Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UP-REGULATION OF S100A8 AND S100A9 PROTEIN IN BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL CELLS BY LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE

Increased serum levels of the S100A8 (MRP-8) protein have been reported in inflammatory conditions including bacterial infection, arthritis, and cystic fibrosis (CF). This protein is expressed constitutively with S100A9 (MRP-14) in neutrophils and is regulated by inflammatory stimulants. It has been hypothesized that increased inflammatory response to persistent bacterial infection is a major feature of CF lung disease. Therefore, the authors wished to determine the involvement of these two proteins in the innate defense response of the bronchial epithelium to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-) and primary bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) were grown at air-liquid interface (ALI) and stimulated for up to 96 hours with LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The 16HBE14o- cells responded to LPS with a 2.9-fold increase in S100A8 mRNA production after 12 hours. S100A9 mRNA production was increased by 1.8-fold after 12 hours and 2.9-fold after 24 hours. It was also found that the S100A8 and S100A9 proteins were increased in the secretions of the 16HBE14o- and NHBE cells after LPS stimulation. This finding suggests that S100A8 and S100A9 are involved in the innate defense of the bronchial epithelium.
Major congenital anomalies in babies born with Down syndrome: A EUROCAT population‐based registry study

Previous studies have shown that over 40% of babies with Down syndrome have a major cardiac anomaly and are more likely to have other major congenital anomalies. Since 2000, many countries in Europe have introduced national antenatal screening programs for Down syndrome. This study aimed to determine if the introduction of these screening programs and the subsequent termination of prenatally detected pregnancies were associated with any decline in the prevalence of additional anomalies in babies born with Down syndrome. The study sample consisted of 7,044 live births and fetal deaths with Down syndrome registered in 28 European population‐based congenital anomaly registries covering seven million births during 2000–2010. Overall, 43.6% (95% CI: 42.4–44.7%) of births with Down syndrome had a cardiac anomaly and 15.0% (14.2–15.8%) had a non‐cardiac anomaly. Female babies with Down syndrome were significantly more likely to have a cardiac anomaly compared to male babies (47.6% compared with 40.4%, P < 0.001) and significantly less likely to have a non‐cardiac anomaly (12.9% compared with 16.7%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of cardiac and non‐cardiac congenital anomalies in babies with Down syndrome has remained constant, suggesting that population screening for Down syndrome and subsequent terminations has not influenced the prevalence of specific congenital anomalies in these babies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of intrinsic muscle properties for stable hopping—stability is achieved by the force–velocity relation

A reductionist approach was presented to investigate which level of detail of the physiological muscle is required for stable locomotion. Periodic movements of a simplified one-dimensional hopping model with a Hill-type muscle (one contractile element, neither serial nor parallel elastic elements) were analyzed. Force–length and force–velocity relations of the muscle were varied in three levels of approximation (constant, linear and Hill-shaped nonlinear) resulting in nine different hopping models of different complexity. Stability of these models was evaluated by return map analysis and the performance by the maximum hopping height. The simplest model (constant force–length and constant force–velocity relations) outperformed all others in the maximum hopping height but was unstable. Stable hopping was achieved with linear and Hill-shaped nonlinear characteristic of the force–velocity relation. The characteristics of the force–length relation marginally influenced hopping stability. The results of this approach indicate that the intrinsic properties of the contractile element are responsible for stabilization of periodic movements. This connotes that (a) complex movements like legged locomotion could benefit from stabilizing effects of muscle properties, and (b) technical systems could benefit from the emerging stability when implementing biological characteristics into artificial muscles.
Observed and simulated global distribution and budget of atmospheric C 2 -C 5 alkanes

Abstract. The primary sources and atmospheric chemistry of C2-C5 alkanes were incorporated into the atmospheric chemistry general circulation model EMAC. Model output is compared with new observations from the NOAA/ESRL GMD Cooperative Air Sampling Network. Based on the global coverage of the data, two different anthropogenic emission datasets for C4-C5 alkanes, widely used in the modelling community, are evaluated. We show that the model reproduces the main atmospheric features of the C2-C5 alkanes (e.g., seasonality). While the simulated values for ethane and propane are within a 20% range of the measurements, larger deviations are found for the other tracers. According to the analysis, an oceanic source of butanes and pentanes larger than the current estimates would be necessary to match the observations at some coastal stations. Finally the effect of C2-C5 alkanes on the concentration of acetone and acetaldehyde are assessed. Their chemical sources are largely controlled by the reaction with OH, while the reactions with NO3 and Cl contribute only to a little extent. The total amount of acetone produced by propane, i-butane and i-pentane oxidation is 11.2 Tg/yr, 4.3 Tg/yr, and 5.8 Tg/yr, respectively. Moreover, 18.1, 3.1, 3.4, 1.4 and 4.8 Tg/yr of acetaldehyde are formed by the oxidation of ethane, propane, n-butane, n-pentane and i-pentane, respectively.
A formal execution semantics and rigorous analytical approach for communicating UML statechart diagrams

