Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latent Segments in the English indefinite article

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the English indefinite article a/an within the framework of the Optimality Theory (OT) as a latent segment that Zoll (1996) has presented for some suffixes in Yawelmani. In addition, the paper introduces and analyzes the theories which attempt to characterize a/an alternation: Zwicky (1985, 1986) suggests the Shape Conditions governing the selection of different allomorphs in the syntax, and Mascaro (1996) appeals to the notion of emergence of the unmarked of OT.
Smoking prevalence in US birth cohorts: the influence of gender and education.

OBJECTIVES To assess long-term trends in cigarette smoking according to the combined influence of sex and education, this study examined smoking prevalence in successive US birth cohorts. METHODS Data from nationally representative surveys were examined to assess smoking prevalence for six successive 10-year birth cohorts stratified by race or ethnicity, sex, and educational attainment. RESULTS Substantial declines in smoking prevalence were found among men who had a high school education or more, regardless of race or ethnicity, and slight declines among women of the same educational background were revealed. However, little change was found in smoking prevalence among men of all race/ethnic groups with less than a high school education, and large increases were found among women with the same years of schooling, especially if they were White or African American. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that persons of low educational attainment have yet to benefit from policies and education about the health consequences of cigarette smoking.
Expression of protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) in central airways of smokers and non-smokers

Background: Protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is a transmembrane G protein coupled receptor preferentially activated by trypsin and tryptase. The protease activated receptors play an important role in most components of injury responses including cell proliferation, migration, matrix remodelling, and inflammation. Cigarette smoking causes an inflammatory process in the central airways, peripheral airways, lung parenchyma, and adventitia of pulmonary arteries. Methods: To quantify the expression of PAR-2 in the central airways of smokers and non-smokers, surgical specimens obtained from 30 subjects undergoing lung resection for localised pulmonary lesions (24 with a history of cigarette smoking and six non-smoking control subjects) were examined. Central airways were immunostained with an antiserum specific for PAR-2 and PAR-2 expression was quantified using light microscopy and image analysis. Results: PAR-2 expression was found in bronchial smooth muscle, epithelium, glands, and in the endothelium and smooth muscle of bronchial vessels. PAR-2 expression was similar in the central airways of smokers and non-smokers. When smokers were divided according to the presence of symptoms of chronic bronchitis and chronic airflow limitation, PAR-2 expression was increased in smooth muscle (median 3.8 (interquartile range 2.9–5.8) and 1.4 (1.07–3.4) respectively); glands (33.3 (18.2–43.8) and 16.2 (11.5–22.2), respectively); and bronchial vessels (54.2 (48.7–56.8) and 40.0 (36–40.4), respectively) of smokers with symptoms of chronic bronchitis with normal lung function compared with smokers with chronic airflow limitation (COPD), but the increase was statistically significant (p<0.005) only for bronchial vessels. Conclusions: PAR-2 is present in bronchial smooth muscle, glands, and bronchial vessels of both smokers and non-smokers. An increased expression of PAR-2 was found in bronchial vessels of patients with bronchitis compared with those with COPD.
Using reinforcement learning to optimize occupant comfort and energy usage in HVAC systems

The present paper suggests a procedure to enhance the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, following the idea that a multi-objective optimal supervisory control for such a system should consider the cost of energy, activity schedules, occupancy patterns and the individual comfort preferences of each tenant. Considering that tenants tend to forget to adjust systems appropriately and that, in many spaces, the conditioning requirements are not adjusted to the occupancy of those spaces, the result is unnecessary energy waste. This paper studies the application of a discrete and a continuous reinforcement-learning-based supervisory control approach, which actively learns how to appropriately schedule thermostat temperature setpoints. The result is a learning controller that learns the statistical regularities in the tenant's behavior, allowing him/her to meet comfort requirements and optimize energy costs. Results are presented for a simulated thermal zone and tenant.
Expression of EpCam and Villin in Barrett’s Esophagus and in Gastric Cardia

In the current study we aimed to clarify the potential of EpCAM and villin as in vivo biomarkers for both Barrett esophagus (BE)-associated neoplasia and BE versus cardiac mucosa. Immunohistochemical staining in BE with various degrees of intraepithelial neoplasia (IN), Barrett carcinoma (BC) and in normal cardiac mucosa (CM) revealed a lack of EpCam and villin in squamous esophageal epithelium. All specimens of IN and BC showed EpCam with varying staining intensities. In 57% of CM samples a weak signal was detected; the remainder displayed strong EpCam expression. Villin was found in 97% of BE specimens and in all those with IN; 37% of BC and 75% of CM specimens were also positive. We conclude that expression of EpCam and villin differs only between squamous epithelium and BE. Determination of these proteins does not allow discrimination between different degrees of neoplasia or between esophageal intestinal metaplasia and cardiac mucosa.
Girdin locates in centrosome and midbody and plays an important role in cell division

