Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Semiparametric Estimate of Treatment Effects with Censored Data

Summary. A semiparametric estimate of an average regression effect with right‐censored failure time data has recently been proposed under the Cox‐type model where the regression effect β(t) is allowed to vary with time. In this article, we derive a simple algebraic relationship between this average regression effect and a measurement of group differences in K‐sample transformation models when the random error belongs to the Gp family of Harrington and Fleming (1982, Biometrika69, 553–566), the latter being equivalent to the conditional regression effect in a gamma frailty model. The models considered here are suitable for the attenuating hazard ratios that often arise in practice. The results reveal an interesting connection among the above three classes of models as alternatives to the proportional hazards assumption and add to our understanding of the behavior of the partial likelihood estimate under nonproportional hazards. The algebraic relationship provides a simple estimator under the transformation model. We develop a variance estimator based on the empirical influence function that is much easier to compute than the previously suggested resampling methods. When there is truncation in the right tail of the failure times, we propose a method of bias correction to improve the coverage properties of the confidence intervals. The estimate, its estimated variance, and the bias correction term can all be calculated with minor modifications to standard software for proportional hazards regression.
Expression of asthma susceptibility genes in bronchial epithelial cells and bronchial alveolar lavage in the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) cohort

Abstract Objective: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified genes associated with asthma, however expression of these genes in asthma-relevant tissues has not been studied. This study tested expression and correlation between GWAS-identified asthma genes and asthma or asthma severity. Methods: Correlation analyses of expression levels of GWAS-identified asthma genes and asthma-related biomarkers were performed in cells from human bronchial epithelial biopsy (BEC, n = 107) and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL, n = 94). Results: Expression levels of asthma genes between BEC and BAL and with asthma or asthma severity were weakly correlated. The expression levels of IL18R1 were consistently higher in asthma than controls or in severe asthma than mild/moderate asthma in BEC and BAL (p < 0.05). In RAD50-IL13 region, the expression levels of RAD50, not IL4, IL5, or IL13, were positively correlated between BEC and BAL (ρ = 0.53, P = 4.5 × 10−6). The expression levels of IL13 were positively correlated with IL5 in BEC (ρ = 0.35, P = 1.9 × 10−4) and IL4 in BAL (ρ = 0.42, P = 2.5 × 10−5), respectively. rs3798134 in RAD50, a GWAS-identified SNP, was correlated with IL13 expression and the expression levels of IL13 were correlated with asthma (P = 0.03). rs17772583 in RAD50 was significantly correlated with RAD50 expression in BAL and BEC (P = 7.4 × 10−7 and 0.04) but was not associated with asthma. Conclusions: This is the first report studying the expression of GWAS-identified asthma genes in BEC and BAL. IL13, rather than RAD50, IL4, or IL5, is more likely to be the asthma susceptibility gene. Our study illustrates tissue-specific expression of asthma-related genes. Therefore, whenever possible, disease-relevant tissues should be used for transcription analysis.
Looking Forward: Community Gateways at Victoria University.

The mission and values of Victoria University provide the underlying criteria for the development and implementation of the Community Gateways initiative, which aims to transform the lives of those living in the west of Melbourne through the power of further education. In this paper [the author explores] the development of the program and shares the learning and achievements to date. Community Gateways takes the university into the community by providing career education and counselling, skills recognition, recognition of prior learning, workshops and short training opportunities to engage the community 'on their own turf', and to support their access and success through career-aligned course choice. To be truly effective in the community, Community Gateways has utilised a cooperative approach to engage with over 40 community organisations, including community centres, neighbourhood houses, local councils, youth centres, libraries and [adult and community education] ACE and [adult community and further education] ACFE providers. A resurgence of interest in values associated with community, social cohesion and cultural diversity has provided the platform for these relationships to develop. Community Gateways strengthens access to learning and employment in the regions for many people who currently are unsure of how to access education and training opportunities. Through the provision of complimentary, professional careers counselling, community members are encouraged to consider their career options as the basis for making appropriate training or further study decisions.
Spacetime singularities in (2 + 1)-dimensional quantum gravity

The effects of spacetime quantization on black-hole and big-bang/big-crunch singularities can be studied using new tools from (2 + 1)-dimensional quantum gravity. I investigate effects of spacetime quantization on the singularities of the (2 + 1)-dimensional BTZ black hole and the (2 + 1)-dimensional torus universe. Hosoya has considered the BTZ black hole, and using a 'quantum-generalized affine parameter' (QGAP), has shown that, for some specific paths, quantum effects 'smear' the singularity. Using generic Gaussian wavefunctions, I show that both the BTZ black hole and the torus universe contain families of paths that still reach the singularities with finite QGAPs, suggesting that singularities persist in quantum gravity. More realistic calculations, using modular-invariant wavefunctions of Carlip and Nelson for the torus universe, further support this conclusion.
Learning Linear Threshold Approximations Using Perceptrons

