Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis for Distributed Cooperation based on Linear Programming Method

Distributed cooperative systems have optimization problems in their tasks. Supporting the collaborations of users, or sharing communications/observations/energy resources, are formalized as optimization problems. Therefore, distributed optimization methods are important as the basis of distributed cooperation. In particular, to handle problems whose variables have continuous domains, solvers based on numerical calculation techniques are important. In a related work, a linear programming method, in which each agent locally performs the simplex method and exchanges the sets of bases, has been proposed. On the other hand, there is another interest in the cooperative algorithm based on a linear programming method whose steps of processing are more distributed among agents. In this work, we study the framework of distributed cooperation based on a distributed linear programming method.
Knowledge extraction using dynamical updating of representation

We present a system that extracts knowledge from the textual content of documents. The acquired knowledge is represented through an associative network, that is dynamically updated by the integration of a contextualized structure representing the content of the new analysed document. Grounded on the basis of "long term working memory" theory by W. Kintsch and K. A. Ericsson, our system makes use of a scale free graph model to update the final knowledge representation. This knowledge acquisition system has been validated by first experimental results.
Viruses Causing Hemorrhagic Fever. Safety Laboratory Procedures

Viral hemorrhagic fevers are diseases caused by viruses which belong to different families, many of them causing severe diseases. These viruses may produce different symptomatology together with a severe multisystem syndrome, and the final result might be the production of hemorrhages in several sites of the body. The majority of them have no other treatment than supportive therapy, although some antiviral drugs can be used in some circumstances. Transmission of VHF has been demonstrated through contact with animal vectors or person-to-person through the contact with body fluids. No risk of transmission has been found during the incubation period, but when the viral load is high the risk of transmission is greatest. Both health care and clinical laboratory workers must safely handle patients and specimens by taking all required precautions during their management.
Assessing the Quality of Natural Language Text Data

We follow an empirical approach from data quality toward text quality, where the expectations of the consumer, human or machine, take the centre stage. We try to obtain numerical text quality statements which must be interpreted for the expectations of the user and suitability for automatic natural language processing (NLP) separately. We state that apart from text accessibility today only representational text quality metrics can be derived and computed automatically. Interestingly, text quality for NLP traces back to questions of text representation.
A fuzzy C-means clustering placement algorithm

A placement algorithm based on fuzzy c-means clustering techniques is presented. The first stage of the algorithm is to construct the max-product transitive closure of the connection matrix, which is then used as a fuzzy similarity relation in a clustering process. This stage is then followed by a combination of fuzzy c-means clustering and linear ordering process to partition modules and construct the final placement configuration. Details of various building blocks of the algorithm and its complexity of computation are described. Experimental results using the algorithm are presented and discussed. <<ETX>>
Crosstalk between Agrin and Wnt signaling pathways in development of vertebrate neuromuscular junction

Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a cholinergic synapse where motor neurons elicit muscle contraction. Agrin and its coreceptors LRP4 and MuSK are critical for vertebrate NMJ formation. This paper reviews recent evidence for Wnts and Wnt signaling molecules in NMJ formation including a possible retrograde mechanism by muscle β‐catenin. We also present data that Wnt3a, 7a, 8a and 10b could inhibit agrin‐mediated AChR clustering. Together with the stimulating effect of Wnt9a, 9b, 10b, 11 and 16 on AChR clustering in the absence of agrin, these results suggest diverse roles for Wnt ligands in NMJ development. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 828–838, 2014
Obesity in the Elderly Diabetic Patient

Obesity and type 2 diabetes constitute major public health issues in modern societies worldwide. Their prevalence on a global scale is alarming, and efforts to control their spread represent a priority of the public health agenda (1). Obesity is clearly driving a parallel epidemic of associated chronic diseases in all age-groups, including type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, obstructive sleep apnea, and liver dysfunction. Considerable attention is currently being focused on the consequences of obesity in vulnerable populations at both ends of the age spectrum, namely in youth and in the elderly. Elderly people, defined as individuals >65 years of age, comprise a substantial and growing part of the population in developed countries. Current demographic data in Western societies report that 12–15% of the general population is over the age of 65 years, and this proportion is projected to reach 20–25% by the year 2030 (2). Moreover, in the last 2 decades, the rate of obesity has risen dramatically among older adults, independently of sex, race, and educational level (3). This obesity epidemic significantly affects the health status of the geriatric population, since excess body weight in the elderly also correlates strongly with chronic ill health, poor quality of life, functional decline, disability, and dependency (4). Conversely, evidence suggests that obesity in the elderly is probably not associated with the same risks as in younger individuals, while in certain aspects, can even be protective (5). Furthermore, the prevalence of underweight is higher among older adults, who are also more vulnerable to unintentional weight loss either as a result of illness, or due to the aging process itself. The objective of this article is to assess the benefits relative to risks of weight loss that may be attained in the geriatric population, with special reference to the elderly diabetic patient. …
Oocyte pickup by the mammalian oviduct.

