Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sentence Similarity Computational Model Based on Information Content

Sentence similarity computation is an increasingly important task in applications of natural language processing such as information retrieval, machine translation, text summarization and so on. From the viewpoint of information theory, the essential attribute of natural language is that the carrier of information and the capacity of information can be measured by information content which is already successfully used for word similarity computation in simple ways. Existing sentence similarity methods don’t emphasize the information contained by the sentence, and the complicated models they employ often need using empirical parameters or training parameters. This paper presents a fully unsupervised computational model of sentence semantic similarity. It is also a simply and straightforward model that neither needs any empirical parameter nor rely on other NLP tools. The method can obtain state-of-the-art experimental results which show that sentence similarity evaluated by the model is closer to human judgment than multiple competing baselines. The paper also tests the proposed model on the influence of external corpus, the performance of various sizes of the semantic net, and the relationship between efficiency and accuracy. key words: sentence semantic similarity, information content, inclusionexclusion principle, natural language processing, information retrieval
Mycophenolate in non-transplant disorders ( Includes review of therapeutic equivalence of mycophenolate formulations ) A Position Statement of the NSW Therapeutic Advisory Group Inc

NSW TAG wishes to thank the following persons who assisted in reviewing this document: Professor Jeremy Chapman (Westmead Hospital), Associate Professor Connie Katelaris (Westmead Hospital), Associate Professor Les Schrieber (Royal North Shore Hospital), Dr Michael Lee (Royal North Shore Hospital), Ms Ceridwen Jones (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) and Mr Peter Barclay (Westmead Hospital). NSW TAG also acknowledges the assistance of Ms Rosalind Tindale who made a substantial contribution to an early draft of this paper.
A medium-complexity compliant end effector

The design of an end effector under development at Pennsylvania University is reported. The rationale supporting this mechanism is explored, its geometry is described and experimental results from the first prototype are presented. The gripper has three fingers, one fixed with respect to the palm and the other two able to rotate synchronously about different points under the palm. Some ideas for future work are presented. <<ETX>>
Identification , cloning and functional characterization of novel sperm associated antigen 11 ( SPAG 11 ) isoforms in the rat

Background: Sperm binding proteins and their C-terminal peptides of the Sperm Associated Antigen 11 (SPAG11) family were found to play an important role in epididymal innate immunity in addition to their role in sperm maturation. However, the expression of Spag11 transcripts in rodents is not well documented. Methods: Computational analysis was employed to identify novel Spag11 isoforms in the rat. RTPCR analyses were carried out on RNAs isolated from the male reproductive tract tissues of rat using gene specific primers for Spag11c and Spag11t. The identities of PCR products were confirmed by sequencing. Tissue distribution, developmental expression and androgen regulation of Spag11t and Spag11c were studied using RT-PCR. The antimicrobial activities of recombinant Spag11t and Spag11c were tested against E coli in a colony forming unit assay. Results: In this study, we identified two novel Spag11 transcripts, namely, Spag11t and Spag11c derived from the long arm of chromosome 16 in the rat (Rattus norvegicus), using both in silico and molecular biology approaches. Spag11c is expressed in all three regions of the epididymis, in testis and in ovary but is absent from the seminal vesicle. Spag11t expression is confined to the caput and it is not expressed in the testis, seminal vesicle or ovary. Age dependent expression of Spag11t and Spag11c was observed in the epididymides of rats (10–60 day old). Their expression was found to be most abundant in the adult rat (60 day) suggesting roles in mature reproductive function. Further, both Spag11t and Spag11c expression was down regulated in castrated rat epididymides and the expression was maintained in the testosterone replaced castrated rats. SPAG11C is a potent antibacterial agent. SPAG11T also displayed bactericidal capacity although weaker than SPAG11C and SPAG11E. Conclusion: The abundant expression of Spag11t and Spag11c in the male reproductive tract suggests an important role in male reproductive tract immunity. Their expression is developmentally regulated and androgen dependent. Characterization of novel SPAG11 isoforms will contribute to our understanding of the role of epididymal proteins in sperm maturation and innate immunity. Published: 28 April 2006 Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2006, 4:23 doi:10.1186/1477-7827-4-23 Received: 07 February 2006 Accepted: 28 April 2006 This article is available from: http://www.rbej. com/content/4/1/23 © 2006 Yenugu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Carvedilol‐Lisinopril Combination Therapy and Endothelial Function in Obese Individuals With Hypertension

