Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partial opposition-based learning using current best candidate solution

Opposition based learning (OBL) has been gaining significant attention in machine learning, specially, in metaheuristic optimization algorithms to take OBL's advantage for enhancing their performance. In OBL, all variables are changed to their opposites while some variables are currently holding proper values which are discarded and converted to worse values by performing opposite. The partial opposition scheme was developed to change randomly some variables to its opposites but they do not pay enough attention to identify and keep variables which have proper values. In this paper, we propose a novel partial opposition scheme, which is generated based on the current best candidate solution. It tries to generate new trial solutions by using the candidate solutions and their opposites such that some variables of a candidate solution are remain unchanged and other variables are changed to their opposites in the trial solution (i.e., gene/variable based optimization). Variables in the trial solution are identified as close or far, according to their Euclidean distance from the corresponding variables/genes in the current best candidate solution. The proposed scheme uses the opposite of variables, which are closer to the current best solution. Only the new trial solutions are included in the next generation which are closer to corresponding opposite solution. As a case study, we employ the proposed partial opposition scheme in the DE algorithm and the partial opposition-based DE is evaluated on CEC-2014 benchmark functions. Simulation results confirm that the partial opposition-based DE obtains a promising performance on the majority of the benchmark functions. The proposed algorithm is compared with the Opposition-based DE (ODE) and random partial opposition-based DE algorithm (DE-RPO); the results show that our new method is better than or at least comparable to other competitors.
Parallel Execution of a Connected Component Labeling Operation on a Linear Array Architecture

This work presents a novel parallel algorithm and architecture for finding connected components in an image. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm has an execution time of N+6N-4 cycles for an N×N image using an architecture containing 4 parallel processors. The proposed hardware can process a 128 × 128 image in 0.8574 ms and uses only 4 processors, compared to 0.85 ms and 128 processors for the work of Ranganathan et al. [14], and 94.6 ms and 16384 processors for the MPP [22]. Among the advantages of the novel architecture are modularity, expandability, regular data flow, and simple hardware. These properties are extremely desirable for VLSI implementations. Additionally, the execution time of the algorithm is independent of its image content; thus, it is quite flexible.
A Model based Approach for Multimodal Biometric Recognition

This paper presents a novel method for recognisation of user identity based on multiple traits. In this approach the concepts of fusion together with Generalized Gamma Distribution (GGD) are utilized. The performance of the model is evaluated using synthetic data and evaluation is carried out by considering metrics like False Acceptance Rate (FAR), and False Rejection Rate (FRR).
Clinical Presentations and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Perinatal Stroke in Preterm and Term Neonates: A Case Series

Perinatal stroke in neonates can lead to disability in later life. However, its etiology and prognosis are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to describe clinical presentations and neurodevelopmental outcomes of our case series of perinatal stroke in Korea. Thirteen term and preterm neonates who were diagnosed with perinatal stroke in two university hospitals from March 2003 to March 2007 were enrolled. Seven term and 6 preterm neonates were diagnosed with perinatal stroke, based on the brain MRI findings. Perinatal stroke presented with seizure (4/13), perinatal distress (3/13) in term neonates, whereas stroke in preterm neonates did not present with noticeable clinical symptoms. Only one neonate had positive thrombophilic test (homozygous C677T polymorphism for MTHFR). Ten neonates had infarctions in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and 3 neonates had borderzone infarctions between the anterior cerebral artery and MCA. Neurodevelopmental outcome was abnormal in 4 neonates. Infarction in MCA main branch or posterior limb of internal capsule showed an abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. Our study is the first systematic study of perinatal stroke in Korea, and shows its clinical presentations and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The population-based study on incidence and prognosis of perinatal stroke in Korea is required in the future.
L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia and Abnormal Signaling in Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons: Focus on Dopamine D1 Receptor-Mediated Transmission

Dyskinesia is a serious motor complication caused by prolonged administration of l-DOPA to patients affected by Parkinson’s disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) is primarily caused by the development of sensitized dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) transmission in the medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum. This phenomenon, combined with chronic administration of l-DOPA, leads to persistent and intermittent hyper-activation of the cAMP signaling cascade. Activation of cAMP signaling results in increased activity of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and of the dopamine- and cAMP-dependent phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32), which regulate several downstream effector targets implicated in the control of the excitability of striatal MSNs. Dyskinesia is also accompanied by augmented activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which are involved in the control of transcriptional and translational efficiency. Pharmacological or genetic interventions aimed at reducing abnormal signal transduction at the level of these various intracellular cascades have been shown to attenuate LID in different animal models. For instance, LID is reduced in mice deficient for DARPP-32, or following inhibition of PKA. Blockade of ERK obtained genetically or using specific inhibitors is also able to attenuate dyskinetic behavior in rodents and non-human primates. Finally, administration of rapamycin, a drug which blocks mTORC1, results in a strong reduction of LID. This review focuses on the abnormalities in signaling affecting the D1R-expressing MSNs and on their potential relevance for the design of novel anti-dyskinetic therapies.
Project Step-Up

