Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ATP secretion in the male reproductive tract: essential role of CFTR

CFTR is expressed in principal cells but not clear cells in mouse cauda epididymis. Inhibition or knockdown of CFTR inhibits ATP release from mouse epididymal principal cells. Inhibition of CFTR reduces ATP release into the lumen of cauda epididymis in mice in vivo. These results show the involvement of CFTR in the regulation of ATP release from epithelial principal cells in the cauda epididymidis. Defective ATP signalling in the epididymis might contribute to dysfunction of the male reproductive tract associated with CFTR mutations.
Demo Abstract: Abating LPL-Induced Latency with Wake-Up Radio Technology

We are concerned with IoT applications where communication among resource constrained, battery powered devices exchange data wirelessly. Traditionally, these devices keep energy consump- tion at bay by sending their radio to sleep according to a pre-de ned duty cycle (Low Power Listening, or LPL). This, however, increases data latency dramatically. In order to reduce these delays, recent research has investigated the use of wake-up radios, namely, ad- ditional low-cost, ultra-low power radios operating at a di erent frequency than the main radio. In this way, by spending energy comparable to that of a node in sleep mode nodes can wake up their neighbors as soon as they have a packet to send, no longer needing to wait for the neighbors to wake up. This demonstration provides evidence of how by using wake-up radios we can abate the latency imposed by LPL. We show a simple chat application where messages from Alice to Bob are transmitted concurrently between two pairs of MagoNodes++, one with wake-up capabilities and the other using LPL. For each message received by Bob, latency information is shown, along with information regarding the time when the main radio is on. This allows us to clearly quantify the advantage of using wake-up radios for faster message exchange and for shortening the time the main radio is unnecessarily on.
Non-suppressed thyrotropin and elevated thyroglobulin are independent predictors of recurrence in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE Although in most cases differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) responds to surgery and radioiodine (RaI) therapy, some patients will have recurrence and eventually cancer-related death. However, although various prognostic factors of DTC have been identified (e.g. staging, suppressed thyrotropin), none of the previous studies have assessed simultaneously their role in multivariate analysis. DESIGN AND METHODS In this retrospective population-based study, we reviewed the clinicopathological data of 254 DTC patients treated in eastern Finland during the years 1976-1995, for clinical characteristics, primary treatment, follow-up and cancer recurrence. Tumor stage was based on pathological tumor-node-metastasis (pTNM) classification, and histopathological specimens were re-evaluated. RESULTS DTC recurrence occurred in 33 patients (13%). In univariate analyses, the predictors of recurrence were older age (>60 years, P<0.05), follicular tumor type (P<0.01), pTNM classification system (P<0.05) and post-ablative radioiodine uptake outside the neck (P<0.05). Non-suppressed serum thyrotropin (TSH) and elevated serum thyroglobulin (>3 microg/l) measured one year after operation were both related to tumor recurrence (P<0.05 and P<0.001 respectively). In multivariate analysis the independent predictors for recurrence were both elevated thyroglobulin (P<0.001) and non-suppressed TSH (P<0.05) independent of histology, pTNM stage and RaI uptake. Adjusted risk ratio for recurrence of DTC for unsuppressed thyrotropin was 2.3, for elevated thyroglobulin 14.0 and, if both conditions were present, the risk ratio increased to 45.1. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that both non-suppressed serum TSH and elevated serum thyroglobulin are related to an increased risk of DTC recurrence independent of tumor type and pTNM stage.
Impact of untransposed 66kV sub-transmission lines on voltage unbalance

The level of voltage unbalance that exists in some interconnected sub-transmission networks in Australia has been observed to be above the code requirements (e.g. 1% in Victoria). There is a perception that these high levels arise as a result of asymmetrical loads. However, the system asymmetry (of lines which are not normally transposed at 66kV, transformers and capacitor banks) also can play a significant part in the lead up to this situation. This lack evidence is partly due to the fact that analysis of asymmetrical systems require careful modelling of system components and lack of widespread availability and use of proper unbalanced load flow programs. To understand the impact of transmission lines in an interconnected network in relation to voltage unbalance, individual and interconnected behaviour of transmission lines have to be closely investigated under balanced supply and loading conditions. The paper presents the methodology and the results of such an investigation carried out employing an interconnected 66kV sub-transmission system as the study case.
Towards improvement of MI-BCI performance of subjects with BCI deficiency

