Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TCD-DCU at TEL@CLEF 2009: Document Expansion, Query Translation and Language Modeling

For the multilingual ad-hoc document retrieval track (TEL@CLEF) at at the Cross-Language Retrieval Forum (CLEF) Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University participated in collaboration. Our retrieval experiments focus on i) investigating document expansion using an entry vocabulary module, ii) translating queries with Google translate and a statistical MT system, and iii) investigating language modeling as a retrieval method. The major results are that the document expansion approach did not increase MAP; topic translation using the statistical MT system resulted in about 70% of the mean average precision (MAP) achieved when using Google translate for topic translation, and language modeling performs equally or better in comparison with BM25. The bilingual retrieval French and German to English experiments obtained 89% and 90% of the best MAP for monolingual English.
Coordinated expression of extracellular matrix-degrading proteinases and their inhibitors regulates mammary epithelial function during involution

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the maintenance of mammary epithelial differentiation in culture. We asked whether changes in mouse mammary specific function in vivo correlate with changes in the ECM. We showed, using expression of beta-casein as a marker, that the temporal expression of ECM-degrading proteinases and their inhibitors during lactation and involution are inversely related to functional differentiation. After a lactation period of 9 d, mammary epithelial cells maintained beta-casein expression up to 5 d of involution. Two metalloproteinases, 72-kD gelatinase (and its 62-kD active form), and stromelysin, and a serine proteinase tissue plasminogen activator were detected by day four of involution, and maintained expression until at least day 10. The expression of their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, preceded the onset of ECM-degrading proteinase expression and was detected by day two of involution, and showed a sharp peak of expression centered on days 4-6 of involution. When involution was accelerated by decreasing lactation to 2 d, there was an accelerated loss of beta-casein expression evident by day four and a shift in expression of ECM-remodeling proteinases and inhibitors to a focus at 2-4 d of involution. To further extend the correlation between mammary-specific function and ECM remodeling we initiated involution by sealing just one gland in an otherwise hormonally sufficient lactating animal. Alveoli in the sealed gland contained casein for at least 7 d after sealing, and closely resembled those in a lactating gland. The relative expression of TIMP in the sealed gland increased, whereas the expression of stromelysin was much lower than that of a hormone-depleted involuting gland, indicating that the higher the ratio of TIMP to ECM-degrading proteinases the slower the process of involution. To test directly the functional role of ECM-degrading proteinases in the loss of tissue-specific function we artificially perturbed the ECM-degrading proteinase-inhibitor ratio in a normally involuting gland by maintaining high concentrations of TIMP protein with the use of surgically implanted slow-release pellets. In a concentration-dependent fashion, involuting mammary glands that received TIMP implants maintained high levels of casein and delayed alveolar regression. These data suggest that the balance of ECM- degrading proteinases and their inhibitors regulates the organization of the basement membrane and the tissue-specific function of the mammary gland. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The fabrication of the holographic dual-blazed grating

A holographic dual-blazed grating with the period of 833 nm at ultraviolet-visible-near infrared was designed. To achieve higher and uniform diffraction efficiency, the grating profile was optimized by using rigorous coupled-wave analysis. The results show: when the two blaze angles of the dual-blazed grating, one within the range from 10 degree to 12 degree and the other one within the range from 26 degree to 32 degree respectively, the first-order diffraction efficiency is more than 30 percent within the wavelength from 0. 25μm to 1μm. The holographic dual-blazed grating, one half with the blaze angle of 11 degree and the anti-blaze angle of 72 degree; and the other half with the blaze angle of 29 degree and the anti-blaze angle of 56 degree respectively, have been fabricated by improved holographic ion beam etching.
Allostatic Self-efficacy: A Metacognitive Theory of Dyshomeostasis-Induced Fatigue and Depression

This paper outlines a hierarchical Bayesian framework for interoception, homeostatic/allostatic control, and meta-cognition that connects fatigue and depression to the experience of chronic dyshomeostasis. Specifically, viewing interoception as the inversion of a generative model of viscerosensory inputs allows for a formal definition of dyshomeostasis (as chronically enhanced surprise about bodily signals, or, equivalently, low evidence for the brain's model of bodily states) and allostasis (as a change in prior beliefs or predictions which define setpoints for homeostatic reflex arcs). Critically, we propose that the performance of interoceptive-allostatic circuitry is monitored by a metacognitive layer that updates beliefs about the brain's capacity to successfully regulate bodily states (allostatic self-efficacy). In this framework, fatigue and depression can be understood as sequential responses to the interoceptive experience of dyshomeostasis and the ensuing metacognitive diagnosis of low allostatic self-efficacy. While fatigue might represent an early response with adaptive value (cf. sickness behavior), the experience of chronic dyshomeostasis may trigger a generalized belief of low self-efficacy and lack of control (cf. learned helplessness), resulting in depression. This perspective implies alternative pathophysiological mechanisms that are reflected by differential abnormalities in the effective connectivity of circuits for interoception and allostasis. We discuss suitably extended models of effective connectivity that could distinguish these connectivity patterns in individual patients and may help inform differential diagnosis of fatigue and depression in the future.
Enhancing the piezoelectric properties of flexible hybrid AlN materials using semi-crystalline parylene