The major problem of the official UML semantics is it lacks the precise definition which is required for performing a formal analysis and reasoning on statechart diagrams. This thesis first examines a rigorous approach for the formalization of the execution semantics of communicating UML statechart diagrams in the π-calculus. An integrated approach which is based on the formalized execution semantics is then proposed for the equivalence checking and model checking of statechart diagrams. Our formalization transforms a subset of UML statechart diagrams as distinct from statecharts into the π-calculus as a number of processes which communicate via a channel-passing interaction paradigm. Checking equivalence of any two statechart diagrams is transformed to a problem of verifying whether the corresponding π-calculus process expressions are equivalent. An equivalence-checking environment which consists of three software tools is described and demonstrated. The environment allows a user to draw statechart diagrams with Poseidon for UML, translate them into π-calculus representations with SC2PiCal and check whether the statechart diagrams are equivalent using the MWB. Likewise, we put forward a model-checking environment. To verify the correctness of a finite state system represented as multiple interacting statechart diagrams, we specify the design in statechart, diagrams using Poseidon for UML, formalize them in the π-calculus, transform the π-calculus expressions into equivalent NuSMV code using PiCal2NuSMV and verify the system automatically using the NuSMV model checker. Our work illustrates how an integrated approach can provide a more thorough analysis of statechart diagrams. The main contributions of this thesis are: (i) a formal definition of the execution semantics of statechart diagrams; (ii) an integration of different formal methods and tools for analyzing statechart diagrams, and (iii) a practical application of the proposed approach for verifying the correctness of SET/A protocol.
Entangled in Big Events: Rise of Heroin Use Among Children of Ex-Gurkhas in Hong Kong

Big event models have been developed to demonstrate the relationships between wars and socioeconomic political transitions, and between rise of drug use and HIV epidemic outbreaks. This ethnographic interview-based study of a Nepali, Hong Kong community, carried out between 2009 and 2011, explored increased heroin use among the children of Hong Kong's Nepali ex-Gurkhas since its political transition in 1997. Data from its 59 informants were coded and analyzed using the grounded-theory approach. Three derived themes influencing drug use among ex-Gurkha children were identified: (1) reorganization of social networks, (2) redefinition of social norms, and (3) renegotiation of self-identity. Their associated processes crossed the boundaries of time and space. These findings document that big event modeling variables can and do overlap, are interconnected in many different ways, and their relationships are dialectical and are culturally shaped even as individuals may and do influence these processes and outcomes. Study's limitations are noted.
Notes on energy shaping

The problem of shaping the kinetic and potential energy of a mechanical system by feedback is cast in a differential geometric framework. The nature of the set of solutions to the potential energy shaping problem is described. The kinetic energy shaping problem is posed in (1) an affine differential geometric framework and (2) a manner where the geometric integrability theory for partial differential equations can be applied.
Prognostic marker profile to assess risk in stage I–III hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer patients

Single markers are insufficient to accurately assess risk of relapse for adjuvant therapy guidance in operable breast cancer patients. In addition, the accuracy and interpretability of current multi‐marker tests is generally limited by their simply additive algorithms and their overlap with clinicopathologic risks. Here, we report the development and validation of a nonlinear algorithm that combines protein (ER, PGR, ERBB2, BCL2 and TP53) and genomic (MYC/8q24) markers with standard clinicopathologic features (tumor size, tumor grade and nodal status) into a global risk assessment profile. The algorithm was trained using statistical pattern recognition in 200 stage I–III hormone receptor‐positive patients treated with hormone therapy. Continuous risk scores (0–10+) were then generated for 232 independent patients. In hormone therapy‐treated patients, the profile achieved a hazard ratio of 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–20) in high‐ vs. low‐risk groups for time to distant metastasis with the low‐risk group having a 10‐year metastasis rate of just 4% (95% CI, 0–8%). Similar results were achieved in untreated patients and for disease‐specific survival. In multivariate analyses with standard prognostic factors and clinical practice guidelines, the profile was the only significant variable. Furthermore, the profile reclassified as low risk over half of node‐negative patients at elevated risk according to the guidelines, which could have spared such patients from unnecessary cytotoxic chemotherapy. It also accurately identified a group of high‐risk patients within a guideline low‐risk group. In summary, the profile intelligently combines biologically relevant marker pathways and established clinicopathologic risks to help guide breast cancer patients to the most appropriate level of adjuvant therapy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cervical screening and management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive women

