Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Anti-inflammatory Cytokine, Interleukin (IL)-10, Blocks the Inhibitory Effect of IL-1β on Long Term Potentiation

Several effects of the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), have been described in the central nervous system, and one area of the brain where marked changes have been reported is the hippocampus. Among these changes are an IL-1β-induced inhibition of long term potentiation (LTP) in perforant path-granule cell synapses and an attenuation of glutamate release in synaptosomes prepared from the hippocampus. Evidence suggests that, at least in circulating cells, the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, antagonizes certain effects of IL-1. We investigated the effect of IL-10 on IL-1β-induced inhibition of LTP and glutamate release. The evidence presented indicates that IL-1β stimulates the stress-activated protein kinase, c-Jun-activated protein kinase (JNK), and IL-1 receptor-associated kinase, which may explain its inhibitory effect on release and LTP, and that IL-10 reversed the IL-1β-induced stimulation of JNK activity and inhibition of release and LTP. We observed that IL-10 abrogated the stimulatory effect of IL-1β on superoxide dismutase activity and reactive oxygen species production, whereas the H2O2-induced inhibition of LTP was also blocked by IL-10. We present evidence that suggests that the action of IL-10 may be mediated by its ability to induce shedding of the IL-1 type I receptor.
Simulating simple user behavior for system effectiveness evaluation

Information retrieval effectiveness evaluation typically takes one of two forms: batch experiments based on static test collections, or lab studies measuring actual users interacting with a system. Test collection experiments are sometimes viewed as introducing too many simplifying assumptions to accurately predict the usefulness of a system to its users. As a result, there is great interest in creating test collections and measures that better model user behavior. One line of research involves developing measures that include a parameterized user model; choosing a parameter value simulates a particular type of user. We propose that these measures offer an opportunity to more accurately simulate the variance due to user behavior, and thus to analyze system effectiveness to a simulated user population. We introduce a Bayesian procedure for producing sampling distributions from click data, and show how to use statistical tools to quantify the effects of variance due to parameter selection.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: New High Resolution Computed Tomography Scoring System and Correlation between the High Resolution Computed Tomography Score and Clinical Severity

Objective To develop an high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scoring system for the assessment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and determine its usefulness as compared with the chest radiographic score. Materials and Methods Forty-two very low-birth-weight preterm infants with BPD (25 male, 17 female) were prospectively evaluated with HRCT performed at the mean age of 39.1-week postmenstrual age. Clinical severity of BPD was categorized as mild, moderate or severe. The HRCT score (0-36) of each patient was the sum of the number of bronchopulmonary segments with 1) hyperaeration and 2) parenchymal lesions (linear lesions, segmental atelectasis, consolidation and architectural distortion), respectively. We compared the HRCT scores with the chest radiographic scores (the Toce system) in terms of correlation with clinical severity. Results The HRCT score had good interobserver (r = 0.969, p < 0.001) and intraobserver (r = 0.986, p < 0.001) reproducibility. The HRCT score showed better correlation (r = 0.646, p < 0.001) with the clinical severity of BPD than the chest radiographic score (r = 0.410, p = 0.007). The hyperaeration score showed better correlation (r = 0.738, p < 0.001) with the clinical severity of BPD than the parenchymal score (r = 0.523, p < 0.001). Conclusion We have developed a new HRCT scoring system for BPD based on the quantitative evaluation of pulmonary abnormalities of BPD consisting of the hyperaeration score and the parenchymal score. The HRCT score shows better correlation with the clinical severity of BPD than the radiographic score.
An Algebraic Translation of Cayley-Dickson Linear Systems and Its Applications to Online Learning

The m-dimensional Cayley-Dickson number system Am is a standard extension of real (m=1), complex (m=2), quaternion (m=22), octonion (m=23) and sedenion (m=24) etc. In this paper, we present a systematic algebraic translation of the Cayley-Dickson hypercomplex valued linear systems into a real vector valued linear model. This translation is designed by using jointly two new isomorphisms between real vector spaces and enables us to straightforwardly apply the well established schemes in real domain to problems for the hypercomplex linear model. We also clarify useful algebraic properties of the proposed translation. As an example of many potential algorithms through the proposed algebraic translation, we present Am-adaptive projected subgradient method ( Am-APSM) for Am valued adaptive system identification, and show that many hypercomplex adaptive filtering algorithms can be viewed as special cases of this algorithm. Moreover, we also apply the Am-APSM to nonlinear adaptive filtering by using the kernel trick. Numerical examples show that the effectiveness of the Am-APSM in many Cayley-Dickson valued linear system identification and nonlinear channel equalization problems.
Combined Dietary Recommendations, Desmopressin, and Behavioral Interventions May Be Effective First-Line Treatment in Resolution of Enuresis.