The transportation of mammalian oocytes into the oviduct is governed by ciliary beating and proper adhesion of the OCC matrix to the tips of the infundibular cilia. Ciliary beating alone can transport small particles such as spores but is not sufficient for OCC pickup. Proper adhesion is particularly important for entry of the OCC into the ostium, during which time the OCC matrix is compressed and the oocyte becomes eccentrically positioned. Chemicals in cigarette smoke affect both ciliary beat frequency and adhesion, and the effects on adhesion are not readily reversible.
Speech interaction system - how to increase its usability?

This paper discussed different issues related to the usability of speech interaction system. It includes the usability concept, different design approaches, design process and evaluation questions for speech interaction system. Usability is a very fuzzy concept, especially when it related to the speech interaction system: it is hard to measure and it is very much context dependent. The traditional user-centered design approach may not be suitable for the speech interaction system design since the users might not have enough knowledge to see what the technology can do. Usage-centered design may be the better method but there is not comprehensive theory and methodology for the design process and evaluation.
Searching the Web with SHOE

Abstract : Although search engine technology has improved in recent years, there are still many types of searches that return unsatisfactory results. This situation can be greatly improved if web pages use a semantic markup language to describe their content. We have developed SHOE, a language for this purpose, and in this paper describe a scenario for how the language could be used by search engines of the future. A major challenge to this system is designing a query tool that can exploit the power of a knowledge base while still being simple enough for the casual user. We present the SHOE Search tool, which allows the user to specify a context for his or her query, and then uses the context to help the user build a query by example.
A Multi-Agent System for Information Semantic Sharing

AOIS is a multi-agent system that supports the sharing of information among a community of users connected through the Internet. In respect to Web search engines, this system enhances the search through domain ontologies, avoids the burden of publishing the information on the Web and guaranties a controlled and dynamic access to the information. The use of agent technologies has made the realization of three of the main features of the system straightforward: i) filtering of information coming from different users, on the basis of the previous experience of the local user, ii) pushing of new information that can be of interest for a user, and iii) delegation of access capabilities, on the basis of a reputation network, built by the agents of the system on the community of its users.
New Percepts via Mental Imagery?

We are able to extract detailed information from mental images that we were not explicitly aware of during encoding. For example, we can discover a new figure when we rotate a previously seen image in our mind. However, such discoveries are not “really” new but just new “interpretations. ” In two recent publications, we have shown that mental imagery can lead to perceptual learning (Tartaglia et al., 2009, 2012). Observers imagined the central line of a bisection stimulus for thousands of trials. This training enabled observers to perceive bisection offsets that were invisible before training. Hence, it seems that perceptual learning via mental imagery leads to new percepts. We will argue, however, that these new percepts can occur only within “known” models. In this sense, perceptual learning via mental imagery exceeds new discoveries in mental images. Still, the effects of mental imagery on perceptual learning are limited. Only perception can lead to really new perceptual experience.
Diffusion Modelling of Picosecond Laser Pulse Propagation in Turbid Media

The increasing use of visible and near infrared light in therapeutic and diagnostic techniques has created a need to model its propagation in tissue. One of the fundamental objectives of such a model is the noninvasive evaluation of the optical properties of tissue. The focus of this thesis was the development of the diffusion approximation in the semi­ infmite, slab, cylindrical and spherical geometries. This development required the derivation of approximate boundary conditions which included the zero, extrapolated and partial current boundary conditions. Calculations of the fluence and its related quantities arising from the extrapolated boundary condition were found to be in excellent agreement with the results of the more rigorous partial current boundary condition. A preliminary evaluation of the validity of diffusion theory was performed by comparing its predictions to exact analytical calculations ·ofthe fluence in an infmite medium as well as Monte Carlo simulations of the reflectance and transmittance in ! -dimensional planar geometries. In all cases the agreement at late times was excellent. A practical test of the diffusion model was accomplished with the analysis of the reflectance data from a phantom of known optical properties in both the semi-infinite and slab geometries. The model perfomed well at low concentrations of added absorber, but a considerable dis­ crepancy was found at the highest concentration. A systematic examination of the accuracy of the diffusion model as a function of the fundamental parameters is required to resolve this inconsistency. Approximate expressions describing the equivalent information in the frequency domain were also developed for a semi-infinite medium. These expressions were then used
BERGMANN SIZE CLINES: A SIMPLE EXPLANATION FOR THEIR OCCURRENCE IN ECTOTHERMS