We demonstrate sufficient conditions for polynomial learnability of suboptimal linear threshold functions using perceptrons. The central result is as follows. Suppose there exists a vector w, of n weights (including the threshold) with accuracy 1 , average error , and balancing separation , i.e., with probability 1 , w correctly classifies an example x; over examples incorrectly classified by w, the expected value of w x is (source of inaccuracy does not matter); and over a certain portion of correctly classified examples, the expected value of w x is . Then, with probability 1 , the perceptron achieves accuracy at least 1 [∊ + (1 + /)] after O[n∊22(ln 1/)] examples.
Standalone Hybrid Wind-Solar Power Generation System Applying Dump Power Control Without Dump Load

This paper proposes a unique standalone hybrid power generation system, applying advanced power control techniques, fed by four power sources: wind power, solar power, storage battery, and diesel engine generator, and which is not connected to a commercial power system. Considerable effort was put into the development of active-reactive power and dump power controls. The result of laboratory experiments revealed that amplitudes and phases of ac output voltage were well regulated in the proposed hybrid system. Different power sources can be interconnected anywhere on the same power line, leading to flexible system expansion. It is anticipated that this hybrid power generation system, into which natural energy is incorporated, will contribute to global environmental protection on isolated islands and in rural locations without any dependence on commercial power systems.
Sectional image reconstruction in optical scanning holography using compressed sensing

Optical scanning holography is a form of digital holographic system, which allows us to capture a three-dimensional (3D) object in the two-dimensional (2D) hologram. A post-processing step known as sectional image reconstruction can then be applied to reconstruct a 2D plane of the object. In this paper, we show that the Fourier transform of the hologram corresponds to samples along a semi-spherical surface of the Fourier transform of the 3D object. Since the Fourier basis satisfies the uniform uncertainty principle, we can view the hologram capture as a form of compressed sensing, and reconstruction of the sectional images can then be accomplished by solving a total variation minimization problem.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors Suppress Transforming Growth Factor- (cid:1) -Induced Subcapsular Cataract Formation

The pleotropic morphogen transforming growth fac-tor- (cid:1) (TGF (cid:1) ) plays an important role in the development of fibrotic pathologies, including anterior subcapsular cataracts (ASCs). ASC formation involves increased proliferation and transition of lens epithelial cells into myofibroblasts, through epithelial-mes-enchymal transformation that results in opaque plaques beneath the lens capsule. In this study, we used a previously established TGF (cid:1) -induced rat cataract model to explore the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in ASC formation. Treatment of excised rat lenses with TGF (cid:1) resulted in enhanced secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Importantly, co-treat-ment with two different MMP inhibitors (MMPIs), the broad spectrum inhibitor GM6001 and an MMP-2/9-specific inhibitor, suppressed TGF (cid:1) -induced ASC changes, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of lens epithelial cells. Using an anti-E-cadherin antibody, we revealed that conditioned media from lenses treated with TGF (cid:1) contained a 72-kd E-cadherin fragment, indicative of E-cadherin shedding. This was accompanied by attenuated levels of E-cadherin mRNA. Conditioned media from lenses co-treated with TGF (cid:1) mediating the EMT of LECs. We further show that treatment with MMPIs led to a substantial reduction in subsequent plaque formation in the ex vivo lens and mainte-nance of lens optical quality. Because MMP-2 and MMP-9 were induced after TGF (cid:1) treatment and the MMPIs used have inhibitory activity against both, it can-not be discerned whether one or both of these MMPs participate in ASC formation. Future studies that target the individual expression of MMP-2 or MMP-9, such as through gene knockdown experiments or the use of specific MMP-2 and MMP-9 knockout mouse models, will help to further determine whether one or both of these MMPs is critical for ASC formation.
The Social Work Dissertation: Using Small-Scale Qualitative Methodology

Social work research and the dissertation The research process for a social work dissertation Key concepts in social work research Theory and social work research The literature review and literature based dissertations Social work methodology Traditional methods: Interviews, questionnaires and focus groups Alternative methodology: Narrative research, discourse analysis and life histories Qualitative analysis Writing up and dissemination Appendix: Useful websites Bibliography
An user based framework for salient detail extraction

