Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MUTYH Gene Polymorphisms as Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives. MUTYH glycosylase involved in DNA repair pathways may be associated with the risk of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, the association between polymorphisms in the MUTYH gene and RA was evaluated. Methods. We recruited 192 RA patients and 192 healthy subjects in Taiwan. The 4 MUTYH polymorphisms (rs3219463, rs3219476, rs3219489, and rs3219493) were detected and haplotype analysis was performed using the Bayesian method. The genotype and allelic frequency distributions of the polymorphisms in both RA patients and healthy patients were compared by the chi-square test. Results. Comparison of the genotype/allele frequencies between individuals with RA and the control groups revealed significant differences in 2 MUTYH gene polymorphisms, rs3219463 and rs3219476. After we performed a haplotype-specific analysis, the haplotypes Ht6-GTGC and Ht8-GGCG had lower presenting rates in RA patients than in the control groups. Furthermore, the genotype frequency of rs3219463 G/ was significantly increased among patients with immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factors, whereas that of rs3219476 was not. Conclusion. We demonstrated that the rs3219463 and rs3219476 polymorphisms in RA patients from a Taiwan Chinese population were associated with disease susceptibility. These data indicate that the MUTYH gene may play a role in the progression of RA.
Citation-based plagiarism detection - idea, implementation and evalutation

Currently used Plagiarism Detection Systems solely rely on textbased comparisons. They only deliver satisfying results if the plagiarized text is copied literally (copyp yet, they fail to identify e.g. paraphrased, translated and idea plagiarism. By applying the citation-based approach to the doctoral thesis of Guttenberg, which is a well-examined, real world plagiarism example tested by numerous conventional Plagiarism Detection Systems, we could show that the citationbased approach is able to identify 13 out of the 16 translated plagiarisms. Conventional methods failed to identify any of these sections. However, as expected, short passages of copy&paste plagiarism can usually only be identified by text-based approaches. Therefore, Citation-based Plagiarism Detection is by no means a replacement for the currently used text-based approaches, but should be considered as a complement for identifying currently hard to find well-disguised plagiarisms. Additionally, once signs of plagiarism have been found, neither the text-based approaches, nor the citation-based approaches eliminate the need for manual examination.
The appraisal of teachers' performance and its impact on the mutuality of principal-teacher emotions

The current study examines the mutual discrete emotions among superiors and their above- and below-average workers within a hierarchical organisation (school). Using a survey method within a random sample of 40 elementary schools in Northern Israel, each principal and four of his or her teachers (two who had been appraised as excellent and two who had been appraised as poor-performing) completed two questionnaires which addressed the teachers‘ perceived performance and emotions toward the principal/teacher. As expected, the above-average teachers were found to be more favourably professionally evaluated by their superiors than the poor-performing ones. The principals expressed very positive emotions toward them. These highly regarded workers shared mutually positive feelings and similar teacher performance appraisals with their principals. In contrast with the principals’ evaluations, the below-average teachers perceived their own performance as very good. Unlike the teachers' mainly positive feelings, the principals experienced mixed emotions. The lower intensity of emotional ‘tone’ reflects the principals’ hesitation about taking any action which might lead to a deterioration in relationships with these teachers. The discussion proposes the theoretical framework of a vicious circle, in which the principal's undelivered direct feedback does not reach the teacher, who mistakenly believes that if nothing is said everything is all right, and therefore maintains his or her high self-esteem and poor performance.
Abstract Nested Transactions

TM implementations typically use low-level conflict detection based on the memory locations that a transaction accesses. This can cause transactions to be re-executed because of benign conflicts, for example if two transactions insert items into the same hashtable under different keys which happen to hash to the same bucket: the insertions update the same memory locations, even though the higher-level operations they are performing are commutative. In this paper we introduce abstract nested transactions (ANTs) as a way of improving the scalability of atomic blocks that experience some kinds of benign conflict. The main idea is that ANTs should contain operations that are likely to be the victims of benign conflicts. The run-time system then performs extra book-keeping so that, if an ANT does experience a conflict, the ANT can be re-executed without needing to re-run the larger transaction that contains i t. Unlike closed nested transactions (CNTs) this re-execution can happen after the ANT has finished running ‐ in our implementation we only re-execute ANTs at the point that we try to commit a top-level atomic block. Moving code into or out of an ANT is semantics preserving: ANTs affect only the program’s performance, not its possible results. This helps open the door for future resear ch in automatic ways to place ANTs in programs in order to deal with contention ‘hot spots’ that they experience.
Approximation Strategies for Routing in Stochastic Dynamic Networks

