Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Syndromic Surveillance through Measuring Lexical Shift in Emergency Department Chief Complaint Texts

Syndromic Surveillance has been performed using machine learning and other statistical methods to detect disease outbreaks. These methods are largely dependent on the availability of historical data to train the machine learning-based surveillance system. However, relevant training data may differ from region to region due to geographical and seasonal trends, meaning that the syndromic surveillance designed for one area may not be effective for another. We proposed and analyse a semi-supervised method for syndromic surveillance from emergency department chief complaint textual notes that avoids the need for large training data. Our new method is based on identiﬁcation of lexical shifts in the language of Chief Com-plaints of patients, as recorded by triage nurses, that we believe can be used to monitor disease distributions and possible outbreaks over time. The results we obtained demonstrate that effective lexical syndromic surveillance can be approached when distinctive lexical items are available to describe speciﬁc syndromes.
Beginning Teachers' Perceptions of Mentoring, Climate, and Leadership: Promoting Retention through a Learning Communities Perspective

Often viewed as a recruitment issue, the teacher shortage is better defined as a retention issue. This three-year study examines teacher retention through a professional learning communities framework. During the first year of data collection, 217 first- and second-year teachers in a small urban school district were surveyed to assess their perceptions of mentoring, school climate, and principal leadership. Findings suggest that beginning teachers' decisions to remain at their school site and in the school district is most strongly associated with school climate and principal leadership. Suggestions for future research and implications for policies addressing retention are discussed.
A distance measure between GMMs based on the unscented transform and its application to speaker recognition

This paper proposes a dissimilarity measure between two Gaussian mixture models (GMM). Computing a distance measure between two GMMs that were learned from speech segments is a key element in speaker verification, speaker segmentation and many other related applications. A natural measure between two distributions is the Kullback-Leibler divergence. However, it cannot be analytically computed in the case of GMM. We propose an accurate and efficiently computed approximation of the KL-divergence. The method is based on the unscented transform which is usually used to obtain a better alternative to the extended Kalman filter. The suggested distance is evaluated in an experimental setup of speakers data-set. The experimental results indicate that our proposed approximations outperform previously suggested methods.
Membrane Partitioning of Anionic, Ligand-Coated Nanoparticles Is Accompanied by Ligand Snorkeling, Local Disordering, and Cholesterol Depletion

Intracellular uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) may induce phase transitions, restructuring, stretching, or even complete disruption of the cell membrane. Therefore, NP cytotoxicity assessment requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which these engineered nanostructures interact with the cell membrane. In this study, extensive Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to investigate the partitioning of an anionic, ligand-decorated NP in model membranes containing dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) phospholipids and different concentrations of cholesterol. Spontaneous fusion and translocation of the anionic NP is not observed in any of the 10-µs unbiased MD simulations, indicating that longer timescales may be required for such phenomena to occur. This picture is supported by the free energy analysis, revealing a considerable free energy barrier for NP translocation across the lipid bilayer. 5-µs unbiased MD simulations with the NP inserted in the bilayer core reveal that the hydrophobic and hydrophilic ligands of the NP surface rearrange to form optimal contacts with the lipid bilayer, leading to the so-called snorkeling effect. Inside cholesterol-containing bilayers, the NP induces rearrangement of the structure of the lipid bilayer in its vicinity from the liquid-ordered to the liquid phase spanning a distance almost twice its core radius (8–10 nm). Based on the physical insights obtained in this study, we propose a mechanism of cellular anionic NPpartitioning, which requires structural rearrangements of both the NP and the bilayer, and conclude that the translocation of anionic NPs through cholesterol-rich membranes must be accompanied by formation of cholesterol-lean regions in the proximity of NPs.
2 ACUTE ASPERGILLUS CLAVATUS POISONING IN CATTLE : LIGHT MICROSCOPICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL LESIONS IN THE SPINAL CORD

This group of conditions is characterised by selective non-inflammatory, neuronal degeneration involving either neurons in their entirety (neuronopathies) or axons in a more restricted manner (axonopathies). Division between these two categories may be difficult purely on morphological grounds as the axon is a dependant part of the neuron [1]. Jubb & Huxtable subclassify these conditions into three categories according to the distribution of the lesions in the central and peripheral nervous system: • central neuronopathies and axonopathies (e.g. organomercurial poisoning, congenital axonopathy in Holstein-Friesian calves and the axonal dystrophies), • central and peripheral neuronopathies and axonopathies (e.g. organophosphate poisoning, neonatal copper deficiency and neurodegeneration of Horned Hereford calves), and • peripheral axonopathies (uncommon and mostly reported in the horse e.g. equine laryngeal hemiplegia and equine stringhalt)
Triacylglyceride Production and Autophagous Responses in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Depend on Resource Allocation and Carbon Source