Girdin is a downstream effector of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐AKT and interacts with actin and microtubule. Increasing evidence confirmed that Girdin played an important role in cell migration. Here we report that Girdin also regulates cell division. Overexpression or suppression of Girdin leads to attenuated cell proliferation. Imaging of mitotic cells revealed that Girdin is located in the cell division apparatus such as centrosome and midbody. The sub‐cellular localization of Girdin was dependent on the domains, which interacted with actin or microtubules. Overexpression of Girdin lead to increased centrosome splitting and amplification. In addition, data show that pAKT also locates in both the centrosome and midbody, indicating the regulating role of AKT in Girdin‐mediated cell division. To elucidate the effect of Girdin on tumor growth in vivo, HeLa cells infected with retrovirus harboring either control or Girdin shRNAs were injected subcutaneously into the immunocompromised nude mice. Downregulation of Girdin by shRNA markedly inhibited the cell growth of subcutaneously transplanted tumors in nude mice. These data demonstrate that Girdin is important for efficient cell division. Taking our previous data into consideration, we speculate that Girdin regulates both cell division and cell migration through cytoskeletal molecules.
THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN BIRTH AND TRANSHUMANIST PROPOSALS OF ENHANCEMENT

Some transhumanists argue that we must engage with theories and facts about our evolutionary past in order to promote future enhancements of the human body. At the same time, they call our attention to the flawed character of evolution and argue that there is a mismatch between adaptation to ancestral environments and contemporary life. One important trait of our evolutionary past which should not be ignored, and yet may hinder the continued perfection of humankind, is the peculiarly human way of bearing and raising children. The suffering associated with childbirth and a long childhood have demanded trade-offs that have enhanced our species, leading to cooperation, creativity, intelligence and resilience. Behaviors such as mother–infant engagement, empathy, storytelling, and ritual have also helped to create what we value most in human beings. Therefore, the moral, cognitive, and emotional enhancements proposed by these transhumanists may be impaired by their partial appropriation of evolution, insofar as the bittersweet experience of parenthood is left aside.
Optimization of extremely broadband terahertz absorber based on multilayered doped silicon film

We demonstrated numerically a multilayered broadband nearly perfect absorber in terahertz frequencies. The structure is composed of multilayered doped silicon film. Transfer matrix method and genetic algorithm are utilized to simulate and optimize the absorption property. The 20 dB attenuation bandwidth of this structure is larger than 94%, while 40 dB attenuation bandwidth is also larger than 50%. Compared with previous multilayered absorbers based on resistive metal, the structure proposed here shows better performance and is easier to fabricate.
The Intracluster Gas Fraction in X-ray Clusters : Constraints on the Clustered Mass Density

The mean intracluster gas fraction of X-ray clusters within their hydrostatic regions is derived from recent observational compilations of David, Jones & Forman and White & Fabian. At radii encompassing a mean density 500 times the critical value, the individual sample bi-weight means are moderately (2.4er) discrepant; revising binding masses with a virial relation calibrated by numerical simulations removes the discrepancy and results in a combined sample mean and standard error ! gas(rsoo) = (0.060 ± 0.003) h -312. For hierarchical clustering models with an extreme physical assumption to maximize cluster gas content, this value constrains the universal ratio of total, clustered-to-baryonic mass ~/~ :::;;23.1 h3/Z. Combining this with a maximal value of ~ from primordial nucleosynthesis results in ~ h 1/Z < 0.76. A more physically plausible approach based on low deuterium abundance inferences from quasar absorption spectra and accounting for baryons within cluster galaxies yields an estimate of ~ hZ/ 3 = 0.30 ± 0.07, with sources of systematic error involved in the derivation providing approximately 30 per cent additional uncertainty. Other effects which could enhance the likelihood of the Einstein-de Sitter case Om = 1 are presented, and their observable signatures discussed.
The Effect of Ethical Leadership on Follower Moral Identity: The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment

In this study, we examined psychological empowerment as an underlying influence mechanism through which ethical leadership affects followers’ moral identity. Based on the data collected from 335 organizational employees across over 13 various industries, we found that psychological empowerment, in terms of competence, impact, meaning, and self-determination, mediated the effect of ethical leadership on followers’ moral identity. These findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical contributions, practical implications, and future research recommendations.
Oxygen sensing by ion channels and chemotransduction in single glomus cells

