Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning with a Wasserstein Loss

Learning to predict multi-label outputs is challenging, but in many problems there is a natural metric on the outputs that can be used to improve predictions. In this paper we develop a loss function for multi-label learning, based on the Wasserstein distance. The Wasserstein distance provides a natural notion of dissimilarity for probability measures. Although optimizing with respect to the exact Wasserstein distance is costly, recent work has described a regularized approximation that is efficiently computed. We describe an efficient learning algorithm based on this regularization, as well as a novel extension of the Wasserstein distance from probability measures to unnormalized measures. We also describe a statistical learning bound for the loss. The Wasserstein loss can encourage smoothness of the predictions with respect to a chosen metric on the output space. We demonstrate this property on a real-data tag prediction problem, using the Yahoo Flickr Creative Commons dataset, outperforming a baseline that doesn't use the metric.
A New Measure of Counterproductive Student Behavior

Although counterproductive work behaviors have been studied excessively in the realm of organizational psychology comparatively little research has been conducted on similar behaviors in student populations. Moreover to date there are no available instruments to assess Counterproductive Student Behavior (CSB). The present study sought to develop such a measure. Participants were 623 undergraduate psychology students at a large southeastern university. Students completed a three-part questionnaire including a demographics section social desirability scale and survey of CSBs. An 8-component model of counterproductive student behavior was developed using the CSB Scale. This measure will be useful in further research as a criterion measure of CSB.
Sozialstatus, Sportpartizipation und sportmotorische Leistungsfähigkeit

The influence of social inequality (gender, social status) on sports behavior and motor performance has been debated extensively in literature. Yet the effects of social inequality on children and young people – whose social status is inherited, in a sense, from their parents – has not been adequately addressed. Using a sample of students in Saarland (first, fourth, seventh, and tenth grade), we addressed the question of whether gender and social status (derived from the parents) have an impact on sports behavior and motor performance. The parents of 1,286 students were asked about their social status and aspects of their children’s involvement in sports activities. 887 of these students were tested for motor performance using the DMT 6-18 (Deutscher Motorik-Test). We found that athletic engagement in sports clubs and participation in competitions depends significantly on gender (the majority of sport participants are boys). However, general sports participation is independent of gender (regardless of the organizational form). Both sports engagement and motor performance depend on the social status of the parents.
PfeT, a P1B4‐type ATPase, effluxes ferrous iron and protects Bacillus subtilis against iron intoxication

Iron is an essential element for nearly all cells and limited iron availability often restricts growth. However, excess iron can also be deleterious, particularly when cells expressing high affinity iron uptake systems transition to iron rich environments. Bacillus subtilis expresses numerous iron importers, but iron efflux has not been reported. Here, we describe the B. subtilis PfeT protein (formerly YkvW/ZosA) as a P1B4‐type ATPase in the PerR regulon that serves as an Fe(II) efflux pump and protects cells against iron intoxication. Iron and manganese homeostasis in B. subtilis are closely intertwined: a pfeT mutant is iron sensitive, and this sensitivity can be suppressed by low levels of Mn(II). Conversely, a pfeT mutant is more resistant to Mn(II) overload. In vitro, the PfeT ATPase is activated by both Fe(II) and Co(II), although only Fe(II) efflux is physiologically relevant in wild‐type cells, and null mutants accumulate elevated levels of intracellular iron. Genetic studies indicate that PfeT together with the ferric uptake repressor (Fur) cooperate to prevent iron intoxication, with iron sequestration by the MrgA mini‐ferritin playing a secondary role. Protection against iron toxicity may also be a key role for related P1B4‐type ATPases previously implicated in bacterial pathogenesis.
An Architecture for Tool Use and Learning in Robots

In this paper we address the problem of a robot learning to use environmental objects as tools, in order to help it achieve its goals. Learning to use an object as a tool involves understanding which goals it helps an agent to achieve, the properties of the tool that make it useful, and how the tool must be manipulated in the environment in order to achieve the desired goal. A cup, for example, can be use to hold objects or liquids, should be of the appropriate size and shape (concave-up), and needs to be held the right way up. We present an architecture for a robot agent that is able to learn about objects in this way, and thereby employ appropriate objects as tools to help it achieve its goals. Our agent learns through demonstration and experiment, with the main generalisation module being an Inductive Logic Programming al-gorithm.
Impact of bevacizumab in combination with erlotinib on EGFR‐mutated non–small cell lung cancer xenograft models with T790M mutation or MET amplification

