Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Rubidium-82 Positron Emission Tomography in Patients After Heart Transplant

Background—Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is a key prognostic determinant after heart transplant. Detection and risk stratification of patients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy are problematic. Positron emission tomography using rubidium-82 allows quantification of absolute myocardial blood flow and may have utility for risk stratification in this population. Methods and Results—Patients with a history of heart transplant undergoing dipyridamole rubidium-82 positron emission tomography were prospectively enrolled. Myocardial perfusion and left ventricular ejection fraction were recorded. Absolute flow quantification at rest and after dipyridamole stress as well as the ratio of mean global flow at stress and at rest, termed myocardial flow reserve, were calculated. Patients were followed for all-cause death, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure hospitalization. A total of 140 patients (81% men; median age, 62 years; median follow-up, 18.2 months) were included. There were 14 events during follow-up (9 deaths, 1 acute coronary syndrome, and 4 heart failure admissions). In addition to baseline clinical variables (estimated glomerular filtration rate, previously documented cardiac allograft vasculopathy), relative perfusion defects, mean myocardial flow reserve, and mean stress myocardial blood flow were significant predictors of adverse outcome. Conclusions—Abnormalities on rubidium-82 positron emission tomography were predictors of adverse events in heart transplant patients. Larger prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
OD Maps for Studying Historical Internal Migration in Ireland

We study internal migration in Ireland, an aspect of migration that is little-studied. OD Maps have enabled us to characterise aspects of spatial patterns in county to county migration more effectively than with other techniques. We found that internal migration is relatively local, but relatively national for Dublin. Although migration increased between 1851 and 1911, there was a decrease in more local migration. This work explores the origins of trends that would continue for over a century and had a profound effect on the population geography of the island.
Effect of interference on multihop amplify-and-forward relay systems operating in Rayleigh fading

In this paper, we investigate the effect of a generalized statistical interference model on the bit error rate performance of a multihop amplify-and-forward relay system operating over Rayleigh fading channels. We consider the randomness of the individual interfering signals by randomly placing transmitting terminals around each relay node and the destination. Moreover, the number of interferers per hop is not fixed but follows Poisson distribution. The derived analytical expression is verified by simulation and used to investigate system and propagation parameters such as density of interfering terminals and path-loss exponent, respectively, on the multihop system performance.
An Investigation on Students’ Risky Sexual Behavior at KwaZulu-Natal University, Durban, South Africa

University environments are fertile grounds for risky sexual behaviors. This study investigated students’ risky sexual practices at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 1,405 questionnaires were administered, and 80 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows 16.0. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The sample included 1,405 students, the majority (93%) of whom were never married and 97% were sexually experienced. Among males reporting male partnerships those who used alcohol were significantly more likely to report risky sexual practices. Among females reporting male partnerships, those 30 years and older were significantly less likely to report engaging in risky sexual behavior with male partners. Alcohol use was connected with inconsistent condom use and not using condom last sex among females. While low rates of condom use were a problem among older students aged 30 years and older, and risky sexual practices were more common among younger students. Risky sexual behaviors pose a big challenge for the successful HIV prevention interventions on university campuses.
Discovering attribute dependence in databases by integrating symbolic learning and statistical analysis techniques

The paper presents a method for integrating two different types of data analysis: symbolic inductive learning and statistical methods. The method concerns the problem of discovering rules characterizing the dependence between a group of dependent attributes and a group of independent groups, e.g., decision attributes and measurable attributes. The method proceeds along two paths. One paths generates a set of rules characterizing this dependency using a symbolic inductive learning program (AQ15). In the obtained rules, each attribute is assigned an "importance score" which represents the ratio of the total number of examples that can be classified by this attribute to the maximum number of classified examples. Second path calculates the correlation coefficient between the decision and measurable attributes using the Chi-square test. The independent attributes with low "importance score" and low correlation are considered irrelevant, and removed from the data. The AQ15 is applied again to the data set spanned over the reduced set of attributes, in order to determine the simplest expression characterizing the dependency. The method has been experimentally applied to two real world problems: "Wind bracing" —to determine the dependence of the type of wind-bracing for tall buildings on the parameters of the building, and "Accident factors"—to determine the dependence between the age of construction workers and the types of accidents. The results have shown that the proposed approach of combining two different methods for relevant attribute determination gives better results than those obtained by applying either method separately.
An XML-Based Platform for Semantic Transformation of Numerical Programs