We have monitored cytosolic [Ca2+] and dopamine release in intact fura- 2-loaded glomus cells with microfluoroimetry and a polarized carbon fiber electrode. Exposure to low PO2 produced a rise of cytosolic [Ca2+] with two distinguishable phases: an initial period (with PO2 values between 150 and approximately 70 mm Hg) during which the increase of [Ca2+] is very small and never exceeds 150-200 nM, and a second phase (with PO2 below approximately 70 mm Hg) characterized by a sharp rise of cytosolic [Ca2+]. Secretion occurs once cytosolic [Ca2+] reaches a threshold value of 180 +/- 43 nM. The results demonstrate a characteristic relationship between PO2 and transmitter secretion at the cellular level that is comparable with the relation described for the input (O2 tension)output (afferent neural discharges) variables in the carotid body. Thus, the properties of single glomus cells can explain the sensory functions of the entire organ. In whole-cell, patch- clamped cells, we have found that in addition to O2-sensitive K+ channels, there are Ca2+ channels whose activity is also regulated by PO2. Ca2+ channel activity is inhibited by hpoxia, although in a strongly voltage-dependent manner. The average hypoxic inhibition of the calcium current in 30% +/- 10% at -20 mV but only 2% +/- 2% at +30 mV. The differential inhibition of K+ and Ca2+ channels by hypoxia helps to explain why the secretory response of the cells is displaced toward PO2 values (below approximately 70 mm Hg) within the range of those normally existing in arterial blood. These data provide a conceptual framework for understanding the cellular mechanisms of O2 chemotransduction in the carotid body.
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG Antibodies against Canine Distemper Virus by a New Recombinant Nucleocapsid Protein-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

ABSTRACT Canine distemper morbillivirus (CDV) infection causes a frequently fatal systemic disease in a broad range of carnivore species, including domestic dogs. In CDV infection, classical serology provides data of diagnostic and prognostic values (kinetics of seroconversion) and is also used to predict the optimal vaccination age of pups. Routine CDV serology is still based on time- and cost-intensive virus neutralization assays (V-NA). Here, we describe a new capture-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that uses recombinant baculovirus-expressed nucleocapsid (N) protein of a recent CDV wild-type isolate (2544/Han95) for the detection of CDV-specific antibodies in canine sera. Recombinant antigen was produced with high efficacy in Heliothis virescens larvae. The capture-sandwich ELISA enabled a clear-cut qualitative evaluation of the CDV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM serostatuses of 196 and 35 dog sera, respectively. Inter-rater agreement analysis (κ = 0.988) indicated that the ELISA can be used unrestrictedly as a substitute for the V-NA for the qualitative determination of CDV-specific IgG serostatus. In an attempt to semiquantify N-specific antibodies, a one-step-dilution (alpha method) IgG-specific ELISA was implemented. Alpha values of ≥50% showed very good inter-rater agreement (κ = 0.968) with V-NA titers of ≥1/100 50% neutralizing dose (ND50) as measured against the central European CDV wild-type isolate 2544/Han95 in canine sera originating from northern Germany. An ND50 titer of 1/100 is considered a threshold, and titers of ≥1/100 indicate a resilient, protective immunity. CDV N-specific antibodies of the IgM class were detected by the newly developed ELISA in 9 of 15 sera obtained from dogs with symptoms of acute distemper. In leucocytes of 5 of the 15 dogs (all of which were also IgM positive) CDV RNA was detected by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The recombinant capture-sandwich ELISA detecting N-specific antibodies of the IgG class provided superior sensitivity and specificity and thus represents a rapid and cost-effective alternative to classical CDV V-NA. By detection of specific IgM antibodies, the ELISA will be complementary to RT-PCR and V-NA in the diagnosis of acute distemper infections.
[Morbidity of Chagas disease in urban populations of the Paraíba sector].

From November 1984 to January 1985 we conducted a cross-sectional study of Chagas’disease in eight municipalities in the Sertao of the State of Paraiba, Brasil: Pianco, Olho D'Agua, Catingueira, Sao Jose de Caiana, Emas, Mae D’Agua, Agua Branca and Imaculada. The prevalence of infection by T. cruzi in a random sample of 5,137 persons (34.7% of the total population) evaluated by the immunofluorescent test averaged 9.5% with limits between 6.7% (in Sao Jose de Caiana) and 16.3%(Olho D'Agua). The prevalence of the infection was higher in the women and increased with age in both sexes. A clinical and electrocardiographic case- control study done in 305pairs of persons, one with a positive serology and the other with a negative serology, matched by age and sex, showed 26.5% of cardiopathy in the seropositives and 13.7% in the seronegative group. Therefore the excess risk of chagasic cardiopathy was 12.8% for the seropositive group. In both seropositive and seronegative groups there was an increase of cardiopathy with the age, but the frequency of cardiopathy was higher in men in the seropositive group. However, in the chest x-ray of 108 seropositives and 98 seronegative there was no case of cardiomegaly. There were only two cases of aperistalsis of the oesophagus among the seropositives. The positivity of xenodiagnosis in a sample of 100 individuals seropositives was only 13.0%. This could signify a low parasitemia caused by a lack of adaptation of T. cruzi strains for man. This might also explain the lo w grade of chagasic cardiopathy in that area (12.8%).
Crossroads Understanding Language Games