In this work, we study a special semi-Markov decision process that formalizes a route-planning problem in stochastic transportation networks. We explore two versions of the planning problem: one in which the planner knows the initial traffic situation but does not have access to further information once it begins executing the plan (open-loop), and one in which the planner receives continuous traffic updates (closed-loop). Since exact versions of these planning problems are intractable, we study their heuristic approximations. We present a new class of Monte-Carlo route planning algorithms that optimize the route using a sample of multiple traffic-state trajectories. We show that these methods are able to outperform Monte-Carlo methods based on greedy policy look-aheads applied most frequently to solve the stochastic decision problems.
Combinatorial properties of frameproof and traceability codes

In order to protect copyrighted material, codes may be embedded in the content or codes may be associated with the keys used to recover the content. Codes can offer protection by providing some form of traceability (TA) for pirated data. Several researchers have studied different notions of TA and related concepts in previous years. "Strong" versions of TA allow at least one member of a coalition that constructs a "pirate decoder" to be traced. Weaker versions of this concept ensure that no coalition can "frame" a disjoint user or group of users. All these concepts can be formulated as codes having certain combinatorial properties. We study the relationships between the various notions, and we discuss equivalent formulations using structures such as perfect hash families. We use methods from combinatorics and coding theory to provide bounds (necessary conditions) and constructions (sufficient conditions) for the objects of interest.
Enhanced EO Wavelength Conversion Using Slow Light

Slow light in photonic crystals can be used to increase the efficiency of nonlinear processes. The increased electric field near internal resonances increases the efficiency of parametric interactions such as harmonic up-conversion and down-conversion to the IR, and provides a versatile method for phase-matching. This review describes the theoretical background and experimental results reported in recent literature for semiconductor photonic crystals, optical fibres and waveguides. Prospects for efficient parametric converters with low pump power requirements are discussed.
Speaker transformation using sentence HMM based alignments and detailed prosody modification

This paper presents several improvements to our voice conversion system which we refer to as speaker transformation algorithm using segmental codebooks (STASC). First, a new concept, sentence HMM, is introduced for the alignment of speech waveforms sharing the same text. This alignment technique allows reliable and high resolution mapping between two speech waveforms. In addition, it is observed that energy and speaking rate differences between two speakers are not constant across all phonemes. Therefore a codebook based duration and energy scaling algorithm is proposed. Finally, a more detailed pitch modification is introduced that takes into account pitch range differences between source and target speakers in addition to mean pitch level differences. The proposed changes made a significant impact on the quality of transformed speech. Subjective listening tests showed that intelligibility is maintained at the same level as natural speech after the speaker transformation.
The aging kidney and the nephrotoxic effects of mercury

ABSTRACT Owing to advances in modern medicine, life expectancies are lengthening and leading to an increase in the population of older individuals. The aging process leads to significant alterations in many organ systems, with the kidney being particularly susceptible to age-related changes. Within the kidney, aging leads to ultrastructural changes such as glomerular and tubular hypertrophy, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which may compromise renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These alterations may reduce the functional reserve of the kidneys, making them more susceptible to pathological events when challenged or stressed, such as following exposure to nephrotoxicants. An important and prevalent environmental toxicant that induces nephrotoxic effects is mercury (Hg). Since exposure of normal kidneys to mercuric ions might induce glomerular and tubular injury, aged kidneys, which may not be functioning at full capacity, may be more sensitive to the effects of Hg than normal kidneys. Age-related renal changes and the effects of Hg in the kidney have been characterized separately. However, little is known regarding the influence of nephrotoxicants, such as Hg, on aged kidneys. The purpose of this review was to summarize known findings related to exposure of aged and diseased kidneys to the environmentally relevant nephrotoxicant Hg.
Microbiological diagnosis of device‐related biofilm infections

Medical device‐related infections cause undue patient distress, increased morbidity and mortality and pose a huge financial burden on healthcare services. The pathogens are frequently distributed heterogeneously in biofilms, which can persist without being effectively cleared by host immune defenses and antibiotic therapy. At present, there is no ‘gold standard’ available to reveal the presence of device‐related biofilm infections. However, adequate sample collection and logistics, standardised diagnostic methods, and interpretation of results by experienced personnel are important steps in efficient diagnosis and treatment of these infections. The focus of this mini review is on prosthethic joint and cardiovascular implantable device infections, which exemplify permanent devices that are placed in a sterile body site. These device‐related infections represent some of the most challenging in terms of both diagnosis and treatment.
Predicting ground shaking intensities using DYFI data and estimating event terms to identify induced earthquakes