Flexible piezoelectric materials are desired for numerous applications including biomedical, wearable, and flexible electronics. However, most flexible piezoelectric materials are not compatible with CMOS fabrication technology, which is desired for most MEMS applications. This paper reports on the development of a hybrid flexible piezoelectric material consisting of aluminium nitride (AlN) and a semi-crystalline polymer substrate. Various types of semi-crystalline parylene and polyimide materials were investigated as the polymer substrate. The crystallinity and surfaces of the polymer substrates were modified by micro-roughening and annealing in order to determine the effects on the AlN quality. The AlN crystallinity and piezoelectric properties decreased when the polymer surfaces were treated with O2 plasma. However, increasing the crystallinity of the parylene substrate prior to deposition of AlN caused enhanced c-axis (002) AlN crystallinity and piezoelectric response of the AlN. Piezoelectric properties of 200 °C annealed parylene-N substrate resulted in an AlN d33 value of 4.87 pm V−1 compared to 2.17 pm V−1 for AlN on polyimide and 4.0 pm V−1 for unannealed AlN/parylene-N. The electrical response measurements to an applied force demonstrated that the parylene/AlN hybrid material had higher Vpp (0.918 V) than commercial flexible piezoelectric material (PVDF) (Vpp 0.36 V). The results in this paper demonstrate that the piezoelectric properties of a flexible AlN hybrid material can be enhanced by increasing the crystallinity of the polymer substrate, and the enhanced properties can function better than previous flexible piezoelectrics.
A Fault Tolerance Scheme for Hierarchical Dynamic Schedulers in Grids

In dynamic grid environment failures (e.g. link down, resource failures) are frequent. We present a fault tolerance scheme for hierarchical dynamic scheduler (HDS) for grid workflow applications. In HDS all resources are arranged in a hierarchy tree and each resource acts as a scheduler. The fault tolerance scheme is fully distributed and is responsible for maintaining the hierarchy tree in the presence of failures. Our fault tolerance scheme handles root failures specially, which avoids root becoming single point of failure. The resources detecting failures are responsible for taking appropriate actions. Our fault tolerance scheme uses randomization to get rid of multiple simultaneous failures. Our simulation results show that the recovery process is fast and the failures affect minimally to the scheduling process.
Improvement of Radiotherapy-Induced Lacrimal Gland Injury by Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium via MDK and Inhibition of the p38/JNK Pathway

Radiation therapy is the most widely used and effective treatment for orbital tumors, but it causes dry eye due to lacrimal gland damage. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived conditioned medium (iPSC-CM) has been shown to rescue different types of tissue damage. The present study investigated the mechanism of the potential radioprotective effect of IPS cell-derived conditioned medium (iPSC-CM) on gamma-irradiation-induced lacrimal gland injury (RILI) in experimental mice. In this study, we found that iPSC-CM ameliorated RILI. iPSC-CM markedly decreased radiotherapy induced inflammatory processes, predominantly through suppressing p38/JNK signaling. Further signaling pathway analyses indicated that iPSC-CM could suppress Akt (Protein Kinase B, PKB) phosphorylation. High levels of midkine (MDK) were also found in iPSC-CM and could be involved in lacrimal gland regeneration by promoting cell migration and proliferation. Thus, our study indicates that inhibiting the p38/JNK pathway or increasing the MDK level might be a therapeutic target for radiation-induced lacrimal gland injury.
Closed-form error analysis of noncoherent FSK for dual hop relay network in Nakagami-m fading channel

We analyze the end-to-end error performance of Mary frequency shift keying (MFSK) with noncoherent detection over independent and non-identical flat Nakagami-m fading channels. A dual-hop relay transmission using amplify-and-forward (AF) protocol with average power scaling (APS) mechanism [1] is considered. Generalized closed-form expressions for the average symbol error probability (ASEP) of noncoherent MFSK has been obtained following the cumulative distribution function (CDF) approach. Moreover, we derive a simplified closed-form expression for the ASEP over high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the source-relay link. Computer simulations are performed to validate our proposed mathematical analysis. The obtained error probability expressions will help the design of two-hop relay networks adopting MFSK in determining various system parameters such as the transmission power at the source and the gain factor at the relay.
Face recognition using IPCA-ICA algorithm