The high prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology in the context of immunosuppression has been recognized for many years. In response to repeated observations of cervical cancers in HIV-infected women, moderate and severe cervical dysplasia were designated as early symptomatic HIV infection (Category B) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1993, and invasive cervical cancer as an AIDS-defining condition (Category C). HIV-infected women, therefore, differ from the general population not only with a greater risk for more, but also potentially more severe cervical disease. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy, with HIV-infected women living for longer, there is a clear need to address this increased risk with appropriate management guidelines which this review attempts to provide.
Selective staining of large projection neurons by monoclonal antibody to a glycoprotein of PC12 cells

A monoclonal antibody has been produced against glycoproteins prepared from PC12 cells. This antibody stains PC12 cells in a rimlike fashion, whether they are fixed or living. When neuronally differentiated PC12 cells are used, neurites as well as somata stain. In the presence of complement, the antibody is cytotoxic to PC12 cells. These lines of evidence suggest that at least some of the binding is to an exposed component of the plasma membrane in these cells. Biochemical experiments directed at identifying the antigen(s) indicate specific recognition of glycoproteins of apparent molecular weights of approximately 160 and 95 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The antibody appears to be directed against a determinant on the protein moiety. The larger species is likely to be the same as a glycoprotein previously described (Lee et al., 1981), which has been found in PC12 cells, but not in brain. The monoclonal antibody we have produced, however, selectively stains a subset of neurons in brain. Specifically, it binds to Purkinje cells in cerebellar cortex, pyramidal cells in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, ganglion cells in retina, and some neurons, generally large, in most brain structures examined. No glia or nonneural tissues stain. We suggest that the neurons recognized by this antibody may be the projection cells of each structure. However, in contrast to PC12 cells, the antigen(s) bound in this case appears to be predominantly internal. This interpretation is supported by the appearance of stained cells in tissue; by the failure of the antibody to stain live dissociated neurons from brain; and by its failure to lyse sympathetic neurons in the presence of complement. Western immunoblots show that there is glycoprotein present in brain that is recognized by the antibody, and that it is enriched in a crude microsomal fraction prepared from that tissue. This material migrates on SDS gels as two bands of 130 and 95 kDa.
Validation of a specific quality of life questionnaire for functional digestive disorders

BACKGROUND Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome are suitable conditions for assessment of quality of life. Their similarities justify the elaboration of a single specific questionnaire for the two conditions. AIMS To examine the process leading to the validation of the psychometric properties of the functional digestive disorders quality of life questionnaire (FDDQL). METHODS Initially, the questionnaire was given to 154 patients, to assess its acceptability and reproducibility, analyse its content, and reduce the number of items. Its responsiveness was tested during two therapeutic trials which included 428 patients. The questionnaire has been translated into French, English, and German. The psychometric validation study was conducted in France, United Kingdom, and Germany by 187 practitioners. A total of 401 patients with dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome, defined by the Rome criteria, filled in the FDDQL and generic SF-36 questionnaires. RESULTS The structure of the FDDQL scales was checked by factorial analysis. Its reliability was expressed by a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.94. Assessment of its discriminant validity showed that the more severe the functional digestive disorders, the more impaired the quality of life (p<0.05). Concurrent validity was supported by the correlation found between the FDDQL and SF-36 questionnaire scales. The final version of the questionnaire contains 43 items belonging to eight domains. CONCLUSIONS The properties of the FDDQL questionnaire, available in French, English, and German, make it appropriate for use in clinical trials designed to evaluate its responsiveness to treatment among patients with dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.
Prices or Quantities Dominate Banking and Borrowing

The possibility of intertemporal banking and borrowing of tradeable permits is often viewed as tilting the various policy debates about optimal pollution control instruments toward favoring such time-flexible quantities. The present paper shows that this view is misleading, at least for the simplest dynamic extension of the original `prices vs. quantities' information structure. The model of this paper allows the firms to know and act upon the realization of uncertain future costs two full periods ahead of the regulators. For any given circumstance, the paper shows that either a fixed price or a fixed quantity is superior in expected welfare to time-flexible banking and borrowing. Furthermore, the standard original formula for the comparative advantage of prices over quantities contains sufficient information to completely characterize the regulatory role of intertemporal banking and borrowing. The logic and implications of these results are analyzed and discussed.
Systematic review of patient handling activities starting in lying, sitting and standing positions.

