Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semantic Classification with WordNet Kernels

This paper presents methods for performing graph-based semantic classification using kernel functions defined on the WordNet lexical hierarchy. These functions are evaluated on the SemEval Task 4 relation classification dataset and their performance is shown to be competitive with that of more complex systems. A number of possible future developments are suggested to illustrate the flexibility of the approach.
On non-WSSUS wireless fading channels

We propose a novel framework for the statistical characterization of fading dispersive channels that do not satisfy the assumption of wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (WSSUS). The local scattering function (LSF) and the channel correlation function (CCF) are introduced and shown to characterize, respectively, the mean power and the correlation of non-WSSUS scatterers. Furthermore, the practically important class of doubly underspread (DU) channels is introduced, and it is shown that for DU channels, the LSF has numerous useful properties. The practical relevance of our approach is illustrated via application examples and numerical experiments.
Soft-bound synaptic plasticity outperforms hardbound plasticity

Accurate models of synaptic plasticity are essential to understand the adaptive properties of the nervous system and for realistic models of learning and memory. Experiments have shown that synaptic plasticity depends not only on preand post-synaptic activity patterns, but also on the strength of the connection itself. Namely, weaker synapses are more easily strengthened than already strong ones. This so called soft-bound plasticity automatically constrains the synaptic strengths. It is known that this has important consequences for the dynamics of plasticity, however, its impact on information storage is unknown. In this modelling study we show that soft-bound plasticity increases the storage capacity of synapses for a variety of performance criteria. Author Summary It is generally believed that our memories are stored in the synaptic connections between neurons. Numerous experimental studies have therefore examined when and how the synaptic connections change. In parallel many computational studies have examined the properties of memory and synaptic plasticity, with as a goal to better understand human memory and allow for neural network models of the brain. However, the plasticity rules used in most studies are highly simpli ed and do not take into account the rich behaviour found in experiments. For instance, it has been observed in experiments that it is hard to make strong synapses even stronger. Here we show that this saturation of plasticity enhances the number of memories that can be stored.
ANALYSIS OF TEMPERATURE TIME SERIES MEASURED IN ECOSYSTEMS

This paper concerns the analysis of temperature time series using the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and classical identification methods. The temperature time series were measured by meteorological stations which were deployed in the southern part of the Czech Republic. The data analysis was performed in both time and frequency domains. The focus of the work was to investigate the non-stationary stochastic temperature processes and to identify the structure and parameters of the dynamic model which describes the properties of this ecosystem. The data was processed using the Matlab programming environment.
Measurements of cholesterol turnover, synthesis, and absorption in man, carried out by isotope kinetic and sterol balance methods.

We have estimated the daily synthesis of cholesterol in man by measuring the excretion of cholesterol and its conversion products during periods of controlled sterol intake (sterol balance method), using isotopic or chromatographic procedures (or a combination of the two). Estimates of daily synthesis by this method are based on the premise that the subject is in the metabolic steady state; i.e., the synthesis of cholesterol is equal to the balance (or difference) between the intake of cholesterol and the excretion of cholesterol and its products. To test this premise, we carried out sterol balances in 11 patients; simultaneously, after administration of isotopic cholesterol, turnover was calculated according to previously described models (one-pool, two-pool, or isotopic steady state models for the distribution of radioactive cholesterol within various pools of the body). With calculations based on the one-pool model, turnover rates were considerably higher than estimates based on all other models, and reasons are given for considering these to be overestimates. Good agreement was obtained between results calculated from the two-pool model and those based on sterol balance data; neither method is theoretically preferable to the other. However, with the sterol balance method supplemented by isotopic techniques, valid measurements of cholesterol absorption can be obtained; this in turn permits the essential distinction to be made between daily synthesis and daily turnover of cholesterol when the diet contains cholesterol. In addition, the use of chromatographic isolation procedures provides an accurate measurement of the balance of -sitosterol. This in turn permits valid corrections to be made for losses (which may be large) of neutral steroids during intestinal transit; this is a unique advantage of the chromatographic method.
Structural and functional imaging of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) cranial anatomy