In this paper, a fast incremental principal non-Gaussian directions analysis algorithm, called IPCA-ICA, is introduced. This algorithm computes the principal components of a sequence of image vectors incrementally without estimating the covariance matrix (so covariance-free) and at the same time transforming these principal components to the independent directions that maximize the non-Gaussianity of the source. Two major techniques are used sequentially in a real-time fashion in order to obtain the most efficient and independent components that describe a whole set of human faces database. This procedure is done by merging the runs of two algorithms based on principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) running sequentially. This algorithm is applied to face recognition problem. Simulation results on different databases showed high average success rate of this algorithm compared to others.
Shield : Cost-Effective Soft-Error Protection for Register Files

Device scaling and large integration increase the vulnerability of microprocessors to transient errors. One of the structures where errors can be most harmful is the register file, because it is part of the architectural state. Moreover, because the register file is frequently read, an error can quickly propagate to other parts of the processor. This paper presents Shield, a novel, cost-effective architecture that increases the resistance of register files to soft errors. Shield is based on two key observations. First, the data stored in a register is only useful for a small fraction of the register’s lifetime. Second, not all registers are equally vulnerable to soft errors — a small fraction of long-lived registers is more liable to errors. Shield selectively protects registers by storing the ECCs of the most vulnerable registers while they contain useful data, and checks their integrity off the critical path. Our experiments show that Shield reduces the architectural vulnerability factor of the integer register file by up to 84% (73% on average), and by up to 100% (85% on average) for the floating-point register file while affecting performance negligibly.
Porous Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Nerve Guide Filled with Porous Gelatin Matrix for Nerve Tissue Engineering

The preparation and characterization of PCL guides filled with a porous matrix of a freeze‐dried, genipin‐crosslinked gelatin sponge (GL/GP) is described. Porous guides are obtained by dip coating a rotating mandrel with a PCL/PEO blend solution followed by PEO solvent extraction. PCL/PEO 60/40 is selected as the optimal composition to obtain model porous membranes with suitable morphological properties to ensure nutrient permeation and moderate stiffness. GL/GP sponges show increased mechanical strength and water stability, compared to uncrosslinked GL sponges. GL/GP in the form of films, sponges and internal fillers support the in vitro adhesion and proliferation of Schwann like cells.
Unit Coordination and Gapping in Dependency Theory

The paper investigates the problem of representing coordination constructs in a formal system for the dependency approach to syntax. The distinctive aspect of the formalism is the presence of non-lexical (trace ~) nodes in the representation. We illustrate the basic mechanisms, and how they can account for syntactic phenomena involving long-distance dependencies. Then, we see how the same mechanism can account for the gaps and ellipses of coordination constructs.
Correction to "Wavelet-Based Feature Extraction for Improved Endmember Abundance Estimation in Linear Unmixing of Hyperspectral Signals"

In the above paper [1], the second author (Lori Mann Bruce) was omitted from the byline. The complete byline should read as " Wavelet-based feature extraction for improved endmember abundance estimation in linear unmixing of hyperspectral signals, " IEEE Trans. where she is also affiliated with the Remote Sensing Technology Center. Her research interests include applying advanced digital signal processing techniques such as discrete wavelet transforms to automated pattern recognition in hyperspectral remote sensing and digital mammography. Abstract—This paper shows that the use of appropriate features, such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based features , can improve the least squares estimation of endmember abundances using remotely sensed hyperspectral signals. On average, the abundance estimation deviation is reduced by 30% to 50% when using the DWT-based features, as compared to the use of original hyperspectral signals or conventional principal component analysis (PCA)-based features. Theoretical analyses further reveal that the increase of endmember separability is a fundamental reason leading to this improvement. In addition, the robustness of the DWT-based features is verified experimentally. Finally, the idea is generalized as a point that the remote sensing community needs to investigate feature extraction (or dimension-ality reduction) methods that are based on signal classification, such as the DWT approach, for linear unmixing problems, rather than using feature extraction methods that are based on signal representation, such as the conventional PCA approach.
Iodine Status of New Zealand Elderly Residents in Long-Term Residential Care

