Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reducing the effort in the creation of new patients using the virtual simulated patient framework.

The use of Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) in the primary health care educational field is rare, although it has been demonstrated that it has advantages over traditional learning processes. This is due to the high production and maintenance costs of creating a specific ECA for some domain. In this paper we describe a methodology to reduce the effort of creating virtual patients inside the Virtual Simulated Patient Framework. This framework is an ECA adapted to simulate a sick patient during an appointment with a primary health care doctor. In order to do it, the system separates patient's physical conditions and personal features, i.e. with the diseases they have, their personality or cultural level from the patient's behaviour. The modeling of physical conditions makes use of fuzzy aggregation functions and the behaviour of the patient employ a fuzzy rule based system to control the subjectivity associated to their personality. The advantage of this approach is that many different patients can be created without effort just creating the physical models that represent them and their behaviour are in accordance with the illnesses they suffer from and their personality.
Dominant Fairness Fairness: Hierarchical Scheduling for Multiple Resources in Heterogeneous Datacenters

SUMMARY Hierarchical scheduling for multiple resources is partially responsible for the performance achievements in large scale datacenters. However, the latest scheduling technique, Hierarchy Dominant Resource Fairness (H-DRF)[1], has some shortcomings in heterogeneous environments, such as starving certain jobs or unfair resource allocation. This is because a heterogeneous environment brings new challenges. In this paper, we propose a novel scheduling algorithm called Dominant Fairness Fairness (DFF). DFF tries to keep resource allocation fair, avoid job star-vation, and improve system resource utilization. We implement DFF in the YARN system, a most commonly used scheduler for large scale clusters. The experimental results show that our proposed algorithm leads to higher resource utilization and better throughput than H-DRF.
Membrane Topology of the ZntB Efflux System of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT The membrane topology of the ZntB Zn2+ transport protein of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was determined by constructing deletion derivatives of the protein and genetically fusing them to blaM or lacZ cassettes. The enzymatic activities of the hybrid proteins indicate that ZntB is a bitopic integral membrane protein consisting largely of two independent domains. The first 266 amino acids form a large, highly charged domain within the cytoplasm, while the remaining 61 residues form a small membrane domain containing two membrane-spanning segments. The overall orientation towards the cytoplasm is consistent with the ability of ZntB to facilitate zinc efflux.
Two-stage ASGD framework for parallel training of DNN acoustic models using Ethernet

Deep neural networks have shown significant improvements on acoustic modelling, pushing state-of-the-art performance in large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) tasks. However, training DNNs is very time-consuming on scaled data. In this paper, a data-parallel method, namely two-stage ASGD, is proposed. Two-stage ASGD is based on asynchronous stochastic gradient descent (ASGD) paradigm and is tuned for GPU-equipped computing cluster connected by 10Gbit/s Ethernet other than Infiniband. Several techniques, such as hierarchical learning rate control, double-buffering and order-locking are applied to optimise the communication-to-transmission ratio. The proposed framework is evaluated by training a DNN with 29.5M parameters using a 500-hours Chinese continuous telephone speech data set. By using 4 computer nodes and 8 GPU devices (2 devices used in each node), a 5.9 times acceleration is obtained over a single GPU with acceptable loss of accuracy (0.5% in average). A comparative experiment is done to compare the proposed two-stage ASGD with the parallel DNN training systems reported in prior work.
Solution-Processed PbSe Colloidal Quantum Dot-Based Near-Infrared Photodetector

A solution-processed near-infrared (NIR) photodetector based on PbSe colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) with a field-effect transistor (FET) configuration was presented. By blending PbSe CQDs into poly(3-hexylthiophene-2, 5-diyl) (P3HT) as active layer, the photosensitive spectrum of P3HT:PbSe nanocomposites extends into the NIR region. The responsivity and the specific detectivity of FET-based photodetector Au(gate)/PMMA (930nm)/P3HT:PbSe(55nm)/Au(source, drain) reached 500 A/W and 5.02 × 1012 Jones, respectively, at VDS = -40 V and VG = -40 V with 40 mW/cm2 of 980-nm laser illumination. It gets more stable due to its reverse fabrication using the dielectric layer to cover the active layer from environment air.
Psychophysiological effects of repetitive tasks.