SUMMARY Bottlenose dolphins were submitted to structural (CT) and functional (SPECT/PET) scans to investigate their in vivo anatomy and physiology with respect to structures important to hearing and echolocation. The spatial arrangement of the nasal passage and sinus air spaces to the auditory bullae and phonic lips was studied in two dolphins via CT. Air volume of the sinuses and nasal passages ranged from 267.4 to 380.9 ml. Relationships of air spaces to the auditory bullae and phonic lips support previous hypotheses that air protects the ears from echolocation clicks generated by the dolphin and contributes to dolphin hearing capabilities (e.g. minimum angular resolution, inter-aural intensity differences). Lung air may replenish reductions in sinus and nasal passage air volume via the palatopharyngeal sphincter, thus permitting the echolocation mechanism to operate at depth. To determine the relative extent of regional blood flow within the head of the dolphin, two dolphins were scanned with SPECT after an intravenous dose of 1850 MBq 99mTc-bicisate. A single dolphin received 740 MBq of 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) to identify the relative metabolic activity of head tissues. Substantial blood flow was noted across the dorsoanterior curvature of the melon and within the posterior region of the lower jaw fats. Metabolism of these tissues relative to others within the head was nominal. It is suggested that blood flow in these fat bodies serves to thermoregulate lipid density of the melon and jaw canal. Sound velocity is inversely related to the temperature of acoustic lipids (decreasing lipid density), and changes in lipid temperature are likely to impact the wave guide properties of the sound projection and reception pathways. Thermoregulation of lipid density may maintain sound velocity gradients of the acoustic lipid complexes, particularly in the outer shell of the melon, which otherwise might vary in response to changing environmental temperatures.
Optimal Route Planning under Uncertainty

We present new complexity results and efficient algorithms for optimal route planning in the presence of uncertainty. We employ a decision theoretic framework for defining the optimal route: for a given source S and destination T in the graph, we seek an ST-path of lowest expected cost where the edge travel times are random variables and the cost is a nonlinear function of total travel time. Although this is a natural model for route-planning on real-world road networks, results are sparse due to the analytic difficulty of finding closed form expressions for the expected cost (Fan, Kalaba & Moore), as well as the computational/combinatorial difficulty of efficiently finding an optimal path which minimizes the expected cost. We identify a family of appropriate cost models and travel time distributions that are closed under convolution and physically valid. We obtain hardness results for routing problems with a given start time and cost functions with a global minimum, in a variety of deterministic and stochastic settings. In general the global cost is not separable into edge costs, precluding classic shortest-path approaches. However, using partial minimization techniques, we exhibit an efficient solution via dynamic programming with low polynomial complexity.
Arsenic mobilization through bioreduction of iron oxide nanoparticles

Arsenic sorbs strongly to the surfaces of Fe(III) (hydr)oxides. Under aerobic conditions, oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor in microbial respiration and Fe(III) (hydr)oxides are highly insoluble, thus arsenic remains associated with Fe(III) (hydr)oxide phases. However, under anaerobic conditions Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can couple the reduction of solid phase Fe(III) (hydr)oxides with the oxidation of organic carbon. When ferric iron is reduced to ferrous iron, arsenic is mobilized into groundwater. Although this process has been documented in a variety of pristine and contaminated environments, minimal information exists on the mechanisms causing this arsenic mobilization. Arsenic mobilization was studied by conducting controlled microcosm experiments containing an arsenic-bearing ferrihydrite and an Fe(III)-reducing microorganism, Geobacter metallireducens. Results show that arsenic mobility is strongly controlled by microbially-mediated disaggregation of arsenic-bearing iron nanoparticles. The most likely controlling mechanism of this disaggregation of iron oxide nanoparticles is a change in mineral phase from ferrihydrite to magnetite, a mixed Fe(III) and Fe(II) mineral, due to the microbially-mediated reduction of Fe(III). Although arsenic remained associated with the iron oxide nanoparticles and was not released as a hydrated oxyanion, the arsenic-bearing nanoparticles could be readily mobilized in aquifers. These results have significant implications for understanding arsenic behavior in aquifers with Fe(III) reducing conditions, and may aid in improving remediation of arsenic-contaminated waters.
An Automatic Detection and Assessment of Diabetic Macular Edema Along With Fovea Detection from Color Retinal Images

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is an advanced symptom of diabetic retinopathy which lead to vision loss. Here a methodology comprises of two stages is proposed. First stage is detecting of DME and the next stage is assessing the severity of DME.DME detection is carried out via a supervised learning approach A technique called feature extraction is introduced here to capture the global characteristics of fundus images.It will discriminate the normal images from DME images. A rotational asymmetry metric is used to assess disease severity by examining macular region symmetry.Along with this fovea detection is also performed to make detecting process further easier.
A quantum-inspired evolutionary clustering algorithm

Inspired by the concept and principles of quantum computing, the classical quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (QEA) provides a useful way to find out the approximate solution of many optimization problems. However, compared with other heuristic algorithms, the slow convergence speed of QEA has been an important issue when it is applied to solve the optimization problems. As such, an improved version, called fast quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (FQEA), is proposed in this paper. By adding a fast repair facility, the proposed algorithm can not only accelerate the convergence speed of the search process of QEA, it can also provide a better result than QEA. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm FQEA can provide a better result than those obtained by QEA and k-means algorithm.
Treatment of de novo bifurcation lesions: comparison of Sirolimus- and Paclitaxel-eluting stents.