Inner-city, low-income Black and Latino youth are at high risk for developing severe behavioral difficulties and dropping out of high school. After-school programs are excellent resources for targeting these issues, yet most focus on middle school populations, address either academic or socioemotional issues rather than a combination of efforts, and struggle to engage at-risk youth. This article presents feasibility data regarding mental health needs and participation in Project Step-Up, a secondary prevention high school program targeting socioemotional and academic domains with linkages provided to mental health resources for hard-to-engage youth. Results indicate that participants exhibit preservice mental health needs at greater rates than manifested in the general population, yet demonstrate attendance and retention rates exceeding those typically reported by after-school programs. Participation differences by race/ethnicity indicate Project Step-Up’s success at engaging Black and Latino youth. Study limitations, curriculum revisions, and planned future evaluations are further discussed.
Eradication of Aleutian disease of mink by eliminating positive counterimmunoelectrophoresis test reactors

The counterimmunoelectrophorsis test was applied on three Aleutian disease virus-infected mink ranches for the detection of specific Aleutian disease virus antibody. All mink on the ranches were tested during the pelting season and before the breeding season for 4 consecutive years. Aleutian disease has been eliminated from the three commercial mink ranches by culling out all mink that were positive for Aleutian disease virus antibody.
Effect of 8 weeks of free-weight and machine-based strength training on strength and power performance

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of free-weight and machine-based exercises to increase different strength and speed-strength variables. One hundred twenty male participants (age: 23.8 ± 2.5 years; body height: 181.0 ± 6.8 cm; body mass: 80.2 ± 8.9 kg) joined the study. The 2 experimental groups completed an 8 week periodized strength training program that included 2 training sessions per week. The exercises that were used in the strength training programs were the parallel barbell squat and the leg press. Before and after the training period, the 1-repetition-maximum in the barbell squat and the leg press, the squat jump, the countermovement jump and unilateral isometric force (maximal isometric force and the rate of force development) were evaluated. To compare each group pre vs. post-intervention, analysis of variance with repeated measures and Scheffé post-hoc tests were used. The leg press group increased their 1-repetition-maximum significantly (p < 0.001), while in the squat group such variables as 1-repetition-maximum, the squat jump and the countermovement jump increased significantly (p < 0.001). The maximal isometric force showed no statistically significant result for the repeated measures factor, while the rate of force development of the squat group even showed a statistically significant decrease. Differences between the 2 experimental groups were detected for the squat jump and the countermovement jump. In comparison with the leg press, the squat might be a better strength training exercise for the development of jump performance.
Vulnerability of wives of Nepalese labor migrants to HIV infection: Integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence

ABSTRACT HIV risk is determined by the interaction between social and individual risk factors, but information about such factors among Nepalese women is not yet understood. Therefore, to assess the risk factors and vulnerability of the wives of Nepalese labor migrants to HIV infection, the authors conducted a mixed-methods study in which a descriptive qualitative study was embedded within a case-control study. Two hundred twenty-four wives of labor migrants were interviewed in the case-control study, and two focus group discussions (n = 8 and 9) were conducted in the qualitative study. The authors found that illiteracy, low socio-economic status, and gender inequality contributed to poor knowledge and poor sexual negotiation among the wives of labor migrants and increased their risk of HIV through unprotected sex. Among male labor migrants, illiteracy, low socio-economic status, migration to India before marriage, and alcohol consumption contributed to liaisons with female sex workers, increasing the risk of HIV to the men and their wives through unprotected sex. Both labor migrants and their wives feared disclosure of positive HIV status due to HIV stigma and thus were less likely to be tested for HIV. HIV prevention programs should consider the interaction among these risk factors when targeting labor migrants and their wives.
ICP4, the major regulatory protein of herpes simplex virus, shares features common to GTP-binding proteins and is adenylated and guanylated