We describe a simple component architecture for the development of tools for mathematically based semantic transformations of scientific software. This architecture consists of compiler-based, language-specific frontand backends for source transformation, loosely coupled with one or more language-independent “plug-in” transformation modules. The coupling mechanism between the frontand back-ends and transformation modules is provided by the XML Abstract Interface Form (XAIF). XAIF provides an abstract, language-independent representation of language constructs common in imperative languages, such as C and Fortran. We describe the use of this architecture in the construction of tools for automatic differentiation (AD) of programs written in Fortran 77 and ANSI C. The XAIF is particularly well suited for performing the source transformations needed for AD. Differentiation modules typically operate within the scope of statements or basic blocks, working at a level where procedural languages are very similar. Thus, it is possible to specify a common interface format for mathematically-based semantic transformations that need not represent the union of all languages.
Supporting emerging teacher identities: can we identify teacher potential among students?

The research focuses on Estonian university students’ emerging teacher identity and their interest in becoming teachers. Five hundred and sixty‐five first, third and fifth year students participated in the survey. The results suggest that pedagogical reasons for entering teacher education and clear motives for studying are significant indicators of teacher potential. Pedagogical reasons for entering teacher education or the teaching profession and the wish to function as a change agent in the society were related to academic self‐efficacy beliefs and the belief that the teacher expertise is mainly pedagogical in nature. However, at the point in their studies at which the students are able to choose their masters programme and entry into teacher education, their likelihood of choosing teacher education remains low, indicating that there is a need to develop pedagogical content, study counselling and career guidance services to encourage students’ continued interest in and entry to teacher education and the teaching profession.
Combining range-based and range-free methods: a unified approach for localization

Localization schemes used for positioning are currently based on either range-based or range-free principles. We propose a unified approach that combines the strengths of both methods while overcoming their limitations. Range-based methods rely on taking reliable measurements in which geometric techniques are then applied. These techniques are very susceptible to imprecision in captured measurements. Range-free methods do not consider the actual numerical sensor value, rather comparing magnitudes across sensors. These comparisons are not always reliable and may lead to an accumulation of errors. Our unified approach mitigates these effects by first using a range-based method to determine an approximate location followed by a range-free method to refine the positioning estimate further. Our experiments show the mean estimation error improves when applying our localization scheme to a Bluetooth system.
Speaker recognition in two-speaker data: recent results from Dragon Systems

NIST has introduced two-speaker tasks in its Speaker Recognition evaluation scheme. We discuss Dragon Systems' explorations of these tasks using a GMM-based speaker ID system. We present baseline results submitted for the NIST two-speaker evaluation in April 1999. We also report on some "cheating" experiments and investigations of alternative segmentation and channel normalization techniques, which illuminate some challenges specific to the two-speaker environment.
Why We Do Not Need Intelligence Test Scores in the Definition and Analyses of Learning Disabilities

Cet article qui reprend le theme de la non adequation du Q.I. pour la definition des handicaps d'apprentissage se localise plus particulierement sur 3 points: 1) la nature de l'intelligence et sa reussite pour la definition des handicaps, 2) l'existence des handicaps d'apprentissage et; 3) la mesure des difficultes de lecture
Fingerprint classification based on subclass analysis using multiple templates of support vector machines

Fingerprint classification reduces the searching time of an automated fingerprint identification system. Since fingerprints have properties of intra-class diversities and inter-class similarities, the ambiguous example causes a difficult problem in the fingerprint classification. In order to address the problem, we have analyzed fingerprints' subclasses with multiple decision templates. It clusters the soft outputs of support vector machines (SVMs) into several sub-classes using the self-organizing maps, and estimates a localized template for each sub-class. For an input fingerprint, the proposed method matches the output vector of SVMs to each template and finally categorizes the sample into the class of the most similar template. Experimental results on the FingerCode dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the subclass-based approach compared with previous methods.
A model for variability design rationale in SPL

The management of variability in software product lines goes beyond the definition of variations, traceability and configurations. It involves a lot of assumptions about the variability and related models, which are made by the stakeholders all over the product line but almost never handled explicitly. In order to better manage the design with variability, we must consider the rationale behind its specification. In this paper we present a model for the specification of variability design rationale and its application to the modelling of architectural variability in software product lines.
A New Perspective on Algorithms for Optimizing Policies under Uncertainty