OBJECTIVE Both the sirolimus-(SES) and paclitaxel-eluting (PES) stents have been shown to reduce restenosis rates when used in relatively simple lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the results of a consecutive series of patients treated with drug-eluting stent implantation for de novo bifurcation lesions, and compared outcomes with respect to stenting strategy and stent type. PATIENTS From April 2002 to September 2003, all patients at our institution were treated with drug-eluting stent implantation. A consecutive series of 144 patients were treated for 167 de novo bifurcation lesions with SES, followed by 104 patients treated with PES for 113 lesions. RESULTS Clinical follow-up at 6 months was obtained in 99% patients with survival-free of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) of 93.7% for SES versus 85.8% for PES, p=0.05. By multivariate analysis, factors predictive for MACE were age, diabetes mellitus, previous CABG, multivessel disease, treatment for acute myocardial infarction, and treatment with PES. Survival-free of target lesion revascularization (TLR) was 95.7% for SES versus 86.8% for PES, p=0.01, with stent type being the only independent predictor. Technique of stenting was not a predictor of either MACE or TLR. CONCLUSIONS MACE rates for both the SES and PES are low compared with historical data of bare metal stents. The most effective techniques for bifurcation stenting remain undefined. Our data suggests a higher need for TLR for the PES compared with the SES, however further randomized studies are needed to fully evaluate both stenting strategy, and any difference between the stents.
Two Cycloartenol Synthases for Phytosterol Biosynthesis in Polygala tenuifolia Willd

Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are enzymes that play a key role in control of the biosynthesis of phytosterols and triterpene saponins. In order to uncover OSC genes from Polygala tenuifolia seedlings induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), RNA-sequencing analysis was performed using the Illumina sequencing platform. A total of 148,488,632 high-quality reads from two samples (control and the MeJA treated) were generated. We screened genes related to phytosterol and triterpene saponin biosynthesis and analyzed the transcriptional changes of differentially expressed unigene (DEUG) values calculated by fragments per kilobase million (FPKM). In our datasets, two full-length cDNAs of putative OSC genes, PtCAS1, and PtCAS2, were found, in addition to the PtBS (β-amyrin synthase) gene reported in our previous studies and the two cycloartenol synthase genes of P. tenuifolia. All genes were isolated and characterized in yeast cells. The functional expression of the two PtCAS genes in yeast cells showed that the genes all produce a cycloartenol as the sole product. When qRT-PCR analysis from different tissues was performed, the expressions of PtCAS1 and PtCAS2 were highest in flowers and roots, respectively. After MeJA treatment, the transcripts of PtCAS1 and PtCAS2 genes increased by 1.5- and 2-fold, respectively. Given these results, we discuss the potential roles of the two PtCAS genes in relation to triterpenoid biosynthesis.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Superantigens from Streptococcus pyogenes

Three novel streptococcal superantigen genes (spe-g, spe-h, and spe-j) were identified from the Streptococcus pyogenes M1 genomic database at the University of Oklahoma. A fourth novel gene (smez-2) was isolated from the S. pyogenes strain 2035, based on sequence homology to the streptococcal mitogenic exotoxin z (smez) gene. SMEZ-2, SPE-G, and SPE-J are most closely related to SMEZ and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE)-C, whereas SPE-H is most similar to the staphylococcal toxins than to any other streptococcal toxin. Recombinant (r)SMEZ, rSMEZ-2, rSPE-G, and rSPE-H were mitogenic for human peripheral blood lymphocytes with half-maximal responses between 0.02 and 50 pg/ml (rSMEZ-2 and rSPE-H, respectively). SMEZ-2 is the most potent superantigen (SAg) discovered thus far. All toxins, except rSPE-G, were active on murine T cells, but with reduced potency. Binding to a human B-lymphoblastoid line was shown to be zinc dependent with high binding affinity of 15–65 nM. Evidence from modeled protein structures and competitive binding experiments suggest that high affinity binding of each toxin is to the major histocompatibility complex class II β chain. Competition for binding between toxins was varied and revealed overlapping but discrete binding to subsets of class II molecules in the hierarchical order (SMEZ, SPE-C) > SMEZ-2 > SPE-H > SPE-G. The most common targets for the novel SAgs were human Vβ2. 1- and Vβ4-expressing T cells. This might reflect a specific role for this subset of Vβs in the immune defense of gram-positive bacteria.
The Hα Galaxy survey IV. Star formation in the local Universe