There has been a significant increase in earthquakes in Central and Eastern US (CEUS) in recent years. This increase in seismicity has been associated with human activities like wastewater injection, and is referred to as induced seismicity. One of the components for hazard and risk calculation from induced seismicity is the level of ground shaking expected from an earthquake at a site of interest. In CEUS, because of historically low seismicity, there is limited information to predict these shaking intensities. Even with the recent increase in seismicity, the sparsity of seismic networks limits the available information. US Geological Survey (USGS) collects and maintains a Did you feel it? (DYFI) database where users report online when they feel an earthquake. DYFI data is much more widely available than other ground motion data and is used here to generate a ground motion intensity prediction model. Additionally, we assess the hypothesis that intensities generated from induced earthquakes tend to be different than those from natural earthquakes. A mixed-effects regression model is used as our primary prediction model since it allows estimation of random effects associated with earthquakes and regions. We show results from various prediction functions used in our model and conclude that the intensity predictions could not be differentiated for induced events.
Nicotine content of electronic cigarettes, its release in vapour and its consistency across batches: regulatory implications.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Electronic cigarettes (EC) may have a potential for public health benefit as a safer alternative to smoking, but questions have been raised about whether EC should be licensed as a medicine, with accurate labelling of nicotine content. This study determined the nicotine content of the cartridges of the most popular EC brands in the United Kingdom and the nicotine levels they deliver in the vapour, and estimated the safety and consistency of nicotine delivery across batches of the same product as a proxy for quality control for individual brands and within the industry. METHODS We studied five UK brands (six products) with high internet popularity. MEASUREMENTS Two samples of each brand were purchased 4 weeks apart, and analysed for nicotine content in the cartridges and nicotine delivery in vapour. RESULTS The nicotine content of cartridges within the same batch varied by up to 12% relative standard deviation (RSD) and the mean difference between different batches of the same brand ranged from 1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = -5 to 7%] to 20% (95% CI=14-25%) for five brands and 31% (95% CI=21-39%) for the sixth. The puffing schedule used in this study vaporized 10-81% of the nicotine present in the cartridges. The nicotine delivery from 300 puffs ranged from ∼2 mg to ∼15 mg and was not related significantly to the variation of nicotine content in e-liquid (r=0.06, P=0.92). None of the tested products allowed access to e-liquid or produced vapour nicotine concentrations as high as conventional cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS There is very little risk of nicotine toxicity from major electronic cigarette (EC) brands in the United Kingdom. Variation in nicotine concentration in the vapour from a given brand is low. Nicotine concentration in e-liquid is not well related to nicotine in vapour. Other EC brands may be of lower quality and consumer protection regulation needs to be implemented, but in terms of accuracy of labelling of nicotine content and risks of nicotine overdose, regulation over and above such safeguards seems unnecessary.
Efficient anisotropic wavelet packet basis selection in JPEG2000

JPEG2000 Part 2 allows the application of arbitrary wavelet decomposition structures (wavelet packet bases). Efficient anisotropic wavelet packet basis selection for the coding framework of JPEG2000 has been developed and evaluated. Previous work focused on isotropic wavelet packet basis selection algorithms for JPEG2000, which serves as basis for the performance of the assessment of anisotropic wavelet basis selection. Several cost functions are applied in a top-down anisotropic wavelet packet selection scheme. Our evaluations employ state-of-the-art quality assessment tools supplementary to PSNR evaluations.
Stability study of the optimal channel selection for emotion classification from EEG

In recent years, emotion classification from electroencephalogram (EEG) has attracted more and more attention. Because fewer channels were required in the real-time emotion classification system, many channel selection methods were proposed. In this paper, we investigated the stability of the optimal channels selected by channel selection algorithm, Mean-ReliefF-channel-selection (MRCS). EEG signals from 4 male students were recorded using 64 electrodes. With the comparisons of three effective channel sets obtained from the features (Shannon entropy (SE), differential entropy (DE) and 1st difference (1ST)) respectively, we explored the similarity of the first 10 optimal channels from the different sets. The experimental results indicated that there were average 75% common channels for the individual subject. But between subjects, the mean value of all combinations of subjects for different features can only reach 16%. This phenomenon indicates that the selected optimal channels from fewer effective features are also suitable for many other valid features. But the strong instability of channels selected by MRCS between subjects makes it a big challenge to guide an effective design of real-time emotion classification system.
The Effectiveness of Music in Pediatric Healthcare: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