PURPOSE Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a very common multifactorial pediatric disorder and in children with­out any other lower urinary tract symptoms is defined as monosymptomatic NE (MNE). Pharmacologi­cal, psychological/behavioral, and alternative interventions are commonly used and the first-line drug ther­apy for patients with MNE is desmopressin (dDAVP) but the response rate is less than 40-60% and the relapse rate is about 50-80% after treatment. Many studies show that some foods and beverages can promote diuresis or bladder irritability, which in some people can exacerbate bladder symptoms and NE. The pres­ent study aimed to compare the efficacy of combined specific dietary advices and dDAVP vs dDAVP alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled in the study 172 patients affected by MNE between January 2013 and May 2014, of these 35 were excluded. The inclusion criterion was primary MNE and exclusion criteria included non-MNE, secondary MNE and lactose intolerance. Children were treated with dDAVP at a dose of 120 μg a day and were randomized to receive dietary recommendations. They were asked to fill out a char­ter depicting their wet and dry nights for the period of treatment. Sixty-seven patients were randomly as­signed to receive dDAVP and dietary advices (group A) and 70 patients to receive dDAVP alone (group B). RESULTS We included in our study 137 children, 102 (74.5%) male, and 35 (25.5%) female, aged be­tween 5 and 14 years. Our results show a higher response rate and a lower number of relapse in group A vs group B with 67.2% of responders in group A vs 58.6% in group B, after 3 months of ther­apy and 31.1% of relapse in group A vs 46.3% in group B one month, after the end of treatment. CONCLUSION Our results show the effectiveness of specific dietary advices in the manage­ment of primary MNE. However further studies are needed to determine whether the differ­ence between therapy with combined dietary recommendations and dDAVP vs dDAVP alone.
Sentiment Analysis of Chinese Microblog Message using Neural Network-based Vector Representation for Measuring Regional Prejudice

Regional prejudice is prevalent in Chinese cities in which native residents and migrants lack a basic level of trust in the other group. Like Twitter, Sina Weibo is a social media platform where people actively engage in discussions on various social issues. Thus, it provides a good data source for measuring individuals’ regional prejudice on a large scale. We find that a resentful tone dominates in Weibo messages related to migrants. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, named DKV, for recognizing polarity and direction of sentiment for Weibo messages using distributed real-valued vector representation of keywords learned from neural networks. Such a representation can project rich context information (or embedding) into the vector space, and subsequently be used to infer similarity measures among words, sentences, and even documents. We provide a comprehensive performance evaluation to demonstrate that by exploiting the keyword embeddings, DKV paired with support vector machines can effectively recognize a Weibo message into the predefined sentiment and its direction. Results demonstrate that our method can achieve the best performances compared to other approaches.
EXTRACONN: Extraction and Analysis of Company Networks from News

Companies in nowaday’s business world have started to recognize the value of Social Network Analysis not only for the discovery of interhuman relations, but also for the examination of e.g. interorga-nizational dependencies and collaboration patterns. However, the corresponding IT-supported analyses require a large amount of explicitly structured data, which is rarely available and costly to create manually. The contribution of our presented approach to the above described problem is therefore two-fold. The ﬁrst challenge is to bridge the gap between unstructered text data and the required network structures for the speciﬁc domain of business news. The aim is to obtain a network of companies that represents relevant facts (like industry relatedness) as close to reality as possible. We will then apply a chosen catalogue of social network analysis techniques in order to validate their suitability and to generate immediate feedback for the network generation step.
Trek separation for Gaussian graphical models

Gaussian graphical models are semi-algebraic subsets of the cone of positive definite covariance matrices. Submatrices with low rank correspond to generalizations of conditional independence constraints on collections of random variables. We give a precise graph-theoretic characterization of when submatrices of the covariance matrix have small rank for a general class of mixed graphs that includes directed acyclic and undirected graphs as special cases. Our new trek separation criterion generalizes the familiar d-separation criterion. Proofs are based on the trek rule, the resulting matrix factorizations and classical theorems of algebraic combinatorics on the expansions of determinants of path polynomials.
One-Dimensional TiO2 Nanothorn-Like Structures Assisted TiO2 Template for High Absorption Hydrophilic Self-Cleaning

