Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Diabetes in NOD Mice by Repeated Exposures to a Contact Allergen Inducing a Sub-Clinical Dermatitis

Background Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, while allergic contact dermatitis although immune mediated, is considered an exposure driven disease that develops due to epicutanous contact with reactive low-molecular chemicals. The objective of the present study was to experimentally study the effect of contact allergens on the development of diabetes in NOD mice. As the link between contact allergy and diabetes is yet unexplained we also examined the effect of provocation with allergens on Natural Killer T (NKT) cells, since involvement of NKT cells could suggest an innate connection between the two diseases. Method NOD mice 4 weeks of age were exposed, on the ears, to two allergens, p-phenylenediamine and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene respectively, to investigate the diabetes development. The mice were followed for a maximum of 32 weeks, and they were either repeatedly exposed to the allergens or only sensitized a week after arrival. The stimulation of NKT cells by the two allergens were additionally studied in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were sensitized and two weeks later provocated with the allergens. The mice were subsequently euthanized at different time points after the provocation. Results It was found that repeated application of p-phenylenediamine reduced the incidence of diabetes compared to application with water (47% vs. 93%, P = 0.004). Moreover it was shown that in C57BL/6 mice both allergens resulted in a slight increment in the quantity of NKT cells in the liver. Application of the allergens at the same time resulted in an increased number of NKT cells in the draining auricular lymph node, and the increase appeared to be somewhat allergen specific as the accumulation was stronger for p-phenylenediamine. Conclusion The study showed that repeated topical application on the ears with a contact allergen could prevent the development of diabetes in NOD mice. The contact allergens gave a non-visible, sub-clinical dermatitis on the application site. The preventive effect on diabetes may be due to stimulation of peripheral NKT cells, as shown for provocation with p-phenylenediamine in the C57BL/6 mouse. This epicutanous procedure may lead to new strategies in prevention of type 1 diabetes in humans.
Genones: generalized mixture tying in continuous hidden Markov model-based speech recognizers

An algorithm is proposed that achieves a good tradeoff between modeling resolution and robustness by using a new, general scheme for tying of mixture components in continuous mixture-density hidden Markov model (HMM)-based speech recognizers. The sets of HMM states that share the same mixture components are determined automatically using agglomerative clustering techniques. Experimental results on ARPA's Wall Street Journal corpus show that this scheme reduces errors by 25% over typical tied-mixture systems. New fast algorithms for computing Gaussian likelihoods-the-most time-consuming aspect of continuous-density HMM systems-are also presented. These new algorithms-significantly reduce the number of Gaussian densities that are evaluated with little or no impact on speech recognition accuracy.
Bayesian Estimation of a Dynamic Asset Pricing Model with Long-Run Risk

In this paper, I build a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model and estimate it using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. I use the results in order to examine how asset prices and macroeconomic quantities respond to the di erent shocks in the economy. Fluctuations in the endogenous variables of my model are driven by the two exogenous processes; an investment-speci c technology (IST) shock, and a total factor productivity (TFP) shock. I also consider that each of these exogenous processes is governed by two components, a short-run i.i. d. component and a long-run component. As a result macro aggregates as well as asset prices are subjected to expectations about future economic growth not only for short horizons but also for the very long run. I first empirically verify the presence of the long-run component in the investment-speci c technology process and then show that the long-run components of the stochastic processes are indeed small but persistent and they also play important roles in explaining the movements of asset prices. Furthermore my estimated model is able to predict the lead of equity returns over output growth and investment growth as observed in U.S. data.
A Hybrid Agent-Oriented Infrastructure for Modeling Manufacturing Enterprises

Manufacturing enterprises are now moving towards open architectures for integrating their activities with those of their suppliers and customers within wide supply chain networks. Traditional knowledge engineering approaches with large scale or very large scale knowledge bases are not suited for such widely distributed systems. Agent-based technology provides a natural way for resolving this problem. This paper presents a hybrid agent-oriented infrastructure for modeling manufacturing enterprises so as to integrate design, planning, scheduling, simulation, execution, material supply, and marketing services into a distributed intelligent open environment. In this paper, we discuss the requirements for next generation of manufacturing enterprises, and describe the main features of the proposed general infrastructure and the functions of its components. A machine-centered dynamic scheduling and rescheduling mechanism is then detailed and a prototype implementation is presented.
Used of Some Plant Wastes for Fish Feeding with Reference on its Impact