The subjects' performance in using a brain-computer interface (BCI) system controlled by motor imagery (MI) varies considerably. Poor subjects' performance, known as BCI deficiency, can be due to the subjects' inability to modulate their sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs). In this work, we investigated the feasibility of improving the BCI performance through neurofeedback (NF) training of the resting state alpha rhythm (8-13 Hz). Thirteen healthy subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental or the control group. The experimental group participated in a MI-BCI session, followed by 12 NF sessions, and a final MI-BCI sessions. The control group performed a MI-BCI session followed by a final MI-BCI session. The results showed that the performances of the experimental group after 12 sessions of NF significantly improved upon the initial MI-BCI performance (p=0.02) but not the control group (p=0.14). Moreover, the resting state alpha of the experimental group significantly improved after 12 sessions of NF (p=0.04). In conclusion, the proposed approach is promising to address BCI deficiency.
The effect of exercise training on the kinetics of the antibody response to influenza vaccination

The significance of in vitro changes in immune function accompanying exercise training is unclear. To determine the effect of exercise on the response of the intact immune system to a challenge in vivo, we measured the speed and overall immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to influenza vaccination in humans engaged in different intensities of activity. Male participants (n = 21) were split into heavy and light training groups. Venous blood samples were collected 0, 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 days after vaccination with trivalent influenza vaccine, and also 12 months after initial vaccination. Serum IgG was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. There was a significant difference in baseline IgG between groups, but no difference in IgG concentration 14 days after vaccination. The IgG concentration remained elevated 12 months post-vaccination in the heavy training group. The results suggest a positive relationship between habitual physical activity and baseline antibody concentrations, which, in turn, affects the relative magnitude (fold or percentage increase) of the antibody response to vaccination. The training loads of the participants in this study had no effect on overall IgG measured 14 days after vaccination.
STUDIES OF TROPICAL TUNA SWIMMING PERFORMANCE IN A LARGE WATER TUNNEL - KINEMATICS

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) swimming kinematics was studied in a large water tunnel at controlled swimming velocities (U). Quantified kinematic variables included the tail-beat frequency, stride length (l), caudal amplitude, yaw, the propulsive wavelength, the speed of the propulsive wave (C) and the sweepback angle of the pectoral fins. In general, all variables, except the propulsive wavelength and consequently C, are comparable to values determined for other teleosts. The propulsive wavelength for the tunas (1.23­1.29 L, where L is fork length) is 30­60 % longer than in other cruise-adapted teleosts such as salmonids. The resulting thunniform swimming mode and the morphological and anatomical adaptations associated with the long propulsive wavelength (e.g. fusiform body shape, rigid vertebral column) act to minimize anterior resistance and maximize caudal thrust. The long propulsive wavelength also increases the maximum l which, in concert with the elevated muscle temperatures of tunas, increases their maximum swimming velocity.
Image fusion, broadening, and displacement in sound location.

The fusion or blending of two or more spatially separated complex signals (such as speech or music) into an apparent single image requires that the common origin signals be alike in quality and follow each other in rather close sequence (within about 50 msec). If both the quality and arrival‐time conditions are fully met, complete fusion appears to occur and a single image is heard coming from a single location. If these conditions are only partially met, then only partial fusion or image broadening results. The degree of broadening may be relatively small, or it may be sufficient for the image to appear to fill the intervening space between the physical boundaries of the real sources. For certain combinations of parameters, the creation of a single image either inside or outside these boundaries (image displacement) may occur. The present paper describes a number of arrangements that may be used to achieve each of these effects. The techniques employed date from as early as the mid‐nineteenth century to .
A perception framework for supporting robots to recognize human better in Human-Robot interaction

This paper describes the reason that perception technology in HRI has not given high performance enough to be used for commercial service robots. As a practical solution for better performance of perception technology, we propose a perception framework with a dedicated perception engine called a perception demon. The demon in the proposed framework constantly collects evidences and analyses them better by combining various types of individual perception components. The proposed framework enables robot makers to easily get more reliable information on humans without concerns about optimizing perception components to their robots.
Romantic Attachment, Empathy, and the Broader Autism Phenotype among College Students

ABSTRACT Recent research suggests that mild autistic-like characteristics can be measured among relatives of individuals with autism and in the general population. These characteristics have been referred to as the broader autism phenotype (BAP), and include pragmatic language difficulties, aloofness, and rigidity. Evidence is growing to suggest that individuals with BAP encounter difficulties in their social interactions. Recent work demonstrates that college students scoring high on the BAP report more loneliness (Jobe & Williams White, 2007) and more interpersonal problems (Wainer, Ingersoll, & Hopwood, 2012). Because intimate relationships are important in development and are very salient in emerging adulthood, the authors examined the relation of the BAP to romantic attachment and empathy among young adults. Higher BAP scores were associated with lower empathy and higher attachment anxiety and avoidance. Specifically, pragmatic language difficulties were related to higher rates of avoidant attachment and this relationship was mediated by empathy. In contrast, pragmatic language deficits were directly related to anxious attachment.
Relationship among white matter hyperintensity, arterial stiffness, associated diseases, and lifestyle in late-onset Alzheimer's disease patients