Aims. We present an analysis of the star formation properties of field galaxies within the local volume out to a recession velocity limit of 3000 km s −1 . Methods. A parent sample of 863 star-forming galaxies is used to calculate a B-band luminosity function. This is then populated with star formation information from a subsample of 327 galaxies, for which we have Hα imaging, firstly by calibrating a relationship between galaxy B-band luminosity and star formation rate, and secondly by a Monte Carlo simulation of a representative sample of galaxies, in which star formation information is randomly sampled from the observed subset. Results. The total star formation rate density of the local Universe is found to be between 0.016 and 0.023 Myr −1 Mpc −3 with the uncertainties dominated by the internal extinction correction used in converting measured Hα fluxes to star formation rates. If our internally derived B-band luminosity function is replaced by one from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey blue sequence, the star formation rate densities are ∼60% of the above values. We also calculate the contribution to the total star formation rate density from galaxies of different luminosities and Hubble T -types. The largest contribution comes from bright galaxies with MB ∼− 20 mag, and the total contribution from galaxies fainter than MB = −15.5 mag is less than 10%. Almost 60% of the star formation rate density comes from galaxies of types Sb, Sbc or Sc; 9% from galaxies earlier than Sb and 33% from galaxies later than Sc. Finally, 75−80% of the total star formation in the local Universe is shown to be occurring in disk regions, defined as being >1 kpc from the centres of galaxies. Conclusions. The star formation rate density estimates found here are consistent with values from the recent literature using a range of different star formation indicators. Even though they are numerous, dwarf galaxies contribute little to the star formation in the local Universe, and the bulk of the star formation takes place in L ∗ spirals.
Axel Rovers for Exploring Extreme Planetary Terrains

target destination of scientific interest and then deploys one or more tethered daughters across extreme terrains. Deploying and retracting a tethered daughter rover across hundreds of meters of extreme topographies via remote operations from million of kilometers away presents numerous challenges. These include the design of a platform that is robust enough to handle the terrain challenges, the development of on-board sensing and processing capabilities for traversing a range of topographies, and the ability to remotely plan traverses using orbital and on-board sensing and a priori knowledge of the terrain properties. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent research activities and findings that are helping advance our understanding of tethered mobility in extreme terrain. We will describe the salient features of one instantiation of a mother-daughter architecture, the DuAxel/Axel platform, and present results from analysis, lab experiments, and field trials of traversing steep and rocky slopes, scaling cliff face, acquiring in-situ measurements, and collecting and caching samples. We will describe preliminary results from the examination of multiple sampling techniques of soft and hard regolith as well as drilling and coring on slopes. We will describe progress in autonomous vision-based tethered assisted docking and will outline the challenges and progress in tether management and autonomy.
Harmful Addiction†

We construct an infinite horizon consumption model and use it to define and analyze harmful addiction. Consumption is compulsive if it differs from what the individual would have chosen had commitment been available. A good is addictive if its consumption leads to more compulsive consumption of the same good. A policy is prohibitive if it decreases the maximal feasible drug consumption. A price policy is one that increases the opportunity cost of drug consumption. We show that purely prohibitive policies make the agent betteroff and pure price policies make him worse-off. Our analysis of demand for commitment identifies three regimes: If commitment (rehab) is expensive the agent never utilizes it and his drug consumption increases over time. If commitment is sufficiently inexpensive he enters and stays in rehab forever. The intermediate range is characterized by a cycle of addiction where the agent periodically checks into rehab for a single period. Between these visits his drug consumption increases each period. † This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation.
Determinants of Antenatal Psychological Distress in Pakistani Women.

INTRODUCTION An increasing number of evidence has demonstrated that poor antenatal psychological health can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Studies conducted in various countries demonstrated a wide range of factors associated with psychological distress during pregnancy. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2011 and December 2012 in Peshawar, north-west Pakistan. A total of 230 women in their third trimester of pregnancy fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The antenatal psychological health status of women was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Relevant data regarding health and demographic-socioeconomic status were collected through personal interviews using standardized questionnaires. RESULTS Overall, 45% (n=104) of women exhibited symptoms for composite depression, anxiety, and stress (composite DAS). In the univariate analysis, maternal age, husband support, monthly income, family size, stressful life events, lack of confidence, domestic violence, and pregnancy-related concerns were strongly associated with antenatal composite DAS (p<0.01). The association of maternal composite DAS symptoms with age, monthly income, family size, and lack of confidence remained significant in the multivariate analysis (p<0.01). CONCLUSION A major proportion of women exhibited symptoms of antenatal composite DAS, and various factors were found to be related to their psychological distress. A young maternal age, low husband support, low income, large family size, adverse life events, lack of confidence, pregnancy-related concerns, and domestic violence were stronger determinants of poor antenatal psychological status. The study findings concluded that policymakers at the government level should launch special intervention programs to improve maternal perinatal mental and psychological health at the community level.