We consider the interaction with salient details in the image i.e. points, lines, and regions. Interactive salient detail definition goes further than summarizing the image into a set of salient details since the saliency of details depends on the context, the application and the user. We propose an interaction framework for salient details from the perspective of the user, which dynamically updates the user- and context-dependent definition of saliency based on relevance feedback. A number of instantiations of the framework are presented.
An Online Evaluation of Explicit Feedback Mechanisms for Recommender Systems

The success of a recommender system is not only determined by smart algorithm design, but also by the quality of user data and user appreciation. User data are collected by the feedback system that acts as the communication link between the recommender and the user. The proper collection of feedback is thus a key component of the recommender system. If designed incorrectly, worthless or too little feedback may be collected, leading to low-quality recommendations. There is however little knowledge on the influence that design of feedback mechanisms has on the willingness for users to give feedback. In this paper we study user behavior towards four different explicit feedback mechanisms that are most commonly used in online systems, 5-star rating (static and dynamic) and thumbs up/down (static and dynamic). We integrated these systems into a popular (10,000 visitors a day) cultural events website and monitored the interaction of users. In 6 months over 8000 ratings were collected and analyzed. Current results show that the distinct feedback systems resulted in different user interaction patterns. Finding the right technique to encourage user interaction may be one of the next big challenges recommender systems have to face.
The existence and detection of optically dark galaxies by 21-cm surveys

One explanation for the disparity between cold dark matter (CDM) predictions of galaxy numbers and observations could be that there are numerous dark galaxies in the Universe. These galaxies may still contain baryons, but no stars, and may be detectable in the 21-cm line of atomic hydrogen. The results of surveys for such objects, and simulations that do/do not predict their existence, are controversial. In this paper, we use an analytical model of galaxy formation, consistent with CDM, to first show that dark galaxies are certainly a prediction of the model. Secondly, we show that objects like VIRGOHI21, a dark galaxy candidate recently discovered by us, while rare are predicted by the model. Thirdly, we show that previous ‘blind’ H i surveys have placed few constraints on the existence of dark galaxies. This is because they have either lacked the sensitivity and/or velocity resolution or have not had the required detailed optical follow up. We look forward to new 21-cm blind surveys [Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey and Arecibo Galactic Environments Survey (AGES)] using the Arecibo multibeam instrument which should find large numbers of dark galaxies if they exist.
Semantic Text Indexing

The following article presents a specific issue of semantic analysis of texts in natural language - text indexing and describes one field of its application (web browsing). The main part of this article describes a computer system assigning a set of semantic indexes (similar to keywords) to a particular text. The indexing algorithm employs a semantic dictionary to find specific words in a text that represent a text content. Furthermore, it compares two given sets of semantic indexes to determine similarities between texts (assigning a numerical value). The article describes the semantic dictionary - a tool essential to accomplish this task and its usefulness, the main concepts of the algorithm, and the test results.
A Methodology for Translating C-Programs to OpenCL

Processing Units (GPUs) is currently a common feature of high performance computing. Languages such as CUDA and Open Computing Language (OpenCL) are such programming models; provide a standard interface for achieving high performance across these GPU devices. However, because of the wide variety of architectural complexities of these GPU devices; often makes difficult to write programs for these platforms. One of the approaches to get rid off this difficulty is to parallelize sequential programs into equivalent parallel programs. In this paper, we present a methodology for parallelization of sequential C-programs with function calls to equivalent OpenCL programs with little assistance from programmer. Our proposed methodology identifies function calls and converts them into 'kernel' to be executed in parallel on GPU devices. To the best of our knowledge, there are no tools dedicated to conversion of C code to equivalent OpenCL code.
Induction of 7 / ~ T Cells in Murine Salmonellosis by an Avirulent but Not by a Virulent Strain of Salmonella choleraesuis

To elucidate the relationship between the virulence of intracellular bacterium and its ability to induce 3'/8 T cells in the host during infection, we examined the differences in appearance of 3'/8 T cells in mice infected with Salmonella choleraesuis virulent strain RF-1 carrying a virulence plasmid of 50 kb, and with avirulent strain 31N-1 cured of the 50-kb plasmid. The number of 3'/8 T cells in the peritoneal cavity was increased to a significant level on day 3 after an intraperitoneal infection with a sublethal dose (5 x 104 colony-forming units) of avirulent strain 31N-1. On the other hand, no increase in the number of 3'/8 T cells was evident in the peritoneal cavity at any stage after infections with various doses of virulent strain RF-1, although the numbers of the bacteria were drastically increased. Similar to that seen in the peritoneal cavity, the number of 3"/8 T cells in the liver was significantly increased after an intraperitoneal infection with avirulent strain 31N-1 but not with virulent strain tLV1. The early appearing 3,/8 T cells during salmonellosis with avirulent stain 31N-1, which preferentially used V3'l/V86, showed blastogenesis in response to purified protein derivative (PPD) derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The 3,/8 T cells also responded to the peritoneal adherent cells in mice infected with avirulent strain 31N-1 6 d previously, which expressed a high level of endogenous heat-shock protein (hsp) homologous to the mycobacterial 65-kD hsp. The expression of the hsp, however, was not prominent in the adherent cells in mice infected with virulent strain RF-1. These results suggest that the 3"/8 T cells specific for PPD may play important roles in host defense against murine salmonellosis, and that the virulence of Salmonella may be inversely correlated with its ability to induce endogenous hsp in the infected macrophages, which in turn stimulate the 3'/8 T cells in the host during salmonellosis.
How Do Ants Make Sense of Gravity? A Boltzmann Walker Analysis of Lasius niger Trajectories on Various Inclines