In this essay, Mauws and Phillips argue that the current usage of the language game concept has been a very weak version. They assert that, as originally presented by Wittgenstein, it is a considerably more nuanced and powerful idea than has been previously presented in the organizational literature. They draw from Wittgenstein, from arguments outlined in the 1992 debate in Organization Science and from their own perspective on the meaning of language games to present a thoughtful, scholarly and very lucid treatment of the subject. They demonstrate the usefulness of paying serious attention to original sources when translating an idea from one arena to another.
21 An Augmented PAC Model for Semi-Supervised Learning

The standard PAC-learning model has proven to be a useful theoretical framework for thinking about the problem of supervised learning. However, it does not tend to capture the assumptions underlying many semi-supervised learning methods. In this chapter we describe an augmented version of the PAC model designed with semi-supervised learning in mind, that can be used to help think about the problem of learning from labeled and unlabeled data and many of the different approaches taken. The model provides a unified framework for analyzing when and why unlabeled data can help, in which one can discuss both sample-complexity and algorithmic issues. Our model can be viewed as an extension of the standard PAC model, where in addition to a concept class C, one also proposes a compatibility function: a type of compatibility that one believes the target concept should have with the underlying distribution of data. For example, it could be that one believes the target should cut through a low-density region of space, or that it should be self-consistent in some way as in co-training. This belief is then explicitly represented in the model. A PAC Model for Semi-Supervised Learning Unlabeled data is then potentially helpful in this setting because it allows one to estimate compatibility over the space of hypotheses, and to reduce the size of the search space from the whole set of hypotheses C down to those that, according to one's assumptions, are a-priori reasonable with respect to the distribution. After proposing the model, we then analyze sample-complexity issues in this setting: that is, how much of each type of data one should expect to need in order to learn well, and what are the basic quantities that these numbers depend on. We provide examples of sample-complexity bounds both for uniform convergence and ǫ-cover based algorithms, as well as several algorithmic results.
HyperFit: Hybrid media in personal nutrition and exercise management

HyperFit is an Internet service for personal management of nutrition and exercise. It provides tools for promoting healthy diet and physical activity. The principle of the service is to mimic the process of personal nutrition counseling. It includes self evaluation tools for testing and goal definition, food and exercise diaries, analysis tools, and feedback and encouragement given by a virtual trainer. Recommendations by the Finnish National Nutrition Council are used as the nutritional basis for the service. HyperFit uses a food database that contains the nutritional information for approximately 2,500 food products and categories, both product-specific and average. Hybrid media combining print and mobile technology are applied to improve the usability and arouse interest. The service is used both with a mobile phone and PC. A camera phone can be used to add food and exercise entries to the diaries by reading product barcodes. HyperFit has been tested with potential individual users, weight management groups and nutritionists’ counseling clients in several field trials. Participants of the trials have been content with the system. The trials suggest that a HyperFit type of service can be used to promote independent weight management and the use of hybrid media gives extra value to the service. A patent application has been submitted for the system and the commercialization of the service is on the way. Keywords-Pervasive healthcare; Nutritional information;
Improving monitoring of NO/sub x/ emissions in refineries

The level of nitrogen oxides in atmosphere has been increasing in the last century, mainly due to human activities. Unfortunately nitrogen oxides have a number of negative effects on air quality: they contribute to photochemical smog, visibility, acid rain can also have a negative impact on human health. In the paper a novel strategy to improve the estimation of nitrogen oxides emissions produced by chimneys of refineries is proposed. In particular nonlinear models, obtained by using MLPs neural networks, which are being a commonly used tool in processing data acquired in petrochemical processes, are proposed. The performance of the proposed model with respect to both traditional heuristic models and linear models are described.
Lessor-known Worlds: Bridging the Telematic Flows with Located Human Experience Through Game Design

This paper represents a new theorization of the role of location-based games (LBGs) as potentially playing specific roles in peoples’ access to the culture of cities [22]. A LBG is a game that employs mobile technologies as tools for game play in real world environments. We argue that as a new genre in the field of mobile entertainment, research in this area tends to be preoccupied with the newness of the technology and its commercial possibilities. However, this overlooks its potential to contribute to cultural production. We argue that the potential to contribute to cultural production lies in the capacity of these experiences to enhance relationships between specific groups and new urban spaces. Given that developers can design LBGs to be played with everyday devices in everyday environments, what new creative opportunities are available to everyday people?