Infected cell protein 4 (ICP4), the product of the alpha 4 gene, regulates herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 gene expression at the transcriptional level both positively and negatively. Previous studies have shown that ICP4 is extensively modified posttranslationally. We report that ICP4 was labeled in isolated nuclei of infected cells by [alpha-32P]GTP or [alpha-32P]ATP. The labeling of ICP4 by [alpha-32P]GTP or [alpha-32P]ATP required excess GTP, ATP, GDP, and ADP and occurred also in the presence of excess GTP(gamma)S. While GDP and ADP activated the labeling process, only GTP and ATP labeled ICP4. Accumulation of labeled ICP4 was favored at temperatures from 15 to 27 degrees C and in the presence of okadaic acid. The conditions for labeling ICP4 with [alpha-32P]GTP or [alpha-32P]ATP and the stability of the labeled protein were different from those of ICP4 labeled with [gamma-32P]ATP. Labeling studies with tritiated ATP and GTP showed that ICP4 is nucleotidylated, and chemical degradation of ICP4 labeled with [alpha-32P]GTP yielded ribose-5-phosphate. Pulse-chase experiments indicated that the adenylation and guanylation are independent processes. These results, and the observation that ICP4 contains four regions which possess consensus GTP-binding elements, suggest that ICP4 may belong to a class of GTP-binding proteins which function in transcriptional transactivation.
Genomic imprinting in Dicer1-hypomorphic mice

To address the function of RNA interference (RNAi) in transcriptional silencing in mammals, we analyzed genomic imprinting in Dicer1-hypomorphic mice, in which Dicer1 expression was significantly reduced. We did not observe any abnormality in the allelic expression of imprinted genes in these mice or their offspring, suggesting that reduced expression of Dicer1 did not significantly affect the maintenance and reprogramming of imprinting.
Denosumab for prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody to the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) that blocks its binding to RANK, inhibiting the development and activity of osteoclasts, decreasing bone resorption, and increasing bone density. Given its unique actions, denosumab may be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis. METHODS We enrolled 7868 women between the ages of 60 and 90 years who had a bone mineral density T score of less than -2.5 but not less than -4.0 at the lumbar spine or total hip. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 60 mg of denosumab or placebo subcutaneously every 6 months for 36 months. The primary end point was new vertebral fracture. Secondary end points included nonvertebral and hip fractures. RESULTS As compared with placebo, denosumab reduced the risk of new radiographic vertebral fracture, with a cumulative incidence of 2.3% in the denosumab group, versus 7.2% in the placebo group (risk ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.41; P<0.001)--a relative decrease of 68%. Denosumab reduced the risk of hip fracture, with a cumulative incidence of 0.7% in the denosumab group, versus 1.2% in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.97; P=0.04)--a relative decrease of 40%. Denosumab also reduced the risk of nonvertebral fracture, with a cumulative incidence of 6.5% in the denosumab group, versus 8.0% in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01)--a relative decrease of 20%. There was no increase in the risk of cancer, infection, cardiovascular disease, delayed fracture healing, or hypocalcemia, and there were no cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw and no adverse reactions to the injection of denosumab. CONCLUSIONS Denosumab given subcutaneously twice yearly for 36 months was associated with a reduction in the risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures in women with osteoporosis. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00089791.)
Police reform and the transnational circulation of police models : The Portuguese case in the 1860s

This article examines the reform of the Portuguese police system during the 1860s. In this period, the nature of police institutions, functions and practices became a main political issue with the reform movement culminating in the founding of Policia Civil in urban settlements in 1867 while failing in a project to establish a national gendarmerie. However, this still represented more than just institutional reform ; at stake was a re-examination of police functions, with a new notion of ‘public safety’ and the rationales behind policing practices, with ‘prevention’ and ‘emergency’ as the new guiding concepts. The article concludes that in Portugal, the political culture and the circulation police models between national jurisdictions provide better explanations for police reform than actual concerns about disorder and crime.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background: Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) can both arise from any cutaneous epithelial surface. BCC are slow growing and rarely metastasise, whereas SCC are usually more aggressive. It is likely that the angiogenic process plays a key role in determining rate of growth and propensity for dissemination. Angiogenesis is a complex process requiring many factors and a pivotal group of proteins involved in this process is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Automatic filling in a form by an agent for web applications

