Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Additive Value of Flow-Mediated Dilation to Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index

Background—Endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in atherogenesis. We prospectively investigated the impact of noninvasive measurement of endothelial function on cardiovascular risk in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The study was specially aimed at assessing whether brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) added to the predictive value of ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI). Methods and Results—Of 131 patients monitored for a mean of 23±10 months, 18 had a coronary event, 12 a cerebrovascular event, and 9 a peripheral event. The median FMD was lower in patients with an event than in those without (5.8% versus 7.6%, P <0.05), whereas vasodilation to nitroglycerin was similar in the two groups. The cardiovascular event rate was higher in patients with FMD below the median versus those with FMD above the median (P <0.001 by log-rank test). In a Cox proportion hazard model, independent predictors of events were FMD below the median (P <0.01), ABPI below the median (P <0.01), and previous stroke (P <0.02). Similar results were obtained when peripheral events were excluded from the analysis. Below-median ABPI and FMD combined was more accurate in predicting risk (relative risk [RR] 13.0; 95% CI, 3.0 to 56.2; P <0.01) than ABPI (RR, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.4 to 29.1; P <0.02) and FMD (RR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 23.3; P <0.05) alone. Conclusions—A low brachial artery FMD is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in patients with PAD and adds to the prognostic value of ABPI, which is currently the most powerful prognostic indicator in PAD.
Affordable Privacy for Home Smart Meters

Smart metering is an essential element of the future smart grid development. However, frequent data collected by home smart meters reveal a wealth of information about residential appliance usage. This gives rise to the smart metering privacy problem. Smart metering data privacy can be protected by using a battery to mask energy usage profiles. However, such a system privately modifies usage consumption patterns and it may induce a cost depending on battery performance and dynamic utility pricing. The aim of this paper is to show a) how information theoretic anonymity metrics can be used to measure the privacy protection offered by a water-filling power transformation algorithm, b) how a good level of protection and a low maintenance cost can be obtained with reasonably sized batteries, and c) what is the impact on the utility and price. Our initial cost analysis results suggest that it is possible to communicate granular smart metering information, protect the consumers' privacy at a low cost, and promote load balancing in the smart grid. That renders our privacy protection system affordable.
Cross-Species Transmission and Differential Fate of an Endogenous Retrovirus in Three Mammal Lineages

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) arise from retroviruses chromosomally integrated in the host germline. ERVs are common in vertebrate genomes and provide a valuable fossil record of past retroviral infections to investigate the biology and evolution of retroviruses over a deep time scale, including cross-species transmission events. Here we took advantage of a catalog of ERVs we recently produced for the bat Myotis lucifugus to seek evidence for infiltration of these retroviruses in other mammalian species (>100) currently represented in the genome sequence database. We provide multiple lines of evidence for the cross-ordinal transmission of a gammaretrovirus endogenized independently in the lineages of vespertilionid bats, felid cats and pangolin ∼13-25 million years ago. Following its initial introduction, the ERV amplified extensively in parallel in both bat and cat lineages, generating hundreds of species-specific insertions throughout evolution. However, despite being derived from the same viral species, phylogenetic and selection analyses suggest that the ERV experienced different amplification dynamics in the two mammalian lineages. In the cat lineage, the ERV appears to have expanded primarily by retrotransposition of a single proviral progenitor that lost infectious capacity shortly after endogenization. In the bat lineage, the ERV followed a more complex path of germline invasion characterized by both retrotransposition and multiple infection events. The results also suggest that some of the bat ERVs have maintained infectious capacity for extended period of time and may be still infectious today. This study provides one of the most rigorously documented cases of cross-ordinal transmission of a mammalian retrovirus. It also illustrates how the same retrovirus species has transitioned multiple times from an infectious pathogen to a genomic parasite (i.e. retrotransposon), yet experiencing different invasion dynamics in different mammalian hosts.
Agent-Oriented Abstraction

We define an agent-oriented abstraction formalism devoted to generalized theories of abstraction that have been proposed in Artificial Intelligence. The model we propose extends the abstraction capabilities of the existing Agent-Oriented Programming paradigm. This short note reviews first the existing attempts to define abstraction in AI and in agent systems. Then, our model is introduced in terms of six definitions covering the concepts of agents, annotated knowledge, utility and society of agents. The presentation is purely cognitive and intuitive. Abstracci ón orientada a agentes Resumen. Definimos un formalismo de abstracci ́ on orientada a agentes dedicado a generalizar teor ́ ıas de abstracci ́ on que han sido propuestas en Inteligencia Artificial. El modelo que proponemos ampl ía las capacidades del paradigma de programaci ́ on orientada a agentes existente. Esta breve nota revisa primero los intentos ya realizados para definir la abstracci ́ on en IA y en sistemas de agentes. Para despu ́ es, introducir nuestro modelo en forma de seis definiciones que cubren los conceptos de agentes, conocimiento anotado, utilidad y sociedad de agentes. La presentaci ́ on es puramente cognoscitiva e intuitiva.
Proceedings of the Twenty-Second International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Adjective-Noun Word Pair Extraction Methods for Online Review Summarization