The authors hypothesized that carvedilol controlled‐release plus lisinopril combination therapy (C+L) would increase endothelial function and decrease oxidative stress to a greater extent than hydrochlorothiazide plus lisinopril combination therapy (H+L) in obese patients with hypertension. Twenty‐five abdominally obese patients (aged 54.4±7.3 years; 14 women) with hypertension/prehypertension were enrolled in a 7‐month (two 3‐month treatment periods separated by a 1‐month washout), randomized, double‐blind, controlled, crossover clinical trial comparing C+L vs H+L. Endothelial function, measured by digital reactive hyperemic index (RHI), circulating oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL), 8‐isoprostane, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were obtained at baseline, post‐period 1, post‐washout, and post‐period 2. Analyses were adjusted for baseline measurements by analysis of covariance, with robust variance estimation for confidence intervals and P values. C+L treatment compared to H+L treatment significantly improved RHI (0.74, 95% confidence interval, 0.31–1.19, P =.001). This difference persisted after adjustment for the change in systolic blood pressure. No significant treatment differences were observed for oxLDL, 8‐isoprostane, or ADMA. These data provide evidence that independent of blood pressure–lowering, C+L therapy improves endothelial function to a greater extent than H+L therapy. Levels of oxidative stress were not significantly different between treatments, suggesting that other mechanisms may be responsible for the improvement in endothelial function.
Unique double-ring structure of the peroxisomal Pex1/Pex6 ATPase complex revealed by cryo-electron microscopy

Significance Pex1 and Pex6 are members of the AAA family of ATPases, which contain two ATPase domains in a single polypeptide chain and form hexameric double rings. These two Pex proteins are involved in the biogenesis of peroxisomes, and mutations in them frequently cause diseases. Here, we determined structures of the Pex1/Pex6 complex by cryo-electron microscopy. Novel computational modeling methods allowed placement of Pex1/Pex6 domains into subnanometer density maps. Our results show that the peroxisomal Pex1/Pex6 ATPases form a unique double-ring structure in which the two proteins alternate around the ring. Our data shed light on the mechanism and function of this ATPase and suggest a role in peroxisomal protein import similar to that of p97 in ER-associated protein degradation. Members of the AAA family of ATPases assemble into hexameric double rings and perform vital functions, yet their molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report structures of the Pex1/Pex6 complex; mutations in these proteins frequently cause peroxisomal diseases. The structures were determined in the presence of different nucleotides by cryo-electron microscopy. Models were generated using a computational approach that combines Monte Carlo placement of structurally homologous domains into density maps with energy minimization and refinement protocols. Pex1 and Pex6 alternate in an unprecedented hexameric double ring. Each protein has two N-terminal domains, N1 and N2, structurally related to the single N domains in p97 and N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF); N1 of Pex1 is mobile, but the others are packed against the double ring. The N-terminal ATPase domains are inactive, forming a symmetric D1 ring, whereas the C-terminal domains are active, likely in different nucleotide states, and form an asymmetric D2 ring. These results suggest how subunit activity is coordinated and indicate striking similarities between Pex1/Pex6 and p97, supporting the hypothesis that the Pex1/Pex6 complex has a role in peroxisomal protein import analogous to p97 in ER-associated protein degradation.
0 40 31 11 v 3 1 5 N ov 2 00 4 Subwavelength imaging with a left-handed material flat lens

We study numerically, by means of the pseudospectral time-domain method, the unique features of imaging by a flat lens made of a left-handed metamaterial that possesses the property of negative refraction. We confirm the earlier finding that a left-handed flat lens can provide near-perfect imaging of a point source and a pair of point sources with clear evidence of the sub-wavelength resolution. We illustrate the limitation of the resolution in the time-integrated image due to the presence of surface waves.
Efficient Web Data Mining with Standard XML Technologies

The problem of Web data extraction and XML-based methodology whose goal extends far beyond simple “screen scraping are discussed. ” An ideal data extraction process is able to digest target Web databases that are visible only as HTML pages, and create a local, identical replica of those databases as a result. What is needed in this process is much more than a Web crawler and set of Web site wrappers. A comprehensive data extraction process needs to deal with such roadblocks such as session identifiers, HTML forms, and client-side JavaScript, and data integration problems such as incompatible datasets and vocabularies, and missing and conflicting data. Proper data extraction also requires a solid data validation and error recovery service to handle data extraction failures, which are unavoidable. In this paper we describe NDES, a software framework that makes significant advances in solving these problems and provides a platform for building a productionquality Web data extraction process. Key aspects of NDES are that it uses XML technologies for data extraction, including XHTML and XSLT, and provides access to the “deep Web. ”
Systemic Barriers to Quitting Smoking among Institutionalised Public Mental Health Service Populations: A Comparison of Two Australian Sites

Background: This article reports the findings from a comparative study investigating smoking behaviours among institutionalised psychiatric populations from a sociological perspective. Method: The study involved participant observation of two separate Australian sites between 1999 and 2002, the second site serving to generalise the findings from the first site. Discussion and conclusions: Systemic barriers to quitting were identified, emanating from the mental health system in general. Cigarettes were identified as the currency by which economic, social and political exchange took place between participants who described an enculturation process that involved complex processes of reinforcement to smoke. Once entered into, escape from the smoking culture of the settings appeared to be extremely difficult for clients and staff.
Basal cortisol, dexamethasone suppression of cortisol, and MHPG in adolescents after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia.