In response to the re-emergence of iodine deficiency in New Zealand, in 2009 the government mandated that all commercially made breads be fortified with iodized salt. There has been no evaluation of the impact of the program on iodine status of the elderly, despite this population group being vulnerable to iodine deficiency or excess. The aim of this study was to describe the iodine status of elderly New Zealanders in residential aged-care homes following the implementation of the bread fortification program. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 309 residents (median age 85 years) from 16 aged-care homes throughout NZ. Information on socio-demographic, anthropometric, dietary and health characteristics were collected. Casual spot urine samples were analysed for urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Blood samples were analysed for serum thyroglobulin, thyroglobulin antibodies, and other biochemical indices. The median UIC (MUIC) of the residents was 72 μg/L, indicating mild iodine deficiency, and 29% had a UIC < 50 μg/L. Median thyroglobulin concentration was 18 ng/mL and 26% had elevated thyroglobulin concentration (>40 ng/mL), suggesting iodine insufficiency. Diuretic use was associated with lower MUIC (p = 0.043). Synthetic thyroxine use was associated with lower odds of having a UIC < 50 μg/L (OR 0.32, p = 0.030)) and lower median thyroglobulin (−15.2 ng/mL, p = 0.001), compared with untreated participants. Frailty was associated with elevated thyroglobulin (p = 0.029), whereas anemia was associated with lower thyroglobulin (p = 0.016). Iodine insufficiency persists in New Zealanders residing in residential aged-care homes despite increasing iodine intake from fortified bread. Research is required to establish optimal iodine intake and status in the elderly.
A Comparative Evaluation Methodology for NLG in Interactive Systems

Interactive systems have become an increasingly important type of application for deployment of NLG technology over recent years. At present, we do not yet have commonly agreed terminology or methodology for evaluating NLG within interactive systems. In this paper, we take steps towards addressing this gap by presenting a set of principles for designing new evaluations in our comparative evaluation methodology. We start with presenting a categorisation framework, giving an overview of different categories of evaluation measures, in order to provide standard terminology for categorising existing and new evaluation techniques. Background on existing evaluation methodologies for NLG and interactive systems is presented. The comparative evaluation methodology is presented. Finally, a methodology for comparative evaluation of NLG components embedded within interactive systems is presented in terms of the comparative evaluation methodology, using a specific task for illustrative purposes.
Path Hashing to Accelerate Delay Fault Simulation

This paper presents an efficientapproach to path delay fault simulation. We accelerate fault simulation by more than one order of magnitude with a new speed up technique called path hashing. An intelligent path identification method allows to deal with circuits containing two orders of magnitude more paths than state-of-the-art tools. Using these techniques larger circuits can be handled with a reasonable amount of time and memory.
Oxytocin Challenge Test in Monitoring High‐Risk Pregnancies

Eighty-nine pregnancies, at risk for placental insufficiency, were monitored with serial oxytocin challenge tests (OCT) and estriol determinations on 24-hour urine collections. Intraamniotic catheters were used to accurately record intrauterine pressure in 63% of the tests; 114 of the 116 tests (98%) were adequate for interpretation. Thirteen positive tests were recorded; however, in only 2 cases did the positive OCT predict a dysmature-postmature infant when estriol determinations were normal. Prompt delivery following a positive OCT can significantly reduce the incidence of fetal wastage.
Sensitivity of the Exporting Economy on the External Shocks: Evidence from Slovene Firms

In this paper we investigate the export participation of Slovene firms. We first show that sunk costs are an important factor for explaining the export behavior of Slovene firms. Next we show that when the absorption power of the exporting market declines, firms still trade with their established buyers (hysteresis) despite the fact that due to lower prices their exporting revenues decline. We show that this can be explained with high exit costs, which consist of switching costs (costs of replacing stable buyers with new ones) and cost of reducing the production (compensation money for excess workers) and high re-entry costs.
Postexcitatory Inhibition of the Crayfish Lateral Giant Neuron: A Mechanism for Sensory Temporal Filtering

Crayfish escape from threats by either giant neuron-mediated “reflex” tail flexions that occur with very little delay but do not allow for much sensory guidance of trajectory or by “nongiant” tail flexion responses that allow for sensory guidance but occur much less promptly. Thus, when a stimulus occurs, the nervous system must make a rapid assessment of whether to use the faster reflex system or the slower nongiant one. It does this on the basis of the abruptness of stimulus onset; only stimuli of very abrupt onset trigger giant-mediated responses. We report here that stimuli which excite the lateral giant (LG) command neurons for one form of reflex escape also produce a slightly delayed postexcitatory inhibition(PEI) of the command neurons. As a result, only stimuli that become strong enough to excite the command neurons to firing threshold before the onset of PEI, within a few milliseconds of stimulus onset, can cause giant-mediated responses. This inhibition is directed to distal dendrites of the LG neurons, which allows for some location specificity of PEI within the sensory field of a single hemisegment.