The paper takes a fresh look at algorithms for maximizing expected utility over a set of policies, that is, a set of possible ways of reacting to observations about an uncertain state of the world. Using the bucket-elimination framework, we characterize the complexity of this optimization task by graph-based parameters, and devise an improved variant of existing algorithms. The improvement is shown to yield a dramatic gain in complexity when the probabilistic subgraph (of the influence diagram) is sparse, regardless of the complexity introduced by its utility subgraph.
Entrepreneur's profile: a taxonomy of attribu tes and motivations of university students

– This paper aims to identify the profile of the potential entrepreneur student in what concerns the personal attributes and motivations for start‐ups' creation. , – A review of literature related to the entrepreneur profile is made in order to justify the importance of the theme. Through some studies it was possible to identify a diversity of works and authors that present some aspects which contribute to the characterisation of entrepreneur individuals. The present research uses primary data obtained by means of a questionnaire, involving a sample of students, which were currently engaged in a graduation course at the University of Beira Interior. The questionnaire was administrated by interviews conducted in the classrooms of the University's faculties. The collected data were submitted to a multivariate statistical analysis. , – Research findings include the existence of a typology of two distinct groups of students, respectively designated by “The accommodated independents” and “The confidents”, according to the most outstanding characteristics related with several attributes and motivations presented by each of them. , – The identification of the entrepreneurs' characteristics and the knowledge of the potential business creator students' profile may be important for the development of an adequate educational programme directed to the entrepreneurship education and start‐up processes. , – The paper identifies some important characteristics that are common in entrepreneurs. The findings could be used both to promote entrepreneurship in our education systems and to identify the best practices.
Sensory innervation of the ovotestis in the snail Helix aspersa

SUMMARY Because oviposition in the land snail Helix aspersa is a metabolically expensive process coupled to a high fixed cost, one expects oviposition to occur only when the clutch size surpasses a minimum value at which the reproductive benefit exceeds the cost. We propose that neural innervation of the gonad allows H. aspersa to monitor oocyte production and ensure an adequate supply of gametes prior to ovulation. The ovotestis is innervated by a branch of the intestinal nerve in which the majority of axon fibres measure <0.2 μm in diameter. We found a strong positive correlation between the number of mature oocytes in the ovotestis and the frequency of spontaneous afferent spikes in the nerve branch. Tactile stimulation of the ovotestis resulted in a 20-fold increase in afferent spikes and an efferent reflex directed towards the ovotestis and the pericardium. Afferent activity also increased 10-fold after an experimentally induced increase in the volume of the ovotestis. These results suggest that the growing oocytes expand the walls of the acini and trigger action potentials in the mechanosensitive nerve terminals that lie within the acinar walls. We hypothesize that the resulting tonic signal is permissive for ovulation. In addition, a phasic sensory signal may occur during ovulation to trigger CNS motor output related to oviposition.
A personal agents hybrid architecture for question answering featuring social dialog

There exists a growing trend in using NLIs (Natural Language Interfaces) that ranges from research to commercial products. Conversational agents beneath these interfaces have become more sophisticated, being able to either perform a task in behalf of the user or give a precise response to a question as Question Answering systems do. When combining Conversational Agents with QA capabilities the maintenance cost exponentially increases. In this paper we propose a hybrid architecture for a Question Answering system that features social dialog. We claim that including social dialog in QA systems increases users satisfaction and makes them easily engage with the system. Finally, we present an evaluation that supports these hypotheses.
The genetic algorithm method for multiple depot capacitated vehicle routing problem solving

Many organizations face the problem of delivering goods from a certain number of warehouses to a number of retail sites using a fleet of vehicles. The multiple depot capacitated vehicle routing problem is mathematical model that closely approximates the problem faced by many of these organizations. Because the problem is NP-hard, requiring excessive time to be solved exactly, we develop a heuristic based on a genetic algorithm that finds high quality solutions in a reasonable amount of computer time. Basic GA procedures adapted to a given problem are presented and six versions of crossover operators are compared. The test results reveal that the method is able to produce results of a kind that are not easily obtained, namely in terms of the amount of information about the solutions and the solution space.
Crystal structure of UDP‐N‐acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB) from Thermus caldophilus