The goal of this study is to describe accurately how the directional information given by support inclinations affects the ant Lasius niger motion in terms of a behavioral decision. To this end, we have tracked the spontaneous motion of 345 ants walking on a 0.5×0.5 m plane canvas, which was tilted with 5 various inclinations by rad ( data points). At the population scale, support inclination favors dispersal along uphill and downhill directions. An ant's decision making process is modeled using a version of the Boltzmann Walker model, which describes an ant's random walk as a series of straight segments separated by reorientation events, and was extended to take directional influence into account. From the data segmented accordingly ( segments), this extension allows us to test separately how average speed, segments lengths and reorientation decisions are affected by support inclination and current walking direction of the ant. We found that support inclination had a major effect on average speed, which appeared approximately three times slower on the incline. However, we found no effect of the walking direction on speed. Contrastingly, we found that ants tend to walk longer in the same direction when they move uphill or downhill, and also that they preferentially adopt new uphill or downhill headings at turning points. We conclude that ants continuously adapt their decision making about where to go, and how long to persist in the same direction, depending on how they are aligned with the line of maximum declivity gradient. Hence, their behavioral decision process appears to combine klinokinesis with geomenotaxis. The extended Boltzmann Walker model parameterized by these effects gives a fair account of the directional dispersal of ants on inclines.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Eosinophil-specific Galectin Released into the Lungs in Response to Allergen Challenge*

A novel galectin cDNA (galectin-14) was cloned from ovine eosinophil-rich leukocytes by low stringency reverse transcriptase-PCR and cDNA library screening. Data base searches indicate that this gene encodes a novel prototype galectin that contains one putative carbohydrate recognition domain and exhibits most identity to galectin-9/ecalectin, a potent eosinophil chemoattractant. The sugar binding properties of the recombinant molecule were confirmed by a hemagglutination assay and lactose inhibition. The mRNA and protein of galectin-14 are expressed at high levels in eosinophil-rich cell populations. Flow cytometry and cytospot staining demonstrate that the protein localizes to the cytoplasmic, but not the granular, compartment of eosinophils. In contrast, galectin-14 mRNA and protein were not detected in neutrophils, macrophages, or lymphocytes. Western blot analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid indicates that galectin-14 is released from eosinophils into the lumen of the lungs after challenge with house dust mite allergen. The restricted expression of this novel galectin to eosinophils and its release into the lumen of the lung in a sheep asthma model indicates that it may play an important role in eosinophil function and allergic inflammation.
Video rewrite: visual speech synthesis from video

Video Rewrite uses existing footage to create automatically new video of a person mouthing words that she did not speak in the original footage. Video Rewrite uses computer-vision techniques to track points on the speaker’s mouth in the training footage, and morphing techniques to combine these mouth gestures into the final video sequence. The new video combines the dynamics of the original actor’s articulations with the mannerisms and setting dictated by the background footage. Video Rewrite is the first facial-animation system to automate all the labeling and assembly tasks required to resync existing footage to a new soundtrack. 1
SACoSS-semantic Agent Based System for Cloud Service Suggestion Using Cloud Service Ontology

With increasing demand and adoption of cloud services through web, selecting an appropriate cloud service according to requirements of the consumer becomes a great issue. In this paper we present a system for providing a list of cloud services as suggestion according to the consumer requirement, called SACoSS which is built using semantic technologies. SACoSS divides the cloud services in two domains based on SLA and WSDL of cloud services as SaaS services and IaaS services and updates the ontologies accordingly. The workflow of SACoSS system is of two steps, cloud service ontology updation and cloud service suggestion generation. The performance evaluation of SACoSS shows that this system provides better results and achieves higher prediction accuracy than other methods.