Many people read online reviews written by other users to learn more about a product or venue. However, the overwhelming amount of user generated reviews and variance in length, detail and quality across the reviews make it difficult to glean useful information. In this paper, we present a summarization system called Review Spotlight. It provides a brief overview of reviews by using adjective noun word pairs extracted from the review text. The system also allows the user to click any word pair to read the original sentences from which the word pair was extracted. We present our system implementation as a Google Chrome browser extension , and an evaluation on how two word pair scoring methods (TF and TF-IDF) affect the identification of useful word pairs.
Robust Likelihood-based Analysis of Multivariate Data with Missing Values

The model-based approach to inference from multivariate data with missing values is reviewed. Regression prediction is most useful when the covariates are predictive of the missing values and the probability of being missing, and in these circumstances predictions are particularly sensitive to model misspecification. The use of penalized splines of the propensity score is proposed to yield robust model-based inference under the missing at random (MAR) assumption, assuming monotone missing data. Simulation comparisons with other methods suggest that the method works well in a wide range of populations, with little loss of efficiency relative to parametric models when the latter are correct. Extensions to more general patterns are outlined.
3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinase-1/Akt Signaling Represents a Major Cyclooxygenase-2-Independent Target for Celecoxib in Prostate Cancer Cells

Regarding the involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-independent pathways in celecoxib-mediated antineoplastic effects, the following two issues remain outstanding: identity of the non-COX-2 targets and relative contributions of COX-2-dependent versus -independent mechanisms. We use a close celecoxib analog deficient in COX-2-inhibitory activity, DMC {4-[5-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-3(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzene-sulfonamide}, to examine the premise that Akt signaling represents a major non-COX-2 target. Celecoxib and DMC block Akt activation in PC-3 cells through the inhibition of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) with IC50 of 48 and 38 μm, respectively. The consequent effect on Akt activation is more pronounced (IC50 values of 28 and 20 μm, respectively), which might be attributed to the concomitant dephosphorylation by protein phosphatase 2A. In serum-supplemented medium, celecoxib and DMC cause G1 arrest, and at higher concentrations, they induce apoptosis with relative potency comparable with that in blocking Akt activation. Moreover, the effect of daily oral celecoxib and DMC at 100 and 200 mg/kg on established PC-3 xenograft tumors is assessed. Celecoxib at both doses and DMC at 100 mg/kg had marginal impacts. However, a correlation exists between the in vitro potency of DMC and its ability at 200 mg/kg to inhibit xenograft tumor growth through the inhibition of Akt activation. Analysis of the tumor samples indicates that a differential reduction in the phospho-Akt/Akt ratio was noted in celecoxib- and DMC-treated groups vis-à-vis the control group. Together, these data underscore the role of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1/Akt signaling in celecoxib-mediated in vitro antiproliferative effects in prostate cancer cells.
GO-based gain optimization of a dielectric lens antenna considering substrate reflections

This paper introduces a novel method for optimizing the gain of a dielectric lens antenna in a cylindrical configuration, illuminated by planar microstrip antennas. Ray reflections involving the substrate layer lead to interference patterns for the gain. Instead of minimizing these reflections by quarter-wave-coatings, it is shown that they can be used for gain maximization. With geometrical optics analysis, parameter combinations for maximum gain are identified, that are confirmed by full wave electromagnetic simulation and by measurements.
Collective defence portfolios of ant hosts shift with social parasite pressure

Host defences become increasingly costly as parasites breach successive lines of defence. Because selection favours hosts that successfully resist parasitism at the lowest possible cost, escalating coevolutionary arms races are likely to drive host defence portfolios towards ever more expensive strategies. We investigated the interplay between host defence portfolios and social parasite pressure by comparing 17 populations of two Temnothorax ant species. When successful, collective aggression not only prevents parasitation but also spares host colonies the cost of searching for and moving to a new nest site. However, once parasites breach the host's nest defence, host colonies should resort to flight as the more beneficial resistance strategy. We show that under low parasite pressure, host colonies more likely responded to an intruding Protomognathus americanus slavemaker with collective aggression, which prevented the slavemaker from escaping and potentially recruiting nest-mates. However, as parasite pressure increased, ant colonies of both host species became more likely to flee rather than to fight. We conclude that host defence portfolios shift consistently with social parasite pressure, which is in accordance with the degeneration of frontline defences and the evolution of subsequent anti-parasite strategies often invoked in hosts of brood parasites.
Possible Use of Bacteriophages Active against Bacillus anthracis and Other B. cereus Group Members in the Face of a Bioterrorism Threat