Objective: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is related to cerebrovascular disease, which deteriorates the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. In this study, we examined the association between WMH in AD patients and various vascular factors. Methods: A total of 107 patients with mild to moderate AD aged 65 years or older were recruited. Comparisons were made between the high- and low-WMH groups, using the Fazekas classification system, in terms of cognitive function, arterial stiffness, vascular risk factors, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Results: High-WMH were observed in approximately 60% of the AD patients in this study. The highWMH patients were significantly older than the low-WMH patients. The mean brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was higher in the high-WMH group than that in the low-WMH group. After correction for age and gender, the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly higher in the high-WMH group than that in the low-WMH group. The percentage of patients showing white matter lesions significantly increased in correlation with the number of lifestyle-related risk factors as well as in correlation with frequencies of both exercise and fruit consumption. Conclusions: In the AD patients in the present study, WMH is associated with cognitive impairment, age, arterial stiffness, diastolic blood pressure, and lifestyle-related vascular risk factors.
Psychopatholgy and Perception of Physiques

49 male prisoners, forming 4 diagnostic groups (normals, schizophrenics, passive-aggressives, and sociopaths) defined by actuarial MMPI tables, served as Ss. Diagnostic groups differed significantly in the consistency with which they stereotyped male physiques on the following concepts, child molester, follower, policeman, self, and criminal.
Exploiting lexical information and discriminative alignment training in statistical machine translation

El trabajo de la tesis se ha enmarcado en tres aspectos de la traduccion automatica estadistica: el uso de informacion lexica como modelos lexicos basicos o expresiones multi-palabras, estrategias de entrenamiento por minimizacion del error, y finalmente modelos de alineado a nivel de palabra, Estos aspectos han sido estudiados en el marco del sistema de traduccion basado en n-gramas. Segun este enfoque, la probabilidad de traduccion conjunta se modela a traves de una combinacion log-lineal compuesta de un modelo de n-gramas bilingue asi como de funciones caracteristicas adicionales. En primer lugar, se ha estudiado en profundidad el tema de la evaluacion del alineado. In particular, se destaca el impacto en los resultados de la manera con la que la referencia de alineado esta construida, y se dan pautas para alinear manualmente un corpus. A continuacion, se describe el sistema de traduccion automatica basado en n-gramas. Despues de esta descripcion, se evalua el impacto sobre la calidad del alineado de clasificaciones linguisticas como lematizacion, stemming o clasificacion de verbos. Aunque estas transformaciones tienen un impacto importante sobre el alineado a nivel de palabras, esta mejora no se repercuta a nivel de calidad de traduccion. Se examina tambien el impacto sobre la calidad del alineado y sobre la exactitud de la traduccion de agrupar expresiones multi-palabras antes del alineado. Otro objetivo de esta tesis era la mejora de estrategias de entrenamiento por minimizacion del error. Dos lineas de investigacion se consideraron: la eleccion de la metrica utilizada como funcion objetivo y la mejora del propio algoritmo de optimizacion. En la primera linea de investigacion, los parametros fueron optimizados satisfactoriamente en funcion del valor de la medida Queen del marco de evaluacion Qarla. Este marco combina diferentes metricas con un criterio estable y robusto. En la secunda linea de investigacion, el algoritmo SPSA (aproximacion estocastica por perturbacion simultanea) se comparo al metodo del simplex. Por ultimo, se propone un nuevo marco para el entrenamiento discriminativo de modelos de alineado con metricas automaticas de traduccion como criterio de maximizacion. Para poder evaluar este marco, se ha implementado un sistema de alineado basado en modelos discriminativos adaptados al sistema de traduccion por n-gramas, y se pudo observar una mejora de los resultados de metricas automaticas con corpora pequenos. Se ha extendido este marco para corpora grandes, entrenando los parametros del sistema de alineado con una parte pequena del corpus y utilizandolos para alinear el corpus entero. Los parametros obtenidos generaron sistemas de traduccion tan buenos como los que se pueden obtener con herramientas estandares de alineado, pero de una manera mucho mas flexible y con mucho menos recursos computacionales.
Early life stage and genetic toxicity of stannous chloride on zebrafish embryos and adults: Toxic effects of tin on zebrafish