BACKGROUND Over the last 20 years a number of methods have been recommended in professional guidelines for moving patients. This review was undertaken as it was recognized that there was a need for clinical work involving handling patients (systems of work and equipment) to be based on scientific evidence. AIMS The aim of this paper is to report the methodology, search strategy and results relating to work involving the care, treatment and transfer of patients starting in lying, sitting and standing positions. METHODS An unusual philosophical stance has been taken by appraising studies within a study type rather than comparatively. This facilitated the inclusion of a wide range of study designs (quantitative and qualitative). A string search was run on eight databases and supplemented by other search strategies. A published checklist was selected and inter-rater reliability established before the main review commenced. A systematic process for inclusion, exclusion, appraisal, extraction and synthesis was undertaken. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included: nine for activities with the patient starting in a lying position and 23 for the sitting position. No studies were found with respect to patient handling activities starting in a standing position. These data were synthesized into evidence statements. CONCLUSIONS The evidence statements support the use of hoists (for nonweight bearing patients), standaids, sliding sheets (double thickness rollers), lateral transfer boards, walking belts and adjustable height beds and baths. It is suggested that these items should constitute a minimum equipment list for any clinical environment where patient handling takes place on a regular basis. The lack of research relating to patient handling in standing is of particular concern and it is recommended that this area should be a high research priority to address concerns about patient handling in rehabilitation activities.
An improved equivalent circuit model based on the CMOS on-chip multiple coupled inductors from DC to millimeter-wave region

In this paper, an improved equivalent circuit model of multiple coupled inductors is proposed, as well as the parameter extraction method. First, the characteristics of the on-chip inductors are analyzed. Then according to electromagnetic properties of multiple coupled inductors, the improved equivalent model, which considers more parasitic effects among inductors, as well as the parameter extraction method are presented. The measurement structures are fabricated by the 0. 18μm and 90nm CMOS technologies. It will be shown that the simulated results of the model are in good agreement with the measured results from DC up to millimeter-wave range and the validation of the proposed model is verified.
High Level Language Embeddings for Deterministic Concurrency

We present a concurrent programming language Cilk-5 in terms of semantics and implementation [1]. We show how it relies on both the compiler and the work stealing scheduler to produce efficient execution schedules of programs, and give a theoretical analysis of its perfomance. We then introduce the concept of dataflow programming [9] in which programs yield the same observable results regardless of a particular execution schedule. This paradigm is useful for parallel programming, since it ensures that programs exhibit identical behaviour independent of the platform they are deployed on. Finally, we describe a method for embedding domain-specific languages in host languages using the typechecker of the host language to ensure typing rules are followed [7]. This technique allows using the staged representation of a program to compile it to different languages depending on the target platform.
On the reliability of forensic schemes using resampling for image copy-move forgery

The goal of image forgery detection in multimedia security and forensics is to find a clue of image manipulation and prove the inauthenticity of digital images. The presence of the original and its duplicated regions in an image is regarded as a fingerprint for copy-move forgery. The problem investigated here concerns the situation when resampling process is employed in the pre-processing stage of detecting image copy-move forgery. In several detection techniques of copy-move forgery in digital images, resampling is utilised to lower the spatial resolution of an image, further improving the efficiency and the speed of image forensics. However, the reliability of detection methods has not been examined in detail. In this paper, we take a view of some recently-proposed forensic techniques using resampling and analyse the reliability of detecting copy-move forgery, by modelling copy-move forgery process and detection problem. Based on theoretical analysis and experimental validation it is concluded from this study that a correct detection of image copy-move tampering may be impeded by resampling operation under certain conditions and it is more difficult to reveal the forgery than previously thought.
Stochastic models of pitch jitter and amplitude shimmer for voice modification

We present a voice modification algorithm for transforming a modal voice to a hoarse voice. The algorithm is based on modifying the jitter and shimmer of the voice, which are long known to be connected to hoarseness. A pitch synchronous linear prediction analysis-resynthesis process is used to increase jitter and shimmer in modal voices, where the data for the jitter and the shimmer is obtained from a stochastic model based on naturally hoarse voices. A formal evaluation of the algorithm conducted with multiple voices and listeners showed that the produced voices are perceived as close to natural hoarseness, suggesting the applicability of the algorithm to various voice modification and voice synthesis tasks.
SINAI at SemEval-2017 Task 4: User based classification

This document describes our participation in SemEval-2017 Task 4: Sentiment Analysis in Twitter. We have only reported results for subtask B English, determining the polarity towards a topic on a two point scale (positive or negative sentiment). Our main contribution is the integration of user information in the classification process. A SVM model is trained with Word2Vec vectors from user’s tweets extracted from his timeline. The obtained results show that user-specific classifiers trained on tweets from user timeline can introduce noise as they are error prone because they are classified by an imperfect system. This encourages us to explore further integration of user information for author-based Sentiment Analysis.