Erlotinib (ERL), an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, shows notable efficacy against non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. Bevacizumab (BEV), a humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), in combination with ERL (BEV+ERL) significantly extended progression‐free survival in patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC compared with ERL alone. However, the efficacy of BEV+ERL against EGFR‐mutated NSCLC harboring T790M mutation or MET amplification, is unclear. Here, we examined the antitumor activity of BEV+ERL in four xenograft models of EGFR‐mutated NSCLC (three harboring ERL resistance mutations). In the HCC827 models (exon 19 deletion: DEL), ERL significantly inhibited tumor growth by blocking EGFR signal transduction. Although there was no difference between ERL and BEV+ERL in maximum tumor growth inhibition, BEV+ERL significantly suppressed tumor regrowth during a drug‐cessation period. In the HCC827‐EPR model (DEL+T790M) and HCC827‐vTR model (DEL+MET amplification), ERL reduced EGFR signal transduction and showed less pronounced but still significant tumor growth inhibition than in the HCC827 model. In these models, tumor growth inhibition was significantly stronger with BEV+ERL than with each single agent. In the NCI‐H1975 model (L858R+T790M), ERL did not inhibit growth or EGFR signal transduction, and BEV+ERL did not inhibit growth more than BEV. BEV alone significantly decreased microvessel density in each tumor. In conclusion, addition of BEV to ERL did not enhance antitumor activity in primarily ERL‐resistant tumors with T790M mutation; however, BEV+ERL enhanced antitumor activity in T790M mutation‐ or MET amplification‐positive tumors as long as their growth remained significantly suppressed by ERL.
Language-Independent and Automated Software Composition: The FeatureHouse Experience

Superimposition is a composition technique that has been applied successfully in many areas of software development. Although superimposition is a general-purpose concept, it has been (re)invented and implemented individually for various kinds of software artifacts. We unify languages and tools that rely on superimposition by using the language-independent model of feature structure trees (FSTs). On the basis of the FST model, we propose a general approach to the composition of software artifacts written in different languages. Furthermore, we offer a supporting framework and tool chain, called FEATUREHOUSE. We use attribute grammars to automate the integration of additional languages. In particular, we have integrated Java, C#, C, Haskell, Alloy, and JavaCC. A substantial number of case studies demonstrate the practicality and scalability of our approach and reveal insights into the properties that a language must have in order to be ready for superimposition. We discuss perspectives of our approach and demonstrate how we extended FEATUREHOUSE with support for XML languages (in particular, XHTML, XMI/UML, and Ant) and alternative composition approaches (in particular, aspect weaving). Rounding off our previous work, we provide here a holistic view of the FEATUREHOUSE approach based on rich experience with numerous languages and case studies and reflections on several years of research.
Analysing TCP for Bursty Traffic

The Transmission Control Protocol has been designed to support interactive and bulk applications, with performance tuned to support bulk applications that desire to continuously send data. In contrast, this paper analyses TCP performance for a class of applications that do not wish to send continuous data, but instead generate bursts of data separated by application-limited periods in which little or no data is sent. In this context, the paper evaluates an experimental method, Congestion Window Validation (CWV), proposed to mitigate the network impact of bursty TCP applications. Simulation results show that TCP-CWV exhibits a conservative behaviour during application-limited periods. The results also show that TCP-CWV is able to use the available capacity after an idle period over a shared path and that this can have benefit, especially over long delay paths, when compared to slow-start restart specified by standard TCP. The paper recommends the development of CWV-like algorithms to improve the performance for bursty applications while also providing an incentive for application designers to use congestion control.
The Effects of Promoter Methylation on Downregulation of DAZAP2 in Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines

Our previous studies had shown that DAZAP2 was profoundly downregulated in bone marrow mononuclear cells from multiple myeloma patients. In this report, we analyzed epigenetic changes in multiple myeloma cell lines to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the downregulation of DAZAP2. Four multiple myeloma cell lines, KM3, MM.1S, OPM-2 and ARH-77, were studied. The results of methylation specific PCR (MSP) showed that the promoter of DAZAP2 was methylated for KM3, MM.1S, OPM-2 and unmethylated for ARH-77. The DAZAP2 promoter region was amplified to obtain a series of different length sequences. All of the amplified sequences were inserted to luciferase reporter vector. The constructs were transfected into COS-7 cells and the luciferase activities were measured to search for the core region of DAZAP2 promoter. Two CpG islands were found in DAZAP2 promoter region. The results of luciferase assay showed that CpG island 1 displayed weak transcriptional activity, whereas CpG island 2 exhibited strong transcriptional activity (273 folds) compared to the control. The sequence that covered both CpG islands 1 and 2 showed higher activity (1,734 folds) compared to the control, suggesting that the two islands had synergistic effect on regulating DAZAP2 expression. We also found that M. Sss I methylase could inhibit the luciferase activity, whereas demethylation using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment rescued the expression of DAZAP2 for multiple myeloma cell lines. These data revealed that methylation of DAZAP2 promoter was involved in downregulation of DAZAP2 in multiple myeloma cells.
Identifying Barbiturate Binding Sites in a Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor with [3H]Allyl m-Trifluoromethyldiazirine Mephobarbital, a Photoreactive Barbiturate