One-dimensional (1D) titanium dioxide (TiO2) was synthesized using heat sol-dispersion immersion technique which is combination of four methods at lower temperature processing. The method is versatile with adjustable temperature, multi-ratio solution compositional and ability to tailor the structure into nanometer scale and small dimension of nanostructures. 1D TiO2 nanothorn-like structures assisted TiO2 template has been increased the performance of self-cleaning property with height of TiO2 nanostructures grew 17.5 nm at temperature 100oC. Further enhancing current work of coating function ability to the high performance and efficiency self-cleaning compared to present coating. The results showed a surface area for hydrophilic self-cleaning is 13.50 nm2 while the efficiency of 1D TiO2 nanostructures for self-cleaning through contact angle (CA) measurement indicated that 0.35 degrees after 2.30 minutes exposed to the water molecules droplets. The average of absorption coefficient (α) in UV region attribute 5.45 compared to another three heat immersions temperature.
Human Leptospirosis on Reunion Island: Past and Current Burden

Since 1953, leptospirosis has been recognized as a public health problem on Reunion Island. In 2004, was implemented a specific surveillance system that included systematic reporting and the realization of environmental investigations around hospitalized cases. Here, we present the synthesis of historical data and the assessment of 9 years of leptospirosis surveillance. From 2004 to 2012, 414 hospitalized cases were reported. Cases of leptospirosis occurred mostly during the rainy season from December to May. Approximately 41% of infections occurred at home, 12% of infections occurred during aquatic leisure and 5% of cases were linked to professional activities. Furthermore, for 41% of cases, the place of infection could not be determined due to the accumulation of residential and non-residential exposure. Most of the cases of leptospirosis were linked to rural areas or traditional, rural occupations. We did not observe a shift to recreational leptospirosis as described in some developed countries. According to the new surveillance system, the number of reported cases has regularly increased since 2004. This situation is in part due to the improvement of the system in the first years but also to a real increase in the number of detected cases due to the introduction of molecular methods and to increased biological investigation into the Dengue-like syndrome by medical practitioners on the island since the Chikungunya crisis in 2006. This increase is probably due to surveillance and diagnosis biases but need to be carefully monitored. Nevertheless, the possibility of an outbreak is always present due to climatic events, such as after the “hyacinth” hurricane in 1980.
Modeling Language Proficiency Using Implicit Feedback

We describe the results of several experiments with interactive interfaces for native and L2 English students, designed to collect implicit feedback from students as they complete a reading activity. In this study, implicit means that all data is obtained without asking the user for feedback. To test the value of implicit feedback for assessing student proficiency, we collect features of user behavior and interaction, which are then used to train classification models. Based upon the feedback collected during these experiments, a students performance on a quiz and proficiency relative to other students can be accurately predicted, which is a step on the path to our goal of providing automatic feedback and unintrusive evaluation in interactive learning environments.
International Conference on Intelligent and Advanced Systems 2007 720 ~ A Robust Method of Complete Iris Segmentation

In iris recognition, accurate iris segmentation is the most crucial step. Iris recognition systems are highly affected by the performance of iris segmentation processing. In this paper a robust and efficient method of iris segmentation is proposed. In the proposed scheme, the inner boundary of iris is calculated by finding the pupil center and radius using first derivative of the image. For outer iris boundary, a band is calculated within which iris outer boundary lies. One dimensional signals are picked along radial direction from the determined band in a sequence at different angles to obtain the outer circle of the iris. Points for upper and lower eyelids are found in the same way as the iris outer boundary followed by the statistically fit parabolas to completely localize the iris. Experimental results show that proposed method is very efficient.
The Unmixing of Atmospheric Trace Gases From Hyperspectral Satellite Data

A new approach for the retrieval of the vertical column concentrations of trace gases, from hyperspectral satellite reflectances, is presented. The investigation moves from the general rationale of independent component analysis, but the constraint of perfect independence among sources is replaced by a minimum dependence concept that proves more reasonable for the application at hand. The unmixing of the gas spectra and their concentrations is achieved from linear mixtures obtained from the logarithm of the spectral reflectance. After a proper preprocessing stage aimed at reducing major residual dependences caused by atmospheric scattering, trace-gas retrieval is carried out through a minimization of a statistical cost function, subject to the physical constraint that the resulting spectra must be nonnegative. The experimental analysis relies on the retrieval of sulfur dioxide during volcanic emissions using data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ozone Monitoring Instrument. To validate the procedure, reference reflectance spectra having a known profile of sulfur dioxide are generated with the MODerate resolution atmospheric TRANsmission software, and the retrieved concentration is compared with the theoretical one. Performance in the presence of shot and detector noise has also been analyzed starting from pure simulated spectral reflectances.
Metabolic Pathway Analysis: Basic Concepts and Scientific Applications in the Post‐genomic Era