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated basal salivary cortisol, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and cortisol suppression following dexamethasone administration in adolescents exposed to two levels of earthquake-related trauma. METHOD Five years after the 1988 earthquake, saliva samples were obtained from 37 adolescents from two cities in Armenia at different distances from the epicenter. Baseline saliva samples were obtained at 8:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. , and 11:00 p.m. , following which 0.5 mg of dexamethasone was administered. Nine and 17 hours later, saliva samples were again obtained. Subjects were evaluated for posttraumatic stress and depressive reactions through use of self-report instruments. RESULTS Significantly lower mean baseline 8:00 a.m. cortisol levels and greater day 24:00 p.m. cortisol suppression following dexamethasone were observed in the more symptomatic adolescents living in the city closer to the epicenter. Of the three symptom categories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), only intrusion (category B) symptoms were significantly correlated with basal morning cortisol levels and percent suppression by dexamethasone. The more highly exposed adolescents also exhibited a more rapid decline in MHPG levels over the course of day 1. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that chronic posttraumatic stress reactions among adolescents exposed to catastrophic disaster are associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis alterations. The findings are congruent with those previously described in adults with chronic PTSD. Persistent intrusion (category B) symptoms may constitute continued episodes of distress and evoke repeated physiological stress responses, which, over time, alter HPA axis function. The MHPG findings suggest that there may be diurnal changes associated with severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms.
A novel approach to design EV battery chargers using SEPIC PFC stage and optimal operating point tracking technique for LLC converter

In this paper, a plug-in electric vehicle battery charger is proposed based on SEPIC PFC and LLC topologies. In addition, a new approach in introduced to actively control the dc link voltage and track the maximum efficiency point of a LLC converter over the wide voltage range of the high voltage battery pack. Comprehensive circuit modeling and loss analysis at maximum efficiency point of LLC converter are carried out. A 3.3 kW charger, charging the Li-ion battery with an output voltage range of 100 V to 420 V from variable dc link voltage, is designed and simulated. In comparison to conventional approaches, the LLC stage demonstrates 4.4% efficiency improvement at the heaviest load condition and 16.5% efficiency improvement in the lightest load condition.
The Effect of Semantic Relatedness and Typicality upon Visual Detection of a Target

In line with previous work by Treisman, many studies have demonstrated effects of perceptual discrimination between visual targets and distractors. Few studies however have investigated semantic discrimination effects. We report the findings of two experiments that were carried out in order to demonstrate the influence of semantic relatedness between a target word and distractor words in interaction with perceptual discrimination. The results demonstrate perceptual discrimination effects within a semantic task (e.g. from a group of words finding a word which means a type of fish), the role of degree of target typicality and, importantly, the effect of semantic relatedness between a target and its distractor context.
Enhanced and Flexible Software Tools for X-ray Computed Tomography at the Italian Synchrotron Radiation Facility Elettra

X-ray computed tomography (CT) experiments performed at synchrotron radiation fa- cilities require adequate computing and storage resources due to the large amount of acquired and reconstructed data produced. To satisfy the heterogeneous needs of beamline users, flexible solu- tions are also required. Moreover, the growing demand of quantitative image analysis impose an easy integration between the CT reconstruction process and the subsequent feature extraction step. This paper presents some of the software solutions adopted by the SYRMEP beamline of the Italian synchrotron radiation facility Elettra. By using the enhanced version of the reconstruction software here presented as well as data reduction and data analysis tools, beamline users can easily imple- ment an integrated and comprehensive approach to the digital image processing and image analysis required by a tomography-oriented scientific workflow.
A plaque assay for all cells secreting Ig of a given type or class

A modification of the hemolytic plaque assay using protein A‐coated red cells is described which makes use of the fact that the Fc portion of IgG binds to protein A. A number of murine plasmacytomas secreting different classes of Ig have been tested for plaque formation with these indicator red cells. In the presence of complement‐binding antibodies specific for the corresponding class of secreted Ig, between 10 and 70 % of all plated myeloma cells formed plaques. The assay shows a prozone effect in excess of antibody, suggesting that complexes of antibody and secreted Ig effect lysis of the target cells. This assay can be used to enumerate cells secreting any molecules for which complement‐binding antibodies are available.
The Strength of Achilles Tendon Repair: A Comparison of Three Suture Techniques in Human Cadaver Tendons