At concentrations that produce anesthesia, many barbituric acid derivatives act as positive allosteric modulators of inhibitory GABAA receptors (GABAARs) and inhibitors of excitatory nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Recent research on [3H]R-mTFD-MPAB ([3H]R-5-allyl-1-methyl-5-(m-trifluoromethyldiazirinylphenyl)barbituric acid), a photoreactive barbiturate that is a potent and stereoselective anesthetic and GABAAR potentiator, has identified a second class of intersubunit binding sites for general anesthetics in the α1β3γ2 GABAAR transmembrane domain. We now characterize mTFD-MPAB interactions with the Torpedo (muscle-type) nAChR. For nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes, S- and R-mTFD-MPAB inhibited ACh-induced currents with IC50 values of 5 and 10 µM, respectively. Racemic mTFD-MPAB enhanced the equilibrium binding of [3H]ACh to nAChR-rich membranes (EC50 = 9 µM) and inhibited binding of the ion channel blocker [3H]tenocyclidine in the nAChR desensitized and resting states with IC50 values of 2 and 170 µM, respectively. Photoaffinity labeling identified two binding sites for [3H]R-mTFD-MPAB in the nAChR transmembrane domain: 1) a site within the ion channel, identified by photolabeling in the nAChR desensitized state of amino acids within the M2 helices of each nAChR subunit; and 2) a site at the γ–α subunit interface, identified by photolabeling of γMet299 within the γM3 helix at similar efficiency in the resting and desensitized states. These results establish that mTFD-MPAB is a potent nAChR inhibitor that binds in the ion channel preferentially in the desensitized state and binds with lower affinity to a site at the γ–α subunit interface where etomidate analogs bind that act as positive and negative nAChR modulators.
The Main Reason for Mineral Loss in Gravity Dressing

Gravitational concentration (gravity dressing) is the oldest of all forms of mineral processing used by humanity more than 25 centuries. This method was the most widely applied procedure of mineral enrichment till the end of second millennium. Physically mineral concentration is based on separation of geological rocks and minerals of different specific density by their relative movement in response to the gravity and some additional forces. However, such an enrichment a priori cannot provide a high output of desired minerals. The authors have aimed to attract an attention to significant losses of native gold and diamonds by traditional scheme of their gravitational concentration. Detailed consideration of density and form of native gold and diamonds indicates that fragmental (placer generating) minerals with the different values of average density may have close and identical sizes (on two axes) in heavy concentrates (schlich) and middlings. These dense parameters essentially influence to conditions of these minerals accumulation in natural conditions and degree of their extraction in technological processes of gravitational concentration. The materials presented in the paper span the analyzed mineralogical data from about twenty economic deposits located in various regions of the world (mainly the authors' personal results).
An Aspect-Based Object-Oriented Model for Multi-Agent Systems

This paper proposes an agent model from early stage of design that (i) describes structured integration of agents into the object model, (ii) incorporates flexible facilities to build different types of software agents, (iii) encourages the separation of agency properties and capabilities, (iv) provides explicit support for disciplined and transparent composition of agency properties and collaborative capabilities in complex software agents, and (v) allows the production of agent-based software so that it is easy to understand, maintain and reuse. Our model explores the benefits of aspect-based design and programming for the incorporation of agents in object-oriented systems. We also demonstrate our multi-agent approach through the Portalware system, a web-based environment for the development of e-commerce portals.
The Impact of the Encoding View in Location-Based Reminders: Improving Prospective Remembering

Proliferation of small computing-enabled devices coupled with the richness of communication infrastructure has made location-based computing a reality. Location-based reminders (LBRs) provide alarms and notices to users based on their location. These are typically used to remind us to complete a to-do task at a particular location. The current design of LBRs fails to take advantage of prospective memory theory. We hypothesize that if the encoding stage provides a closer match to the retrieval stage, then location recognition and task recall in LBRs will improve at retrieval time. We conducted a between subjects experiment and measured performance as location recognition and task recall. We found strong evidence in support that a first-person view benefits prospective remembering the most. We close with a discussion of the implications for the design of the encoding stage for future LBR systems.
A Low-power signal processing front-end and decoder for UHF passive RFID transponders

In this paper, a low-power signal processing front-end and PIE decoder for use in UHF RFID passive transponders is presented. By merging with the decoder, the clock generator does not need to drive a large loading capacitor. Therefore, its power consumption can be greatly reduced. In addition, the ring oscillator of the generator was designed for low sensitivity to supply voltage variation and low power consumption. Fabricated in a 0.13-µm CMOS process, the measured power consumption consumes only 850nW.
Feasibility of health systems strengthening in South Sudan: a qualitative study of international practitioner perspectives