This study monitored changes in growth rate, various blood constituents (Blood glucose, total protein, cholesterol, Triglycerides ALT, AST, ALP and Gper) and glycogen content of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on diets containing different remaining plant materials. A total number of 120 Nile tilapias with an average body weight of 14 g/fish were divided into 4 equal groups. The 1st group fed on diets containing wheat bran, the 2nd group fed diet containing barley bran, the 3rd group fed diet containing olive mill olive mill waste) and the 4th group fed diet containing dat ston (dat ston mill waste). The results showed that the highest body gain for fish fed on diet No. 1 and 2, but the Food conversion ratio was low. Blood glucose level decrease in groups3 groups4 compared to group 1,2. Total plasma protein showed no significant difference among groups, but the lowest value was recorded in fish fed on diet No.4. Cholesterol, triglycerides, AST and ALT concentrations showed obvious increase in fish fed on olive mill than the other groups. Glycogen content in liver and muscles increased in groups1 and groups2 than other groups. In conclusion, it can be suggested that adding waste material of plant origin to fish diet can promote growth rate, decrease mortality rate and increase the antioxidant activity in fish.
On the reliability of factoid question answering evaluation

This paper compares some existing evaluation metrics for factoid question answering (QA) from the viewpoint of stability and sensitivity, using the NTCIR-4 QAC2 Japanese factoid QA tasks and the Buckley/Voorhees stability method and Voorhees/Buckley swap method. Our main findings are: (1) For QA evaluation with ranked lists containing up to five answers, the fraction of questions with a correct answer within top 5 (NQcorrect5) and that with a correct answer at rank 1 (NQcorrect1) are not as stable and sensitive as reciprocal rank. (2) Q-measure, which can handle multiple correct answers and answer correctness levels, is at least as stable and sensitive as reciprocal rank, provided that a mild gain value assignment is used. Emphasizing answer correctness levels tends to hurt stability and sensitivity, while handling multiple correct answers improves them. As our experimental methods are language-independent, we believe that these findings apply to QA in languages other than Japanese as well.
The financial burden of out-of-pocket expenses in the United States and Canada: How different is the United States?

Background: This article compares the burden that medical cost-sharing requirements place on households in the United States and Canada. It estimates the probability that individuals with similar demographic features in the two countries have large medical expenses relative to income. Method: The study uses 2010 nationally representative household survey data harmonized for cross-national comparisons to identify individuals with high medical expenses relative to income. Using logistic regression, it estimates the probability of high expenses occurring among 10 different demographic groups in the two countries. Results: The results show the risk of large medical expenses in the United States is 1.5–4 times higher than it is in Canada, depending on the demographic group and spending threshold used. The United States compares least favorably when evaluating poorer citizens and when using a higher spending threshold. Conclusion: Recent health care reforms can be expected to reduce Americans’ catastrophic health expenses, but it will take very large reductions in out-of-pocket expenditures—larger than can be expected—if poorer and middle-class families are to have the financial protection from high health care costs that their counterparts in Canada have.
Neural network approach to model the propagation path loss for great Tripoli area at 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz bands

Radio wave propagation models are extremely important in mobile network planning and design since it used to predict the Received Signal Strength (RSS). In this work an empirical model was develop to predicate the propagation path loss at the capital of Libya “Tripoli”, based on quit good number of measurements conducted in different places in the target area using the Neural Network approach. This model is very helpful in designing a cellular network in this area and other places having the same environments. The work was done based on real measurements were the RSS conducted from 0 to 1 km distance range in the concerned area at three different frequency bands; 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz The measurements were collected in five types of areas; Dense Urban, Urban, Dense Suburban, Suburban and Rural. The proposed model was tested and gives an acceptable accuracy results. The values of RSS obtained from this model were compared with other values obtained from applying the Hata model. It has been found that the results of this work are much closer to the real measurement data and gives 7.1 to 28.8 dB improvements in the accuracy over the Hata model results. The Means Square Error (MSE) was found between 3 to 6.7 for the proposed model.
Efficacy and tolerability of Paroxetine 20 mg daily in the treatment of depression and depression associated anxiety.