Introduction. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis is initiated with the formation of UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid via the stepwise action of two enzymes, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase (MurA) and UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB), which has proven to be attractive targets for the development of antimicrobial agents. MurA catalyzes the first stage of the reaction, transferal of the enolpyruvate moiety of phosphoenolpyruvate to the 30-hydroxyl of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine with the release of inorganic phosphate. The resulting intermediate, enolpyruvyl-UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (EP-UDPGlcNAc), then undergoes a reduction catalyzed by MurB, which utilizes one equivalent of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and a solvent-derived proton. The reduced product, UDP-N-acetlymuramic acid, can then serve as the locus of attachment for the peptide portion of the cell wall. The resulting pentapeptide then participates in the crosslinking that gives the cell wall its rigidity. Mur enzymes have been well-studied, and the structures of MurA-G have been solved. Moreover, the structures of MurB have been classified into two types based on the presence or absence of various secondary structural elements and on how these structural elements interact with substrates. For instance, Escherichia coli MurB is classified as Type I and contains a Tyr loop and split babb fold, whereas Staphylococcus aureus MurB is classified as Type II and lacks these secondary elements. Here, we report the crystal structures of Thermus caldophilus MurB, which is also classified as Type II. This is the first report describing the substrate bound structure of a Type II MurB.
Living a discrete life in a continuous world: Reference with distributed representations

Reference is a crucial property of language that allows us to connect linguistic expressions to the world. Modeling it requires handling both continuous and discrete aspects of meaning. Data-driven models excel at the former, but struggle with the latter, and the reverse is true for symbolic models. This paper (a) introduces a concrete referential task to test both aspects, called cross-modal entity tracking; (b) proposes a neural network architecture that uses external memory to build an entity library inspired in the DRSs of DRT, with a mechanism to dynamically introduce new referents or add information to referents that are already in the library. Our model shows promise: it beats traditional neural network architectures on the task. However, it is still outperformed by Memory Networks, another model with external memory.
Molecular and Metabolic Evidence for Mitochondrial Defects Associated With β-Cell Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE The inability of pancreatic β-cells to appropriately respond to glucose and secrete insulin are primary defects associated with β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes; however, a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and defective insulin secretion is unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We investigated the changes in islet mitochondrial function and morphology during progression from insulin resistance (3 weeks old), immediately before hyperglycemia (5 weeks old), and after diabetes onset (10 weeks old) in transgenic MKR mice compared with controls. The molecular and protein changes at 10 weeks were determined using microarray and iTRAQ proteomic screens. RESULTS At 3 weeks, MKR mice were hyperinsulinemic but normoglycemic and β-cells showed negligible mitochondrial or morphological changes. At 5 weeks, MKR islets displayed abrogated hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, slightly enlarged mitochondria, and reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. By 10 weeks, MKR mice were hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic and β-cells contained swollen mitochondria with disordered cristae. β-Cells displayed impaired stimulus-secretion coupling including reduced hyperpolarization of ΔΨm, impaired Ca2+-signaling, and reduced glucose-stimulated ATP/ADP and insulin release. Furthermore, decreased cytochrome c oxidase–dependent oxygen consumption and signs of oxidative stress were observed in diabetic islets. Protein profiling of diabetic islets revealed that 36 mitochondrial proteins were differentially expressed, including inner membrane proteins of the electron transport chain. CONCLUSIONS We provide novel evidence for a critical role of defective mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and morphology in the pathology of insulin resistance–induced β-cell failure.
Involving users in the design of a mobile office robot

This paper describes the experiences from the iterative design of a fetch-and-carry-robot, to be used by motion-impaired people in an office environment. A user-centered approach was chosen, involving several steps of information elicitation to inform the design. We describe the main elements of the design process, the communication and interaction components of the final prototype system, and an evaluation of the system in the form of a longitudinal study. Results from this study confirmed that continuous testing with users is extremely important in the design process for service robots. The trials have also revealed that interaction design for robots should not focus only on the individual user, but that other members in the environment can be seen "secondary users" or "bystanders" who tend to relate to the robot actively in various ways. We conclude that these social and collaborative issues should be studied in future research.