This article reviews the relatively short history of metabolic pathway analysis. Computer‐aided algorithms for the synthesis of metabolic pathways are discussed. Important algebraic concepts used in pathway analysis, such as null space and convex cone, are explained. It is demonstrated how these concepts can be translated into meaningful metabolic concepts. For example, it is shown that the simplest vectors spanning the region of all admissible fluxes in stationary states, for which the term elementary flux modes was coined, correspond to fundamental pathways in the system. The concepts are illustrated with the help of a reaction scheme representing the glyoxylate cycle and adjacent reactions of aspartate and glutamate synthesis. The interrelations between pathway analysis and metabolic control theory are outlined. Promising applications for genome annotation and for biotechnological purposes are discussed. Armed with a better understanding of the architecture of cellular metabolism and the enormous amount of genomic data available today, biochemists and biotechnologists will be able to draw the entire metabolic map of a cell and redesign it by rational and directed metabolic engineering.
Optimal Range of Global End-Diastolic Volume for Fluid Management After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study*

Objectives:Limited evidence supports the use of hemodynamic variables that correlate with delayed cerebral ischemia or pulmonary edema after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to identify those hemodynamic variables that are associated with delayed cerebral ischemia and pulmonary edema after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Design:A multicenter prospective cohort study. Setting:Nine university hospitals in Japan. Patients:A total of 180 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Patients were prospectively monitored using a transpulmonary thermodilution system in the 14 days following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Delayed cerebral ischemia was developed in 35 patients (19.4%) and severe pulmonary edema was developed in 47 patients (26.1%). Using the Cox proportional hazards model, the mean global end-diastolic volume index (normal range, 680–800 mL/m2) was the independent factor associated with the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60–0.93; p = 0.008). Significant differences in global end-diastolic volume index were detected between the delayed cerebral ischemia and non–delayed cerebral ischemia groups (783 ± 25 mL/m2 vs 870 ± 14 mL/m2; p = 0.007). The global end-diastolic volume index threshold that best correlated with delayed cerebral ischemia was less than 822 mL/m2, as determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Analysis of the Cox proportional hazards model indicated that the mean global end-diastolic volume index was the independent factor that associated with the occurrence of pulmonary edema (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02–1.71; p = 0.03). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was identified between global end-diastolic volume index and extravascular lung water (r = 0.46; p < 0.001). The global end-diastolic volume index threshold that best correlated with severe pulmonary edema was greater than 921 mL/m2. Conclusions:Our findings suggest that global end-diastolic volume index impacts both delayed cerebral ischemia and pulmonary edema after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Maintaining global end-diastolic volume index slightly above normal levels has promise as a fluid management goal during the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Recent development on naphthoquinone derivatives and their therapeutic applications as anticancer agents

Introduction: A large number of natural products including several synthetic drugs possess naphthoquinone chromophore. Various methods have been devised for their synthesis. Several naphthoquinone derivatives have been found to possess diverse biological properties especially anticancer activity which has stimulated keen interest and research in this field. Areas covered: The present review provides recent therapeutic patent literature (2000 – 2012) describing the applications of naphthoquinones and their derivatives on anticancer activities. Information from articles published in international peer-reviewed journals has been included to comprise a more exhaustive review. Expert opinion: With the advent of stem cell research and molecular mechanism associated with cure of cancer, the use of classical and novel naphthoquinone structures have been more frequently noted in recent (2000 – 2012) patented agents for treatment of cancer.
Commonality of functional annotation: a method for prioritization of candidate genes from genome-wide linkage studies†

Linkage studies of complex traits frequently yield multiple linkage regions covering hundreds of genes. Testing each candidate gene from every region is prohibitively expensive and computational methods that simplify this process would benefit genetic research. We present a new method based on commonality of functional annotation (CFA) that aids dissection of complex traits for which multiple causal genes act in a single pathway or process. CFA works by testing individual Gene Ontology (GO) terms for enrichment among candidate gene pools, performs multiple hypothesis testing adjustment using an estimate of independent tests based on correlation of GO terms, and then scores and ranks genes annotated with significantly-enriched terms based on the number of quantitative trait loci regions in which genes bearing those annotations appear. We evaluate CFA using simulated linkage data and show that CFA has good power despite being conservative. We apply CFA to published linkage studies investigating age-of-onset of Alzheimer's disease and body mass index and obtain previously known and new candidate genes. CFA provides a new tool for studies in which causal genes are expected to participate in a common pathway or process and can easily be extended to utilize annotation schemes in addition to the GO.