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine 20mg daily, for the treatment of depression and depression associated with anxiety. METHOD An open, non-comparative study undertaken at three centers in three cities of Pakistan. A total of 112 in- or out-patients, presenting with a major depressive episode were included in the study. Depression was diagnosed according to DSM IV criteria and a Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-D) score of >18 on the first 17 items of the HAM-D-21. After a placebo washout period of 7 days, patients were given a 20-mg fixed dose of paroxetine daily in the morning for a period of 6 weeks. After baseline, regular assessments were made at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Efficacy measures included the HAMD-D, the Clinical Anxiety Scale, The Clinical Global Impression Severity of Illness Scale (CGI-S), and the Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale (CGI-I). Tolerability was assessed by any adverse event. The primary therapeutic outcome measures were patients who achieved a 50% or greater reduction in HAMD-D score at the end of the treatment or achieved a reduction in final HAMD-D score of < or = 10 points. The final scores of 1 or 2 for CGI-S and CGI-I were considered as full clinical response. RESULTS Of 112 cases evaluated, 57 were males and 55 females whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. There was a clear and statistically significant efficacy of paroxetine on all the major outcome variables. A total of 88% patients achieved a reduction in the final HAMD-D score at the end of treatment. The total HAM-D score reduced to 10 or less in 73% patients at 6 weeks and by this week 76% and 92% patients achieved a score of 1 or 2 for CGI-S and CGI-I, respectively. The mean Clinical Anxiety Scale score reduced from 12.6 at the baseline to 4.4 at the end of treatment. Safety data was evaluated in all 112 patients and paroxetine was well tolerated. Adverse events were experienced by 10% of patients of whom 4% were dropped from the study. Nausea was the commonest adverse event reported. CONCLUSION The study shows that paroxetine is an effective, well-tolerated, and safe drug for the treatment of depression.
Serum adiponectin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND Adiponectin is regarded as a possible link between adiposity and insulin resistance. The study aim was to measure serum adiponectin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to assess possible correlations between adiponectin and the hormonal or metabolic parameters of the syndrome. METHODS Eighty-five selected women were classified as: Group I (n = 35) with PCOS + body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m(2); group II (n = 35) with PCOS + BMI <25 kg/m(2); and group III (controls; n = 15) ovulating without hyperandrogenaemia and BMI <25 kg/m(2). Blood samples were collected between the days 3 and 6 of a spontaneous menstrual cycle, at 09:00, after an overnight fast. Serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, 17alpha-OH-progesterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androgens, insulin, adiponectin and glucose were measured. RESULTS Adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in group I compared with groups II and III. No significant difference in adiponectin levels was found between groups II and III, despite significant differences in insulin levels and glucose:insulin ratio. Multiple regression analysis showed that Delta(4)-androstenedione levels and BMI values were the only significant determinants of serum adiponectin levels. CONCLUSIONS Serum adiponectin levels are reduced in obese women with PCOS. Although adiponectin does not seem to be actively involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS, there seems to be an interaction between adiponectin and steroid synthesis or action.
n ° 2003-25 Geography , Trade and Currency Union

This paper reports on four basic results of tests of the standard gravity equation. First, geography can serve to reflect comparative advantage as well as transportation costs. Second, the effect of distance on bilateral trade is mostly a substitution effect between closer and more distant trade partners rather than a scale effect on total foreign trade. Third, special political relationships, such as free trade agreements and currency union, do not produce any trade diversion in the aggregate, but increase trade with outsiders as well as among the parties to the relationship. Fourth, Rose’s surprisingly high estimate of the impact of currency union on trade stems partly from a selection bias, but even following a correction for this bias, the estimate remains high. Géographie, commerce international, et union monétaire
Pathways to literacy and transitions to school : enabling incorporation and developing awareness of literacy

This study examines children’s development and incorporation of literacy expertise across multiple sites and the transitions to school by four Māori preschool children, their whānau (families) and their teachers in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This study is embedded in a Kaupapa Māori framework of understanding and explaining teaching and learning processes across multiple sites of learning for children whose practices reflect ways of being and acting Māori. Descriptions of teaching and learning processes are also explained utilising a co-constructivist theoretical framework. These descriptions and explanations focus on the psychological processes of learning and development that children, whānau and teachers’ engage in their practice. A two phase case study design was employed that examines the teaching and learning processes of literacy across multiple sites. The first phase provides qualitative data that describes and explains how the different sorts of literacy and language activities are coconstructed by whānau and children. The ways by which literacy activities are constructed are inherent in parents ideas about teaching and learning reflected out of their diverse pedagogical practices. The distinct pedagogical practices also highlight the multiple pathways to learning that children developed and experienced in becoming an expert. This study also reported the influence of early educational settings as alternative and multiple contexts by which learning is organised and constructed. The different contexts provided families with specific ideas and practices about the teaching and learning process. The second phase of the study provides descriptions of how children’s literacy expertise was incorporated into classroom literacy and language activities. This phase of the study examines how teachers provided opportunities by which children’s literacy expertise was incorporated into classroom activities. This study reported incidents where incorporation of children’s level of literacy expertise was enhanced while other children’s literacy expertise was discouraged in classroom activities. The significance of the reported differences of incorporation was provided from teacher’s ideas and beliefs about children’s literacy expertise upon entry to school. The study showed how teacher’s ideas reflected the way that they organised and constructed literacy activities. Teacher’s ideas also reflected their awareness of the diversity of children’s literacy expertise. The earlier phase of this study examined the multiple ways and multiple contexts by which children
Variational Inference for Hierarchical Dirichlet Process Based Nonparametric Models