We measured the effects of four different repetitive tasks on the critical fusion frequency, electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, electromyogram of the neck, urinary catecholamine excretion rate and subjective assessment. The four tasks were characterized by different psychological requirements. All repetitive tasks were associated with depressed alpha activity, elevated heart rate and elevated adrenaline excretion. Compared with the two tasks not involving discrimination, those requiring discrimination were accompanied by a higher neck muscle tension, a lower heart rate variability, stronger feelings of tension and weaker feelings of boredom and drowsiness. During CFF measurements, alpha activity was elevated, heart rate and muscle tension depressed, suggesting that the subject was in a state of relaxation compared with work.
Some properties of ordered eigenvalues of a Wishart matrix: application in detection test and model order selection

High resolution methods for estimation of parameters in signal processing (bearing angles in array processing or frequencies in spectral analysis for example) can suffer from a bad selection of the model order. This paper proposes an algorithm based on the properties of the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix. In the noise only case, this matrix is a Wishart matrix. For white noise the profile of ordered eigenvalues fits an exponential law. The proposed algorithm uses this property and looks for a mismatch between the observed profile and the model in order to detect the presence of a signal. Under estimation may result from the occurrence of small signal eigenvalues. Performances is greatly improved by the use of deflation for recursive detection-estimation test. Results of simulations are provided in order to show the capabilities of the algorithm.
An Application of the PageRank Algorithm to Commit Evaluation on Git Repository

Many empirical studies have reported notable theories or methods for evaluating or predicting code quality through analyses of code repositories. This paper has yet another point of view: it focuses on "commits" rather than source code. That is to say, this paper proposes to evaluate commits themselves. When an aim of a commit is to fix a bug, there can be another preceding commit which made a reason of the bug fixing. Those commits are linked by a bug fixing-based causal relationship. Then, commits can be modeled as a directed graph model of causal relationships. This paper applies Google's PageRank algorithm to the graph modelin order to evaluate commits' influences on the others. Through an empirical study with Git repositories of six open source projects, the following factors are showed to be noteworthy:(1) the number of added files at the commit,(2) the length of commit message,(3) the experience of committing author, and (4) the number of developers who have been involved in the modified files at the commit.
Pilot RCT results of stop my smoking USA: a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for young adults.

INTRODUCTION To address the lack of smoking cessation programs available to young adults, Stop My Smoking (SMS) USA, a text messaging-based smoking cessation program, was developed and pilot tested. METHODS This was a two-arm randomized controlled trial with adaptive randomization (arms were balanced by sex and smoking level [heavy vs. light]), conducted nationally in the United States. One hundred sixty-four 18- to 25-year-old daily smokers who were seriously thinking about quitting in the next 30 days were randomized to either (a) the 6-week SMS USA intervention (n = 101) or (b) an attention-matched control group aimed at improving sleep and physical activity (n = 63). The main outcome measure was 3-month continuous abstinence, verified by a significant other. Participants but not researchers were blinded to study arm allocation. RESULTS Based upon intent-to-treat analyses, intervention participants (39%) were significantly more likely than control participants (21%) to have quit at 4 weeks postquit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48, 7.45). Findings were not sustained at 3 months postquit, although rates in the SMS USA group were favored (40% vs. 30%, respectively; aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.78, 3.21). Subsequent analyses suggested that among intervention participants, SMS USA might be more influential for youth not currently enrolled in a higher education (p = .06). CONCLUSIONS Consistent with pilot studies, the sample was underpowered. Data suggest, however, that the SMS USA program affects smoking cessation rates at 4 weeks postquit. More research is needed before conclusions can be made about long-term impact. Identifying profiles of users for whom the program may be particularly beneficial also will be important.
Conserved structural elements in glutathione transferase homologues encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli

Multiple sequence alignments of the eight glutathione (GSH) transferase homologues encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli were used to define a consensus sequence for the proteins. The consensus sequence was analyzed in the context of the three‐dimensional structure of the gst gene product (EGST) obtained from two different crystal forms of the enzyme. The enzyme consists of two domains. The N‐terminal region (domain I) has a thioredoxin‐like α/β‐fold, while the C‐terminal domain (domain II) is all α‐helical. The majority of the consensus residues (12/17) reside in the N‐terminal domain. Fifteen of the 17 residues are involved in hydrophobic core interactions, turns, or electrostatic interactions between the two domains. The results suggest that all of the homologues retain a well‐defined group of structural elements both in and between the N‐terminal α/β domain and the C‐terminal domain. The conservation of two key residues for the recognition motif for the γ‐glutamyl‐portion of GSH indicates that the homologues may interact with GSH or GSH analogues such as glutathionylspermidine or α‐amino acids. The genome context of two of the homologues forms the basis for a hypothesis that the b2989 and yibF gene products are involved in glutathionylspermidine and selenium biochemistry, respectively. Proteins 2003;53:777–782. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of the Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test for Detecting Changes in the Mean of Multivariate GARCH Processes

We derive several multivariate control charts to monitor the mean vector of multi-variate GARCH processes under the presence of changes, by means of maximizing the generalized likelihood ratio. This presentation is rounded up by a comparative performance study based on extensive Monte Carlo simulations. An empirical illustration shows how the obtained results can be applied to real data.
Flavivirus NS5 associates with host-cell proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis-2 (RIMS2) via an internal PDZ binding mechanism