The number of end-users using the Internet is increasing. End user initiated development of applications has become important for the automation of tasks. This paper describes a multi-agent framework for MOON (multiagent-oriented office network) systems, which are distributed and include window work in electronic commerce. Since window work is considered as a metaphor of the interface between Web service providers and requesters, this paper is focused on automatic filling in of forms by a user agent in collaboration with a broker agent, a key technology for electronic forms defined as HTML documents. A satisfactory success rate is achieved by using cognitive rules based on form layout. That is, the case rule of {IF #case THEN #action} is introduced. The #case is composed of the four attributes and their values based on cognitive information on the upper left, right and lower sides of the input field. The ontology of concept names is introduced for different expressions of the same meaning. Furthermore, by reasoning of similarity on incomplete matching of the case parts of rules, the success rate of automatic filling is greatly improved. The success rate is improved further to 100% by using experiential rules of other users, which the broker agent collects.
Cost-Aware Caching: Caching More (Costly Items) for Less (ISPs Operational Expenditures)

Albeit an important goal of caching is traffic reduction, a perhaps even more important aspect follows from the above achievement: the reduction of internet service provider (ISP) operational costs that comes as a consequence of the reduced load on transit and provider links. Surprisingly, to date this crucial aspect has not been properly taken into account in cache design. In this paper, we show that the classic caching efficiency indicator, i.e., the hit ratio, conflicts with cost. We therefore propose a mechanism whose goal is the reduction of cost and, in particular, we design a cost-aware (CoA) cache decision policy that, leveraging price heterogeneity among external links, tends to store with more probability the objects that the ISP has to retrieve through the most expensive links. We provide a model of our mechanism, based on Che's approximation, and, by means of a thorough simulation campaign, we contrast it with traditional cost-blind schemes, showing that CoA yields a significant cost saving, that is furthermore consistent over a wide range of scenarios. We show that CoA is easy to implement and robust, making the proposal of practical relevance.
Different processes for reading words learned before and after onset of literacy

Learning to read has a substantial effect on the representations of spoken and meaning forms of words. In this paper we assess literacy effects beyond representational changes, focusing on adaptations to the architecture of the reading system that maps between these representations. We present a connectionist model of reading that predicted distinct processing of pre- and post-literacy acquired words. For reading for meaning, words learned prior to literacy were processed more indirectly via phonological representations, whereas for post-literacy acquired words, processing was more direct along the orthography to semantics pathway. This more computationally intensive route was prioritised because indirect phonology to semantics mappings were unavailable. Such an effect was less apparent for naming, because learning direct orthography to phonology mappings is less computationally intensive. These results were confirmed in an analysis of naming and lexical decision behavioural data. The effect of literacy onset remains an observable artefact in adult reading.
Efficacy and safety of paroxetine treatment for chronic PTSD: a fixed-dose, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of paroxetine for the treatment of patients with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHOD Outpatients with chronic PTSD according to DSM-IV criteria and a score of 50 or more on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, part 2, were randomly assigned to take placebo (N=186), 20 mg/day of paroxetine (N=183), or 40 mg/day of paroxetine (N=182) for 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by examining the change in total score from baseline to endpoint on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, part 2, and rates of response ("very much improved" or "much improved") for global improvement on the Clinical Global Impression scale. RESULTS Paroxetine-treated patients in both dose groups demonstrated significantly greater improvement on primary outcome measures compared to placebo-treated patients in the intent-to-treat analysis. Moreover, paroxetine treatment resulted in statistically significant improvement compared to placebo on all three PTSD symptom clusters (reexperiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal), social and occupational impairment, and comorbid depression. Paroxetine was effective for both men and women. Treatment response did not vary by trauma type, time since trauma, or severity of baseline PTSD or depressive symptoms. Both doses were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Doses of 20 and 40 mg/day of paroxetine are effective and well tolerated in the treatment of adults with chronic PTSD.
The Match Game: Numerical De-Embedding of Field Simulation and Parameter Extraction of Circuit Models for Electromagnetic Structure Using Calibration Techniques

The constantly growing demand for accuracy, efficiency, dependency, and universality in the simulation and circuit modeling of any functional electromagnetic structure-whether devices, circuits, antennas, interconnects, or packaging has for decades been the driving force in the development of a number of successful electromagnetic simulation and circuit modeling packages available on the commercial market. In particular, the current trend toward high-density integrations of electromagnetic geometries, from composite-material-based electrical aircraft to nanomaterial-structured electromagnetic sensors, is spurring the development of various sophisticated multiscale and multiphysics algorithms for rigorous field simulations and design modeling.