The aim of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness of music on pediatric health-related outcomes. Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled/crossover trial designs published between 1984 and 2009. Eligible studies used music as a therapy or intervention, included participants 1 to 18 years, and focused on at least one health-related outcome (with the exclusion of procedural pain). Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative synthesis was hampered by an inability to aggregate data arising from heterogeneity of interventions, outcomes and measurement tools. Qualitative synthesis revealed significant improvements in one or more health outcomes within four of seven trials involving children with learning and developmental disorders; two of three trials involving children experiencing stressful life events; and four of five trials involving children with acute and/or chronic physical illness. No significant effects were found for two trials involving children with mood disorders and related psychopathology. These findings offer limited qualitative evidence to support the effectiveness of music on health-related outcomes for children and adolescents with clinical diagnoses. Recommendations for establishing a consensus on research priorities and addressing methodological limitations are put forth to support the continued advancement of this popular intervention.
A 0.2–0.3 THz CMOS Amplifier With Tunable Neutralization Technique

Recently, there are revolutionary achievements in silicon-based conventional terahertz (THz) and millimeter-wave (mm-wave) integrated circuits, particularly with the advancement of CMOS technology. However, unlike Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs), innovative designs and lack of various circuit techniques still remain unknown in THz gap. In this paper, a multi-band THz amplifier is presented in 40 nm CMOS technology with adaptive band selection technique. The smart amplifier is able to adjust the band of operation with respect to input signal power and frequency. In addition, the circuit performance will be adjusted to achieve maximum power gain. In order to achieve multi-band external neutralization, self-healing technique is vastly utilized by means of tunable transmission lines (TTLs). The proposed smart system contains tunable transmission lines, a 5-stage amplifier core, two Successive Approximation Register-based analog-to-digital converters (SAR ADCs), a digital control core and two on-chip power sensing blocks. The fabricated amplifier achieves P1 dB of 1 dBm, Psat of 6.1 dBm and power gain of 14.8 dB ± from 197 to 288 GHz frequency range. The proposed amplifier demonstrates the highest operation frequency among all published state-of-arts in all CMOS technologies.
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This paper revisits the integer programming (IP) problem, which plays a fundamental role in many computer vision and machine learning applications. The literature abounds with many seminal works that address this problem, some focusing on continuous approaches (e.g., linear program relaxation), while others on discrete ones (e.g., min-cut). However, since many of these methods are designed to solve specific IP forms, they cannot adequately satisfy the simultaneous requirements of accuracy, feasibility, and scalability. To this end, we propose a novel and versatile framework called $\ell _p$ℓp-box ADMM, which is based on two main ideas. (1) The discrete constraint is equivalently replaced by the intersection of a box and an $\ell _p$ℓp-norm sphere. (2) We infuse this equivalence into the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) framework to handle the continuous constraints separately and to harness its attractive properties. More importantly, the ADMM update steps can lead to manageable sub-problems in the continuous domain. To demonstrate its efficacy, we apply it to an optimization form that occurs often in computer vision and machine learning, namely binary quadratic programming (BQP). In this case, the ADMM steps are simple, computationally efficient. Moreover, we present the theoretic analysis about the global convergence of the $\ell _p$ℓp-box ADMM through adding a perturbation with the sufficiently small factor $\epsilon$ε to the original IP problem. Specifically, the globally converged solution generated by $\ell _p$ℓp-box ADMM for the perturbed IP problem will be close to the stationary and feasible point of the original IP problem within $O(\epsilon)$O(ε). We demonstrate the applicability of $\ell _p$ℓp-box ADMM on three important applications: MRF energy minimization, graph matching, and clustering. Results clearly show that it significantly outperforms existing generic IP solvers both in runtime and objective. It also achieves very competitive performance to state-of-the-art methods designed specifically for these applications.
Gender Differences in Mathematics and Science on a High School Proficiency Exam: The Role of Response Format

Scores from mathematics and science sections of pilot forms of the Michigan High School Proficiency Test (HSPT) were examined for evidence of an interaction between gender and response format (multiple choice or constructed response). When students of all ability levels were considered, the interaction was small in science and nonexistent in mathematics. When only the highest ability students were considered, male students scored higher on the multiple-choice section, whereas female students either scored higher on the constructed-response section or the degree to which the male students scored higher was less on the constructed-response section. Correlations between the formats were high and did not vary by gender. Standard errors of measurement were similar across gender.