Objective To explore the feasibility of health systems strengthening from the perspective of international healthcare implementers and donors in South Sudan. Design A qualitative interview study, with thematic analysis using the WHO health system building blocks framework. Setting South Sudan. Participants 17 health system practitioners, working for international agencies in South Sudan, were purposively sampled for their knowledge and experiences of health systems strengthening, services delivery, health policy and politics in South Sudan. Results Participants universally reported the health workforce as insufficient and of low capacity and service delivery as poor, while access to medicines was restricted by governmental lack of commitment in undertaking procurement and supply. However, progress was clear in improved county health department governance, health management information system functionality, increased health worker salary harmonisation and strengthened financial management. Conclusions Resurgent conflict and political tensions have negatively impacted all health system components and maintaining or continuing health system strengthening has become extremely challenging. A coordinated approach to balancing humanitarian need particularly in conflict-affected areas, with longer term development is required so as not to lose improvements gained.
A comparative study of similarity measures for content-based multimedia retrieval

Determining similarities among data objects is a core task of content-based multimedia retrieval systems. Approximating data object contents via flexible feature representations, such as feature signatures, multimedia retrieval systems frequently determine similarities among data objects by applying distance functions. In this paper, we compare major state-of-the-art similarity measures applicable to flexible feature signatures with respect to their qualities of effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, we study the behavior of the similarity measures by discussing their properties. Our findings can be used in guiding the development of content-based retrieval applications for numerous domains.
Molecular Genetic , Cytogenetic and Sperm Studies on the Protective and Therapeutic Role of Vinasse against Toxicity of Lead Acetate in Mice

The present study was carried out to evaluate the role of vinasse as a protective or therapeutic agent against lead acetate toxicity. Six groups of mice (8 mice each) were used. The mice groups involved normal control fed basal diet, positive control fed basal diet polluted with lead acetate (0.87 g/kg diet) for three weeks, the third and fourth groups fed basal diet containing vinasse at low (7.5 %) or high (9.5 %) levels (used as a protective agent) along treatment with lead acetate, the fifth and sixth groups fed basal diet containing vinasse at the same dose for two weeks (as a therapeutic agent) after cessation of lead acetate treatment. Molecular genetic, cytogenetic and sperm analysis were investigated. The results revealed in mice fed diet containing lead acetate high significant elevation of proportions of DNA fragmentation, genetic polymorphism in DNA of RAPD-PCR profiles, MNPCE, chromosome aberrations and sperm shape abnormalities as well as significant reduction of sperm count as compared to control group. Vinasse treatment as a protective or therapeutic agent significantly decreased the genetic alterations and sperm-shape abnormalities and significantly increased the sperm count in comparison with treatment of lead acetate alone. Better results were obtained by using basal diets supplemented with vinasse along treatment (as a protective agent) with lead acetate especially the vinasse treatment with high dose (9.5 %). In conclusion: the present study proves that the supplementation of vinasse to animal diets is a potent protective agent against genotoxicity induced by pollution with lead acetate. Where the use of this by-product had capability for reducing DNA damage, polymorphism of RAPD-PCR, cytogenetic changes and sperm-shape abnormalities and ameliorating the sperm count.
Ambient Pollution and Blood Pressure in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Background—Multiple studies have demonstrated a consistent association between ambient particulate air pollution and increased risk of hospital admissions and deaths for cardiovascular causes. We investigated the associations between fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and blood pressure during 631 repeated visits for cardiac rehabilitation in 62 Boston residents with cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results—Blood pressure, cardiac risk factor, and exercise data were abstracted from records of rehabilitation visits between 1999 and 2001. We applied mixed-effect models, controlling for body mass index, age, gender, number of visits, hour of day, and weather variables. For an increase from the 10th to the 90th percentile in mean PM2.5 level during the 5 days before the visit (10.5 &mgr;g/m3), there was a 2.8-mm Hg (95% CI, 0.1 to 5.5) increase in resting systolic, a 2.7-mm Hg (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.3) increase in resting diastolic, and a 2.7-mm Hg (95% CI, 1.0 to 4.5) increase in resting mean arterial blood pressure. The mean PM2.5 level during the 2 preceding days (13.9 &mgr;g/m3) was associated with a 7.0-mm Hg (95% CI, 2.3 to 12.1) increase in diastolic and a 4.7-mm Hg (95% CI, 0.5 to 9.1) increase in mean arterial blood pressure during exercise in persons with resting heart rate ≥70 bpm, but it was not associated with an increase in blood pressure during exercise in persons with heart rate <70 bpm. Conclusions—In patients with preexisting cardiac disease, particle pollution may contribute to increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality through short-term increases in systemic arterial vascular narrowing, as manifested by increased peripheral blood pressure.