Background: A previous study suggests the double Krackow suture (locking-loop) weave technique is nearly twice as strong as the single Bunnell or single Kessler suture repair techniques. Our hypothesis was that the strength of different repair techniques would be comparable if a similar number of suture strands cross the repair site. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four fresh-frozen human cadaver Achilles tendons were used to test maximum strength of three suture techniques (double Bunnell, double Kessler, and double Krackow). The simulated ruptures were created in the midsubstance of the Achilles tendon, five centimeters proximal to its calcaneal insertion. All repairs were performed with No. 2 polyester (Mersilene, Ethicon, Sommerville, NJ) nonabsorbable suture in standard fashion for each technique, with four strands crossing the repair site. The tendons were then anchored to a materials testing machine (Instron, Canton, MA) through a calcaneal pin distally and a modified soft tissue clamp proximally. Tendons were loaded with continuous tension at a head speed of 0.85 cm/s. Results: All repairs failed at the site of the suture knots, none pulling out through the substance of the tendon. A one-way analysis of variance was performed on the maximum force at failure of each repair technique. No statistically significant difference was noted between the double Krackow weave (199.9 ± 20 N), the double Bunnell weave (196.2 ± 45 N), and the double Kessler weave (166.9 ± 51 N). Conclusion: We found that in a laboratory model of cadaveric Achilles tendon repairs there was no significant difference in strength between the Krackow, Bunnell, and Kessler suture techniques, when each was performed with a double suture weave. Clinical Relevance: This is a cadaveric study that attempts to simulate the clinical parameters of Achilles tendon ruptures, repairs, and repair failures to examine the strength of different repair techniques.
Psychosocial Correlates of Condom Use and their Relationship with Worry about STI and HIV in Native and Immigrant Adolescents in Spain

The goal of this study was to analyze how worry about sexually-transmitted infections (STI) and HIV influences attitudes and self-efficacy towards condom use, HIV-related knowledge, HIV-perceived susceptibility and HIV-misconceptions in a multicultural sample in Spain. The sample was composed of 3,051 adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years old who lived in Spain. Of these, 67.7% were native Spaniards and the remaining 32.3% were Latin American immigrants. Results showed that worry about STI and HIV has a direct influence on condom use self-efficacy and HIV-knowledge and HIV-perceived susceptibility. Native Spanish adolescents showed higher positive attitudes towards condom use, greater HIV-knowledge and HIV-perceived susceptibility, and lower negative attitudes towards condoms use and HIV-misconceptions than Latin American adolescents. In the discussion, the importance of worry about STI and HIV is highlighted as a mediator variable that can predict risky sexual behavior and is related to cultural origin. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue analizar cómo la preocupación hacia las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y hacia el VIH influyen en las actitudes y en la autoeficacia hacia el uso del preservativo y en el conocimiento y la susceptibilidad ante el VIH en una muestra multicultural en España. En la investigación participaron 3051 adolescentes de entre 14 y 19 años residentes en España, de los que el 67,7% fueron autóctonos españoles y el 32,3% restante fueron inmigrantes de origen latinoamericano. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la preocupación hacia las ITS y hacia el VIH ejercen una influencia directa sobre la autoeficacia en el uso del preservativo y sobre el conocimiento y la susceptibilidad ante el VIH. Los adolescentes autóctonos mostraron más actitudes positivas hacia el uso del preservativo, más conocimiento y susceptibilidad ante el VIH y menos actitudes negativas hacia el preservativo e ideas erróneas sobre el VIH que los adolescentes latinoamericanos. En la discusión se resalta la importancia de la preocupación hacia las ITS y hacia el VIH como variable mediadora para la predicción de las conductas sexuales de riesgo y su relación con el origen cultural.
The ABCs of measuring intracerebral hemorrhage volumes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hemorrhage volume is a powerful predictor of 30-day mortality after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We compared a bedside method of measuring CT ICH volume with measurements made by computer-assisted planimetric image analysis. METHODS The formula ABC/2 was used, where A is the greatest hemorrhage diameter by CT, B is the diameter 90 degrees to A, and C is the approximate number of CT slices with hemorrhage multiplied by the slice thickness. RESULTS The ICH volumes for 118 patients were evaluated in a mean of 38 seconds and correlated with planimetric measurements (R2 = 9.6). Interrater and intrarater reliability were excellent, with an intraclass correlation of . 99 for both. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that ICH volume can be accurately estimated in less than 1 minute with the simple formula ABC/2.