Anthrax is an infectious fatal disease with epidemic potential. Nowadays, bioterrorism using Bacillus anthracis is a real possibility, and thus society needs an effective weapon to neutralize this threat. The pathogen may be easily transmitted to human populations. It is easy to store, transport, and disseminate and may survive for many decades. Recent data strongly support the effectiveness of bacteriophage in treating bacterial diseases. Moreover, it is clear that bacteriophages should be considered a potential incapacitative agent against bioterrorism using bacteria belonging to B. cereus group, especially B. anthracis. Therefore, we have reviewed the possibility of using bacteriophages active against Bacillus anthracis and other species of the B. cereus group in the face of a bioterrorism threat.
Extending the Shakura-Sunyaev approach to a strongly magnetized accretion disc model

We develop a model of thin turbulent accretion discs supported by magnetic pressure of turbulent magnetic fields. This applies when the turbulent kinetic and magnetic energy densities are greater than the thermal energy density in the disc. Whether such discs survive in nature or not remains to be determined, but here we simply demonstrate that self-consistent solutions exist when the α -prescription for the viscous stress, similar to that of the original Shakura–Sunyaev model, is used. We show that $\alpha \sim 1$ for the strongly magnetized case and we calculate the radial structure and emission spectra from the disc in the regime when it is optically thick. Strongly magnetized optically thick discs can apply to the full range of disc radii for objects $\la$10 -2 of the Eddington luminosity or for the outer parts of discs in higher luminosity sources. In the limit that the magnetic pressure is equal to the thermal or radiation pressure, our strongly magnetized disc model transforms into the Shakura–Sunyaev model with $\alpha=1$. Our model produces spectra quite similar to those of standard Shakura–Sunyaev models. In our comparative study, we also discovered a small discrepancy in the spectral calculations of Shakura & Sunyaev (1973).
U-CAT : Ubiquitous Collaborative Adaptive Training TIN 2004-03140

The goal of the U-CAT project is the development of an integrated environment for the realization of educational activities through the use of different devices (personal computers, laptops, mobile phones and PDAs) in different contexts and situations. The aim is to adapt activities, tools and contents to the current context and the available devices, taking advantage of the possibilities offered by the use of ubiquitous computing to do both individual and collaborative teaching activities. The U-CAT research group has formerly worked on adaptive hypermedia systems, collaborative learning, active environments and virtual laboratories. This work, which has given rise to several systems and tools, has been used as the starting point in the design and implementation of the U-CAT environment. With the aim of validating and checking the effectiveness of this adaptive environment, several teaching activities are being performed within it, in the Escuela Politécnica Superior of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). Classrooms and labs are being used as scenarios for the proposed activities, complementing both traditional lectures and practical work.
A deep submicron power estimation methodology adaptable to variations between power characterization and estimation

Traditionally, RTL power estimation techniques characterize a component for a fixed environment (most importantly load capacitance, activity, and operating frequency). This article presents a solution to problems originating from the ineluctably changing operating conditions such as differing load capacitance due to different applications; different activity and operating frequency. These techniques can be used in design power reduction.
Characterizing Evaluation Practices of Intrusion Detection Methods for Smartphones

The appearance of a new Android platform and its popularity has resulted in a sharp rise in the number of reported vulnerabilities and consequently in the number of mobile threats. Mobile malware, a dominant threat for modern mobile devices, was almost non-existent before the official release of the Android platform in 2008. The rapid development of mobile platform apps and app markets coupled with the open nature of the Android platform triggered an explosive growth of specialized malware and subsequent search for effective defence mechanisms. In spite of considerable research efforts in this area, the majority of the proposed solutions have seen limited success, which has been attributed in the research community to the lack of proper datasets, lack of validation and other deficiencies of the experiments. We feel that many of these shortcomings are due to immaturity of the field and a lack of established and organized practice. To remedy the problem, we investigated the employed experimentation practices adopted by the smartphone security community through a review of 120 studies published during the period between 2008 - 2013. In this paper, we give an overview of the research in the field of intrusion detection techniques for the Android platform and explore the deficiencies of the existing experimentation practices. Based on our analysis we present a set of guidelines that could help researchers to avoid common pitfalls and improve the quality of their work.
Exploring a spatio‐dynamic neighbourhood‐based model of residential behaviour in the Brussels periurban area

This article proposes a methodology for the construction and the calibration of a micro‐economic urban land‐use model within an extended Cellular Automata (CA) framework. The methodology is applied to processes of residential spread in a part of the commuting periphery of Brussels. The model hypothesizes that households effect on urban development, through their valuation of neighbourhood externalities. A coarse sensitivity analysis is undertaken in order to explore the relationship between household neighbourhood preferences and emerging spatial morphologies. These macro‐structures are measured with different indices in order to parameterize the model.
A Synthesize Trust Degree Evaluation method in distributed system