Humans are exposed to stannous chloride (SnCl2), known as tin chloride, present in packaged food, soft drinks, biocides, dentifrices, etc. Health effects in children exposed to tin and tin compounds have not been investigated yet. Therefore, we evaluated the possible teratogenic effects and genotoxic of SnCl2 in zebrafish (Danio rerio) adults and their embryos. In the embryo–larval study, SnCl2 showed embryo toxicity and developmental delay after exposure to the various concentrations of 10–250 μM for 120 h. Teratogenic effects including morphological malformations of the embryos and larvae were observed. The embryos exposed to 100 μM displayed tail deformation at 28 hpf and the larvae exposed to 50 μM showed reduced body growth, smaller head and eyes, bent trunk, mild pericardial edema, and smaller caudal fin at 96 hpf. The results of the teratological study show that SnCl2 induced a significant decrease in the number of living embryos and larvae. Regarding the chromosome analysis, SnCl2 induced a dose‐dependent increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency in peripheral erythrocytes of adult zebrafish. In blood cells, the 25 μM dose of SnCl2 caused a nonsignificant increase in the total chromosomal aberrations, but the high doses significantly increased the total number of chromosomal aberrations compared with the control groups. Overall, the results clearly indicate that SnCl2 is teratogenic and genotoxic to zebrafish. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Comparison between computed tomography multislice and high-field magnetic resonance in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with renal masses.

BACKGROUND Renal masses are a common finding in diagnostic imaging; these lesions usually are solid or cystic, benign or malignant, and the correct diagnosis may be difficult. The aim of our study was the comparison of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and high-field magnetic resonance (MR) in the diagnostic evaluation of renal masses. METHODS We studied 29 patients, 16 men and 13 women aged 8-85 years (mean 61±17 years) with histo-cytological diagnosis of renal masses (n=31), of which the majority (74%; n=23) was represented by malignant lesions [renal cell carcinoma (Ca) =16, chromophobe renal cell Ca =2, squamous cell Ca =1, urothelial Ca =2, lymphoma =1, Wilms tumor =1]; the remaining 8 masses (26%) were benign (pyelonephritis =2, simple cyst =1, hematic cyst =1, lipoma =1 and oncocytoma =3). All patients underwent MSCT and MR (3.0 Tesla) before and after contrast injection; the images were evaluated in double-blind by two expert radiologists. The results of the images were then compared with the histo-cytological data to calculate the values of diagnostic accuracy for both methods in the identification and characterization of renal masses. The benign or malignant nature of the lesions was established according to the regularity of the margins, presence or absence of significant contrast enhancement, infiltration of perirenal fat and vascular invasion. The concordance of the results of the two imaging techniques was then calculated using the coefficient Kappa Cohen. RESULTS For both identification and characterization of renal masses, MSCT and MR showed comparable values of diagnostic accuracy with a significant concordance (k=1); in particular, the diagnostic accuracy of MSCT/MR was 100%/100% for lesion identification, 90%/90% for lesion characterization in terms of benign or malignant nature, 97%/97% for the evaluation of lesion edges, 90%/90% for the assessment of lesion contrast enhancement, 93%/93% for the evaluation of peri-renal fat infiltration and 96%/96% for the evaluation of vascular infiltration. Only in three cases of oncocytoma the two imaging methods were both inaccurate for diagnosis of benignity classifying the lesions as probably malignant on the basis of the absence of central scar and of dynamic contrast enhancement pattern. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study show comparable diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and MR for the identification and characterization of expansive renal lesions. High-field MR is, therefore, a valid alternative to MSCT in the evaluation of renal masses avoiding exposure to ionizing radiation.
Climbing a shaky ladder: Better adaptive risk estimation

We revisit the leaderboard problem introduced by Blum and Hardt (2015) in an effort to reduce overfitting in machine learning benchmarks. We show that a randomized version of their Ladder algorithm achieves leaderboard error O(1/n0.4) compared with the previous best rate of O(1/n1/3). Short of proving that our algorithm is optimal, we point out a major obstacle toward further progress. Specifically, any improvement to our upper bound would lead to asymptotic improvements in the general adaptive estimation setting as have remained elusive in recent years. This connection also directly leads to lower bounds for specific classes of algorithms. In particular, we exhibit a new attack on the leaderboard algorithm that both theoretically and empirically distinguishes between our algorithm and previous leaderboard algorithms.
Asparaginase activity levels and monitoring in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract Asparaginase is an integral component of multiagent chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Adequate asparagine depletion is believed to be an important factor in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. Measurement of asparaginase activity allows practitioners to evaluate the potential effectiveness of therapy in real time. Asparaginase activity levels can be used to identify patients with silent inactivation and modify therapy in these patients. Patients with silent inactivation to asparaginase who are switched to therapy with an immunologically distinct asparaginase exhibit outcomes similar to patients who never developed silent inactivation. Despite these benefits, there exists no universally agreed-upon guideline for treatment adjustments based on asparaginase activity levels. The goal of this manuscript is to review the clinical evidence linking asparaginase activity levels to outcomes in patients with ALL and to provide an overview of how asparaginase activity levels may be used to guide treatment.