impacts evaluated have been easily represented in MCA as multiple criteria. Waste management and water resource planning problems involving public participation have been facilitated by MCA, through the structuring and articulation of the public's values. MCA has also been applied in water quality problems, allowing the incorporation of incommensurable criteria into evaluations. The appropriateness of MCA for environmental decision problems can be viewed in the context of a typical decision-making process, making it easier to identify the contribution MCA can make at various decision-making stages. MCA can be particularly appropriate when the decision-making context is characterized by multiple objectives and multiple criteria, incommensurable criteria, mixed data and the need for ease of use, and the analysis context is characterized by multiple participants.
Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity in controlled and uncontrolled Type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND This study was designed to compare lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity in Type 2 diabetes patients with good or weak glycemic control. METHODS In this case-control study, 62 Type 2 diabetic patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between 6 and 8 were enrolled as the controlled group and 55 patients with HbA1c > 8 were selected as an uncontrolled group. Patients were all referred to Iranian Diabetes Association in Tehran, Iran, from 2010 onward. Groups were chosen by convenience sampling and were matched based on age, sex and duration of disease. Demographic questionnaire, two 24-hour food recall, HbA1c, insulin, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were measured in blood samples. Data were analyzed by Food Processor II and SPSS software. RESULTS A mean daily consumption of energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat was not significantly different between two groups. MDA in the uncontrolled group was significantly higher than controlled group (2.03 ± 0.88 vs. 1.65 ± 1.01 nmol/ml; P = 0.030). A mean SOD was slightly higher in the uncontrolled group comparing to the control group (843.3 ± 101.9 vs. 828.0 ± 127.3 U/g Hb; P = 0.400). CONCLUSION These data suggest that MDA as a lipid peroxidation indicator is higher in uncontrolled diabetes probably due to chronic high blood sugar followed by higher oxidative stress.
Mild evaporative cooling applied to the torso provides thermoregulatory benefits during running in the heat

We investigated the effects of mild evaporative cooling applied to the torso, before or during running in the heat. Nine male participants performed three trials: control‐no cooling (CTR), pre‐exercise cooling (PRE‐COOL), and during‐exercise cooling (COOL). Trials consisted of 10‐min neutral exposure and 50‐min heat exposure (30 °C; 44% humidity), during which a 30‐min running protocol (70% VO2max) was performed. An evaporative cooling t‐shirt was worn before the heat exposure (PRE‐COOL) or 15 min after the exercise was started (COOL). PRE‐COOL significantly lowered local skin temperature (Tsk) (up to −5.3 ± 0.3 °C) (P < 0.001), mean Tsk (up to −2 ± 0.1 °C) (P < 0.001), sweat losses (−143 ± 40 g) (P = 0.002), and improved thermal comfort (P = 0.001). COOL suddenly lowered local Tsk (up to −3.8 ± 0.2 °C) (P < 0.001), mean Tsk (up to −1 ± 0.1 °C) (P < 0.001), heart rate (up to −11 ± 2 bpm) (P = 0.03), perceived exertion (P = 0.001), and improved thermal comfort (P = 0.001). We conclude that the mild evaporative cooling provided significant thermoregulatory benefits during exercise in the heat. However, the timing of application was critical in inducing different thermoregulatory responses. These findings provide novel insights on the thermoregulatory role of Tsk during exercise in the heat.
Towards a Lexicon-grammar based Framework for NLP: an Opinion Mining Application

The present research exploits the large amount of linguistic resources developed into the Lexicon-grammar paradigm in the domain of the Opinion Mining. Grounded on the Semantic Predicates theory, the proposed system is able to automatically match the syntactic structures selected by special classes of verbs, indicating positive or negative Sentiment, Opinion or Physical acts, with the semantic frames evoked by the same lexical items. This methods has been tested on a large dataset composed of short texts, such as tweets and news headings.
Apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of reduced-oil distillers dried grains with solubles fed to broilers from 23 to 31 days of age.

An experiment was conducted using male Ross×Ross 708 broiler chicks to determine the effect of oil extraction from corn distillers dried grains with solubles on apparent ileal amino acid digestibility from 23 to 31 d of age. On an as-fed basis, ether extract concentrations were determined as 5.4% (L-distillers dried grains with solubles), 7.9% (M-distillers dried grains with solubles), and 10.5% (H-distillers dried grains with solubles) for the 3 experimental distillers dried grains with solubles sources. Prior to experimentation, each sample (H-distillers dried grains with solubles (control), M-distillers dried grains with solubles and L-distillers dried grains with solubles) was analyzed on an as-fed basis for crude protein (29.2, 27.6, and 27.9%), starch (4.4, 5.2, and 6.1%), neutral detergent fiber (29.5, 33.2, and 29.9%), and total dietary fiber (31.4, 36.6, and 33.6 %). Four hundred and thirty-two male chicks (12 birds per cage; 0.04 m2 per bird) were randomly assigned to 36 battery grower cages. Broilers were fed one of 3 semi-purified diets, which were comprised of 76% L-distillers dried grains with solubles, M- distillers dried grains with solubles, or H-distillers dried grains with solubles as the sole amino acid source from 23 to 31 d of age. Apparent ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients were negatively affected (P<0.05) by oil extraction for Met (0.722, 0.788, and 0.791), Lys (0.504, 0.510, and 0.552), Thr (0.563, 0.566, and 0.612), Trp (0.708, 0.733, and 0.767), and Arg (0.762, 0.776, and 0.799) for L-distillers dried grains with solubles, M-distillers dried grains with solubles, and H-distillers dried grains with solubles, respectively. Conversely, no differences in apparent amino acid coefficients were reported for Ile, Leu, and Val. These results indicated that L-distillers dried grains with solubles had lower apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients for Met, Lys, Thr, Trp, and Arg compared with H-distillers dried grains with solubles.