Abstract Dengue virus (DENV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are flaviviruses, which can cause lethal hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis, respectively. Here, we demonstrate that the TBEV-NS5 and DENV-NS5 proteins use an internal binding mechanism to target human PDZ proteins. TBEV-NS5 has high affinity to regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis-2 (RIMS2) and Scribble, whereas DENV-NS5 binds primarily to the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Targeting of TBEV-NS5 to the plasma membrane is stabilised by ZO-1; however, DENV-NS5 co-localises with ZO-1 in the nucleus. These interactions have potential important roles in the ability of flaviviruses to manipulate cell proliferation, junction permeability and the interferon pathways.
Epidermal growth factor-binding protein in Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a possible role in the mechanism of infection

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent mitogen for a variety of eukaryotic cells. EGF is found in a number of tissues and is prevalent in necrotic tissues and granulomata. The biological effect of EGF on mammalian cells is initiated by the binding to a specific receptor. Both Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis cause lung infections and localized or disseminated disease in both patients without AIDS and those with AIDS. Histopathologic studies show necrosis in the lung, liver, and splenic tissues of patients with disseminated mycobacterial infection. In the course of experiments to examine the effect of growth factors on macrophages, it was observed that M. avium and M. tuberculosis but not Mycobacterium smegmatis cultured in the presence of 5, 50, or 500 ng of EGF per ml grew significantly faster than mycobacteria cultured in the absence of EGF. 125I-EGF was found to bind to M. avium and M. tuberculosis, and the binding was competitively inhibited by unlabeled EGF. A receptor for EGF was identified on mycobacteria. Incubation of mycobacteria with EGF prior to infection of macrophage monolayers resulted in faster bacterial growth within macrophages compared with that of mycobacteria not incubated with EGF. EGF-binding protein was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and subsequently the protein was purified and the N-terminal amino acids were sequenced. These results suggest that EGF is a growth factor for pathogenic mycobacteria in granulomatous tissues and within macrophages and might enhance growth rates of both intracellular and extracellular mycobacteria in the site of infection.
Contexts of occurrence of child malnutrition in the district of Villaguay, Entre Ríos, Argentina. A multivariate analysis

The analysis of nutritional status is anthropologically important to address the complex interaction of biological, social, political, economic and cultural factors. To deepen the knowledge about contexts of occurrence of child malnutrition, we analyzed nutritional status in relation to socio-environmental conditions of residence in children between three and six years from Villaguay, Entre Ríos, Argentina. We performed a cross-sectional study of 1,435 school children of both sexes. Body weight and height were measured and prevalence of low height/age (LH/A), low weight/age (LW/A), low BMI/age (LBMI/A), overweight (Ow) and obesity (Ob) was calculated using World Health Organization reference charts. Socio-environmental information was obtained through a semi-structured survey and processed by Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CatPCA). Anthropometric data showed 1.5% LW/A, 5.2% LH/A; 0.6% LBMI/A, 20.9% Ow and 10.9% Ob. CatPCA allowed us to define four groups (G1-G4) with better (G2), middle (G1) and worst (G4) urban socio-environmental conditions and one with rural characteristics (G3). G4 presented the highest LH/A prevalence and G2 the highest Ow and Ob prevalence (P<0.05). It is concluded that since the distribution of malnutrition was not even it may dependent on the context in which children grow up. Thus, the higher the socio-economic level, the higher the incidence of overweight and obesity. Conversely, at the other end of the social scale, undernutrition and increasing weight excess remained major health problems.
Use of optimal wavelet packet decomposition for the long-term prediction of variable-bitrate video traffic

This study systematically investigates the long-term prediction of online, real-time variable-bit-rate (VBR) video traffic, which is a key and complicated component of advanced predictive dynamic bandwidth control for future networks such as multimedia satellite networks. As per the time variation, non-linearity and long-range dependence in the VBR video traffic trace, a novel method of feature extraction based on multi-scale decomposition is proposed. After an analysis of the time-frequency distribution characteristics of the video trace, the wavelet packets that have the trait of arbitrary distinction and decomposition are selected. After space partition of wavelet packets, the best wavelet packet basis for feature extraction is picked. Based on the best basis, fast arbitrary multi-scale wavelet packet transform (WPT) can be done and each higher dimension wavelet coefficient matrix can be obtained. Then, wavelet coefficients prediction is done based on normalised least mean square error (NLMS) or least mean-support vector machine (LS-SVM) algorithm. The long-term prediction of the VBR video traffic is obtained through reverse wavelet transforms on the predicted wavelet coefficients. Numerical and simulation results are provided to validate the claims.
Foreign Entry Mode, Cultural Distance and Subsidiary Performance of Malaysian Mnes