We examine two popular statistical models, the hidden Markov model and mixed membership stochastic blockmodel. Using the hierarchical Dirichlet process, we define nonparametric variants of these models. We develop a memoized online variational inference algorithm that uses a new objective function to properly penalize the addition of unneeded states in either model. Finally, we demonstrate that our models outperform competing methods in a wide array of tasks, including speaker diarization, academic co-authorship network analysis, and motion capture comprehension.
Synchronous modeling and validation of schedulers dealing with shared resources 1

Architecture Description Languages (ADLs) allow embedded systems to be described as assemblies of hardware and software components. It is attractive to use such a global modelling as a basis for early system analysis. However, in such descriptions, the applicative software is often abstracted away, and is supposed to be developed in some host programming language. This forbids to take the applicative software into account in such early validation. To overcome this limitation, a solution consists in translating the ADL description into an executable model, which can be simulated and validated together with the software. In a previous paper [8], we proposed such a translation of AADL (Architecture Analysis & Design Language) specifications into an executable synchronous model. The present paper is a continuation of this work, and deals with expressing the behavior of complex scheduling policies managing shared resources. We provide a synchronous specification for two shared resource scheduling protocols: the well-known basic priority inheritance protocol (BIP), and the priority ceiling protocol (PCP). This results in an automated translation of AADL models into a purely Boolean synchronous (Lustre) scheduler, that can be directly model-checked, possibly with the actual software.
Vortex organization in the outer region of the turbulent boundary layer

The structure of energy-containing turbulence in the outer region of a zero-pressure- gradient boundary layer has been studied using particle image velocimetry (PIV) to measure the instantaneous velocity fields in a streamwise-wall-normal plane. Experiments performed at three Reynolds numbers in the range 930 < Reθ < 6845 show that the boundary layer is densely populated by velocity fields associated with hairpin vortices. (The term ‘hairpin’ is here taken to represent cane, hairpin, horseshoe, or omega-shaped vortices and deformed versions thereof, recognizing these structures are variations of a common basic flow structure at different stages of evolution and with varying size, age, aspect ratio, and symmetry.) The signature pattern of the hairpin consists of a spanwise vortex core located above a region of strong second-quadrant fluctuations (u < 0 and v > 0) that occur on a locus inclined at 30–60° to the wall. In the outer layer, hairpin vortices occur in streamwise-aligned packets that propagate with small velocity dispersion. Packets that begin in or slightly above the buffer layer are very similar to the packets created by the autogeneration mechanism (Zhou, Adrian & Balachandar 1996). Individual packets grow upwards in the streamwise direction at a mean angle of approximately 12°, and the hairpins in packets are typically spaced several hundred viscous lengthscales apart in the streamwise direction. Within the interior of the envelope the spatial coherence between the velocity fields induced by the individual vortices leads to strongly retarded streamwise momentum, explaining the zones of uniform momentum observed by Meinhart & Adrian (1995). The packets are an important type of organized structure in the wall layer in which relatively small structural units in the form of three-dimensional vortical structures are arranged coherently, i.e. with correlated spatial relationships, to form much longer structures. The formation of packets explains the occurrence of multiple VITA events in turbulent ‘bursts’, and the creation of Townsend's (1958) large-scale inactive motions. These packets share many features of the hairpin models proposed by Smith (1984) and co-workers for the near-wall layer, and by Bandyopadhyay (1980), but they are shown to occur in a hierarchy of scales across most of the boundary layer. In the logarithmic layer, the coherent vortex packets that originate close to the wall frequently occur within larger, faster moving zones of uniform momentum, which may extend up to the middle of the boundary layer. These larger zones are the induced interior flow of older packets of coherent hairpin vortices that originate upstream and over-run the younger, more recently generated packets. The occurence of small hairpin packets in the environment of larger hairpin packets is a prominent feature of the logarithmic layer. With increasing Reynolds number, the number of hairpins in a packet increases.