In general ectothermic organisms grow larger at both lower temperatures and higher latitudes. Adult size in the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans reared at 10? C was approximately 33% greater than worms grown at 25? C. Nematode egg size and fish red blood cell size showed similar size increases at lower temperatures. These results indicate that body size differences in many ectotherms may simply be a consequence of developmental processes that cause cells to grow larger at lower temperatures. This would provide a general explanation for the increased size of ectotherms at lower temperatures independent of species-specific ecology.
Strain-Echokardiographie // Strain Echocardiography

Strain Echocardiography. Strain echocardiography has become available in daily clinical routine. This article summarizes the basic principles of this technique, provides tips for everyday practice and reviews clinical applications. Global longitudinal strain helps to better evaluate left ventricular function and is the current parameter of choice. It can be used to further elucidate the origin of left ventricular hypertrophy or to monitor left ventricular function during chemotherapy or treatment of cardio myopathies. J Kardiol 2018; 25 (11-12): 343–8.
Inhibition of epstein‐barr virus reactivation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by dietary sulforaphane

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with several human malignancies including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Reactivation of latent EBV has been considered to contribute to the carcingenesis of NPC. Blocking the EBV lytic cycle has been shown effective in the treatment of EBV‐associated diseases. We have searched for natural dietary compounds inhibiting EBV reactivation in NPC cells. Among them, sulforaphane (SFN) was found to be effective in the inhibition of EBV reactivation in latent EBV‐positive NPC cells, NA and HA. SFN is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and has been recognized as an antioxidant and antitumor compound for chemoprevention. However, its antiviral effect is less well elucidated. In this study, after determination of the cytotocixity of SFN on various epithelial cells, we showed that SFN treatment inhibits EBV reactivation, rather than induction, by detection of EBV lytic gene expression in EBV‐positive NPC cells. We also determined that the number of cells supporting the EBV lytic cycle is decreased using immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis. Moreover, we have found that this inhibitory effect decreases virus production. To elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of SFN on the EBV lytic cycle, luciferase reporter assays were carried out on the Zta and Rta promoters. The results show that SFN inhibits transactivation activity of the EBV immediate‐early gene Rta but not Zta. Together, our results suggest that SFN has the capability to inhibit EBV lytic cycle and the potential to be taken as a dietary compound for prevention of EBV reactivation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Rapid, Multiplexed, High-Throughput Flow-Through Membrane Immunoassay: A Convenient Alternative to ELISA

This paper describes a rapid, high-throughput flow-through membrane immunoassay (FMIA) platform. A nitrocellulose membrane was spotted in an array format with multiple capture and control reagents for each sample detection area, and assay steps were carried out by sequential aspiration of sample and reagents through each detection area using a 96-well vacuum manifold. The FMIA provides an alternate assay format with several advantages over ELISA. The high surface area of the membrane permits high label concentration using gold labels, and the small pores and vacuum control provide rapid diffusion to reduce total assay time to ~30 min. All reagents used in the FMIA are compatible with dry storage without refrigeration. The results appear as colored spots on the membrane that can be quantified using a flatbed scanner. We demonstrate the platform for detection of IgM specific to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from Salmonella Typhi. The FMIA format provides analytical results comparable to ELISA in less time, provides integrated assay controls, and allows compensation for specimen-to-specimen variability in background, which is a particular challenge for IgM assays.
Clinical Outcome of Home Hemodialysis in Patients with Previous Peritoneal Dialysis Exposure: Evaluation of the Integrated Home Dialysis Model