This paper explores the extent to which foreign entry mode and cultural distance influence the performance of Malaysian Multinational Enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries established in foreign countries. Data for this study were obtained from 13 Malaysian MNEs, which provided information on a total of 26 subsidiaries located in 16 countries. Implications of the study findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided.
A multiobjective model for generating optimal landmark sequences in pedestrian navigation applications

Landmarks provide the most predominant navigational cue for pedestrian navigation. The choice and representation of landmarks require an optimal approach to meet the needs of pedestrians, for example, shorter distances, fewer turns, and easy confirmation. This article proposes a multiobjective model to generate optimal landmark sequences for pedestrian route instructions. This model offers a general approach to meet the diverse needs of pedestrians. A modified ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is used to implement the proposed model. This research determined the parameters of the modified ACO algorithm by testing the whole study area using various weight combinations. This article also discusses the optimization process for various cases, for example, different origin–destination (OD) pairs, different pedestrian study areas, the influence of landmark density, and the overall performance comparison in achieving four objectives. Experimental results have confirmed that this proposed model can optimize landmark sequences for pedestrian route instructions.
Advanced Age Dissociates Dual Functions of the Perirhinal Cortex

The perirhinal cortex (PRC) is proposed to both represent high-order sensory information and maintain those representations across delays. These cognitive processes are required for recognition memory, which declines during normal aging. Whether or not advanced age affects the ability of PRC principal cells to support these dual roles, however, is not known. The current experiment recorded PRC neurons as young and aged rats traversed a track. When objects were placed on the track, a subset of the neurons became active at discrete locations adjacent to objects. Importantly, the aged rats had a lower proportion of neurons that were activated by objects. Once PRC activity patterns in the presence of objects were established, however, both age groups maintained these representations across delays up to 2 h. These data support the hypothesis that age-associated deficits in stimulus recognition arise from impairments in high-order stimulus representation rather than difficulty in sustaining stable activity patterns over time.
Locoregional chemotherapy versus locoregional combined immuno-chemotherapy for patients with advanced metastatic liver disease of colorectal origin: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS This reports presents the results of a prospective randomized controlled study of combined locoregional targeted immuno-chemotherapy for treatment of patients with liver metastasis from primary colorectal malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty eight patients were randomly assigned into one of two groups. Group A (n = 15) included patients who had post-operatively locoregional chemotherapy and Group B (n = 33) included patients who had combined locoregional immuno-chemotherapy. RESULTS Statistical analysis shows a clear superiority in the survival and responses of patients treated with immuno-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone. Forty five percent of patients in Group B are alive with a mean survival of 20.3 months, ranging from 13 to 29 months, as opposed to no survivors from Group A and a mean survival of only 9.9 months, ranging from 3.6 to 22.5 months. Additionally, 64% of the immuno-chemotherapy group had a positive response while only 13% of the chemotherapy had such a response. CONCLUSIONS Our data supports the value of combined immuno-chemotherapy as a treatment for advanced metastatic liver disease.
Selective Adhesion of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans to Pyrite

Bacterial adhesion to mineral surfaces plays an important role not only in bacterial survival in natural ecosystems, but also in mining industry applications. Selective adhesion was investigated with Thiobacillus ferrooxidans by using four minerals, pyrite, quartz, chalcopyrite, and galena. Escherichia coli was used as a control bacterium. Contact angles were used as indicators of hydrophobicity, which was an important factor in the interaction between minerals and bacteria. The contact angle of E. coli in a 0.5% sodium chloride solution was 31°, and the contact angle of T. ferrooxidans in a pH 2.0 sulfuric acid solution was 23°. E. coli tended to adhere to more hydrophobic minerals by hydrophobic interaction, while T. ferrooxidans selectively adhered to iron-containing minerals, such as pyrite and chalcopyrite. Ferrous ion inhibited the selective adhesion of T. ferrooxidans to pyrite competitively, while ferric ion scarcely inhibited such adhesion. When selective adhesion was quenched by ferrous ion completely, adhesion of T. ferrooxidans was controlled by hydrophilic interactions. Adhesion of E. coli to pyrite exhibited a liner relationship on langmuir isotherm plots, but adhesion of T. ferrooxidans did not. T. ferrooxidans recognized the reduced iron in minerals and selectively adhered to pyrite and chalcopyrite by a strong interaction other than the physical interaction.
Semantic class induction and its application for a Chinese voice search system

In this paper, we propose a novel similarity measure based on co-occurrence probabilities for inducing semantic classes. Clustering with the new similarity measure outperformed that with the widely used distance measure based on Kullback-Leibler divergence in precision, recall and F1 evaluation. We then use the induced semantic classes and structures by the new similarity measure to generate in-domain data. At last, we use the generated data to do language model adaptation and improve the result of character recognition from 85.2% to 91%.