With the rapid and profound changes in computing technology, distributed computing, as an important branch of it, is becoming increasingly important, and gradually shifts from academia to specific areas of application. Currently, extensive researches on cloud computing, grid computing, large-scale E-Commerce web sites are all manifestations of a distributed system. Participating entities in a distributed environment have dynamic variable characteristics in the lifetime, which make the reliable operation of the entity and the rational use of resources face a security risk. The paper, stuck to the dynamic characteristics of a distributed environment, has proposed an evaluation model of Dynamic Entity Trust Degree to solve these security issues in a dynamic distributed environment. Based on a few key concepts of the trust mechanism, we quantified and proposed a Synthesize Trust Degree Evaluating Model (STDEM) by using Direct Trust Degree, Indirect Trust Degree, Trust Weight, Trust Attenuation, and specifically quantified the evaluation parameters for every kind of trust degree, providing an assessment for the credibility of the nodes in the distributed system. Parameters of the STDEM model were analyzed through simulation experiments and the STDEM was applied to specific data distributed systems with the validity of the model verified.
Evaluation of tibolone administration in bone architectural by MicroCT

Elderly women are at higher risk for hip fracture because of additional and relatively rapid bone loss due to estrogen deficiency by loss of the ovarian function and a longer average life span than men. The early application of agents that suppress the increase in bone turnover due to estrogen deficiency is essential to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Some advanced imaging techniques may be required to investigate osteoporosis. X-ray microcomputed tomography has been used to generate high-resolution 3D images of cancellous and cortical bone morphology from normal and pathologic human and animal specimens. The aim of this study is to verify the effects of tibolone administration by evaluating the trabecular bone region. The experiment was performed on two groups of rats previously ovariectomized in which one received tibolone while the other did not. Tibolone administration (1mg/day) began thirty days after the ovariectomy and the treatment remained for five months. At last, the animals were euthanized and femurs were collected. The scan was obtained using a Hamamatsu 10 Mp camera with a pixel size of 11.59 μm and trabecular region in the right femoral head were quantified. All results were statistically evaluated with significance set at P<0.05%. Tibolone administration was shown to be beneficial in some analysis of the femoral head, performing higher bone volume and reducing the porosity when compared to ovariectomized. It can be concluded that tibolone administered to ovariectomized rats significantly preserved bone mass in the femoral head and microtomography was an efficient method to identify bone loss process and to evaluate potential therapies, as tibolone administration.
Book Review: Sonya Stanford, Elaine Sharland, Nina Rovinelli Heller and Joanne Warner (eds) Beyond the Risk Paradigm in Mental Health Policy and Practice

each of which apparently you need to understand first – three or four or five things – to then understand everything about an issue before moving on to the next issue. Lists like this would normally have been turned into something more readable. However, much of this book was written in a great hurry on a week-long holiday in Bocas del Toro, Panama, in between swimming in the Caribbean. We are told this at the start which is hardly reassuring but does help partly to explain why things are as they are (see p. vii). So, to conclude, what is predicted for the USA? Apparently, it is to endure in the near future a ‘perfect storm’ of rising inequality. On p. 181 Milanovic goes through his theories (of what turns a Kuznets curve into a series of curves) as concern elasticities of capital and labour substitution; robots being more marginally productive; ever greater concentration of wealth as the rich hold stocks and securities, not mostly physical property; and they also get the highest labour incomes in the USA where, apparently: ‘rich capitalists and rich workers are the same people’ (p. 187). What is more, as part of this perfect storm they will mate with each other more and more, and their children become better and better educated, which mostly means more expensively – perhaps to try to get their heads round books like this? So is the ‘perfect storm’ prediction convincing? At this point I couldn’t help but think of Frederick Christ Trump Senior, father of Donald John Trump, and husband of Mary Anne Trump producing the Don, ensuring he was better and better educated, and that he didn’t hold his money in property . Don’t buy this book. Wait a few years and see what happens to income inequalities in the USA. US income inequalities are currently at a decades-long maxima. They could get much worse, but there are also signs that they might now be beginning to fall. The wages of Chief Executive Officers, the highest paid individuals in the USA, are already reported to be falling. But predicting the future is a fool’s game. Still, I would be willing to suggest that this book will not win its author a Nobel Prize – but the temptation of that might explain why it was written and included such a rash set of predictions. Inequalities in the world tended to rise at the same time as the number of economists increased, and most, first in Britain and then in the USA, where the most ‘successful’ economists were based. Perhaps this academic subject is part of the problem?