♦ Background: Home dialysis is a cost-effective modality of renal replacement therapy associated with excellent outcomes. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the most common home-based modality, but technique failure remains a problem. Transfer from PD to home hemodialysis (HHD) allows the patient to continue with a home-based modality, but the outcomes of patients transitioning to HHD after PD are largely unknown. ♦ Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, including all consecutive HHD patients between January 1996 and December 2011, we evaluated the outcomes of patients with previous PD exposure compared to those without. The primary outcome was the cumulative patient and technique survival. Secondary outcomes included time to first hospitalization and hospitalization rate. Data were compared using the log-rank test and a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. ♦ Results: Among our cohort of 207 consecutive HHD patients, 35 (17%) had previous exposure to PD. Median renal replacement therapy (RRT) vintage (12.3 years, interquartile range (IQR) 8.5 – 18.9 vs 0.9 years, IQR 0.2 – 7.5, p < 0.001) and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (4, IQR 2 – 6 vs 3, IQR 2 – 4, p = 0.044) were higher among patients with PD exposure than those without. Despite the difference in vintage, cumulative patient and technique survival was similar in the two groups, in both unadjusted (log-rank p = 0.893) and Cox adjusted models (hazard ratio (HR) 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 – 2.59) for patients with PD exposure compared to those without. The time to first hospitalization was shorter in patients with previous PD exposure compared to PD-naïve patients (log-rank p = 0.021). This association was preserved in the Cox proportional model (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08 – 2.54). ♦ Conclusion: Despite a higher burden of comorbidity, patients with previous PD exposure had similar cumulative patient and technique survival on HHD compared to those without PD exposure. Whenever possible, HHD should be considered in PD patients in need of a new dialysis modality.
Inhibitory effects of microRNA 19b in hepatic stellate cell‐mediated fibrogenesis

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a pivotal event in initiation and progression of hepatic fibrosis and a major contributor to collagen deposition driven by transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β). MicroRNAs (miRs), small noncoding RNAs modulating messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, have emerged as key regulatory molecules in chronic liver disease. We investigated differentially expressed miRs in quiescent and activated HSCs to identify novel regulators of profibrotic TGF‐β signaling. miR microarray analysis was performed on quiescent and activated rat HSCs. Members of the miR‐17‐92 cluster (19a, 19b, 92a) were significantly down‐regulated in activated HSCs. Because miR 19b showed the highest fold‐change of the cluster members, activated HSCs were transfected with miR 19b mimic or negative control and TGF‐β signaling and HSC activation assessed. miR 19b expression was determined in fibrotic rat and human liver specimens. miR 19b mimic negatively regulated TGF‐β signaling components demonstrated by decreased TGF‐β receptor II (TGF‐βRII) and SMAD3 expression. Computational prediction of miR 19b binding to the 3′ untranslated region of TGF‐βRII was validated by luciferase reporter assay. Inhibition of TGF‐β signaling by miR 19b was confirmed by decreased expression of type I collagen and by blocking TGF‐β‐induced expression of α1(I) and α2(I) procollagen mRNAs. miR 19b blunted the activated HSC phenotype by morphological assessment and decreased smooth muscle α‐actin expression. Additionally, miR 19b expression was markedly diminished in fibrotic rat liver compared with normal liver; similarly, miR 19b expression was markedly down‐regulated in fibrotic compared with normal human livers. Conclusion: miR 19b is a novel regulator of TGF‐β signaling in HSCs, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for hepatic fibrosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:300–310)
Demonstration of alignment error-free pattering of tapered waveguide using fixed beam moving stage e-beam lithography

We present a method to write a tapered waveguide using fixed-beam-moving-stage (FBMS) in an electron-beam lithography system. FBMS allows writing of large patterns without stitch-error, however, restricts only a few primitive shapes. For patterning tapers, a combination of FMBS with area-mode is used that typically results in alignment errors. The proposed method offers smooth and alignment-error-free tapering of sub-micron featured Silicon waveguide. We experimentally demonstrate a fully FBMS patterned photonic circuit with power splitter, wire-to-slot coupler, slot waveguide and a slotted ring resonator. The device response with insertion loss -1.35dB is measured using a tunable laser source around 1550 nm wavelength.
Enhanced File Sharing System in P 2 P with Access Availability for Social Networks using Node Storage and Meeting Frequency

Now a day’s mobile computing is becoming more and more popular. The efficiency of file querying suffers from the properties of networks which include node mobility and limited communication range and resource. File sharing is one of the aspects which include peer to peer file sharing over MANET. Main advantages of P2P file sharing are files can be shared without base stations, overload on server can be avoided and it can exploit the otherwise wasted peer communication opportunities among mobile nodes. File replication which plays important role in enhancing file availability and reduce file querying delay. By creating replicas the probability of encountered requests can be improved. Random Way Point used for the normal MANET and Community-Based Mobility Model used for Disconnected MANETs. In RWP, nodes are moving with random speed to the randomly selected points, so the probability of meeting each node is similar for all the nodes Community-based mobility model used in some content dissemination or routing algorithms for disconnected MANETs. So both models contain idea of resource for file replication, which considers both node storage and meeting frequency.