ABSTRACT To improve the economic viability of microalgal biodiesel, it will be essential to optimize the productivity of fuel molecules such as triacylglyceride (TAG) within the microalgal cell. To understand some of the triggers required for the metabolic switch to TAG production, we studied the effect of the carbon supply (acetate or CO2) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (wild type and the starchless sta6 mutant) grown under low N availability. As expected, initial rates of TAG production were much higher when acetate was present than under strictly photosynthetic conditions, particularly for the sta6 mutant, which cannot allocate resources to starch. However, in both strains, TAG production plateaued after a few days in mixotrophic cultures, whereas under autotrophic conditions, TAG levels continued to rise. Moreover, the reduced growth of the sta6 mutant meant that the greatest productivity (measured as mg TAG liter−1 day−1) was found in the wild type growing autotrophically. Wild-type cells responded to low N by autophagy, as shown by degradation of polar (membrane) lipids and loss of photosynthetic pigments, and this was less in cells supplied with acetate. In contrast, little or no autophagy was observed in sta6 mutant cells, regardless of the carbon supply. Instead, very high levels of free fatty acids were observed in the sta6 mutant, suggesting considerable alteration in metabolism. These measurements show the importance of carbon supply and strain selection for lipid productivity. Our findings will be of use for industrial cultivation, where it will be preferable to use fast-growing wild-type strains supplied with gaseous CO2 under autotrophic conditions rather than require an exogenous supply of organic carbon.
Glial Cell Line–Derived Neurotrophic Factor Enhances Human Islet Posttransplantation Survival

Background. Development of pretransplantation islet culture strategies that preserve or enhance &bgr;-cell viability would eliminate the requirement for the large numbers of islets needed to restore insulin independence in type 1 diabetes patients. We investigated whether glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) could improve human islet survival and posttransplantation function in diabetic mice. Methods. Human islets were cultured in medium supplemented with or without GDNF (100 ng/mL) and in vitro islet survival and function assessed by analyzing &bgr;-cell apoptosis and glucose stimulated insulin release. In vivo effects of GDNF were assessed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nude mice transplanted under the kidney capsule with 2000 islet equivalents of human islets precultured in medium supplemented with or without GDNF. Results. In vitro, human islets cultured for 2 to 10 days in medium supplemented with GDNF showed lower &bgr;-cell death, increased Akt phosphorylation, and higher glucose-induced insulin secretion than islets cultured in vehicle. Human islets precultured in medium supplemented with GDNF restored more diabetic mice to normoglycemia and for a longer period after transplantation than islets cultured in vehicle. Conclusions. Our study shows that GDNF has beneficial effects on human islet survival and could be used to improve islet posttransplantation survival.
Costamere proteins and their involvement in myopathic processes

Muscle fibres are very specialised cells with a complex structure that requires a high level of organisation of the constituent proteins. For muscle contraction to function properly, there is a need for not only sarcomeres, the contractile structures of the muscle fibre, but also costameres. These are supramolecular structures associated with the sarcolemma that allow muscle adhesion to the extracellular matrix. They are composed of protein complexes that interact and whose functions include maintaining cell structure and signal transduction mediated by their constituent proteins. It is important to improve our understanding of these structures, as mutations in various genes that code for costamere proteins cause many types of muscular dystrophy. In this review, we provide a description of costameres detailing each of their constituent proteins, such as dystrophin, dystrobrevin, syntrophin, sarcoglycans, dystroglycans, vinculin, talin, integrins, desmin, plectin, etc. We describe as well the diseases associated with deficiency thereof, providing a general overview of their importance.
Increased heterogeneity of coronary perfusion in patients with early coronary atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND In patients with typical angina but angiographically normal coronary arteries, abnormal vasomotor function is assumed to be a major underlying cause. However, data on this issue are conflicting, and recent studies suggest that fluid dynamic abnormalities exist in these patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether early stages of atherosclerosis are characterized by alterations of baseline coronary hemodynamics and endothelium-independent vasomotion. Besides established intracoronary Doppler parameters, heterogeneity of perfusion was assessed and related to early signs of atherosclerosis as determined by electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT). METHODS In 59 patients with typical angina and angiographically normal or near-normal coronary arteries, intracoronary Doppler measurements were performed in all 3 major coronary arteries. Baseline average peak velocity (bAPV) and hyperemic average peak velocity (hAPV) in response to intracoronary injection of adenosine were measured, and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) was calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed as variability of bAPV, hAPV, and CFVR and was calculated as (STD/MEAN). 100. Doppler data were analyzed according to tertiles of the EBCT-derived Agatston calcium score (ie, score 0-1 [lowest tertile], 2-28 [medium tertile], and >28 [highest tertile]). RESULTS The mean EBCT-derived Agatston calcium score was 49 +/- 107. No coronary calcium was observed in 17 (29%) patients. The mean values of bAPV, hAPV, and CFVR were not different between the calcium score tertiles. However, patients in the highest tertile had a significantly increased variability index of bAPV (29.6% +/- 11.6%) compared with patients in the lowest tertile (13.4% +/- 7.3%, P <.0001). Variability of CFVR was also increased in these patients (15.5% +/- 11.7% vs 10.5% +/- 4.0%, P =.03). CONCLUSION These results indicate that early stages of atherosclerosis are characterized by microvascular abnormalities that do not uniformly affect the myocardium but are heterogeneous. The high variability of baseline coronary flow velocity with increasing coronary calcium suggests that in patients with early stages of atherosclerosis fluid dynamic effects may play a crucial role even in the absence of angiographically appreciable epicardial stenoses.
Ethylene responsive factors in the orchestration of stress responses in monocotyledonous plants

The APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) regulates physiological, developmental and stress responses. Most of the AP2/ERF TFs belong to the ERF family in both dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. ERFs are implicated in the responses to both biotic and abiotic stress and occasionally impart multiple stress tolerance. Studies have revealed that ERF gene function is conserved in dicots and monocots. Moreover, successful stress tolerance phenotypes are observed on expression in heterologous systems, making ERFs promising candidates for engineering stress tolerance in plants. In this review, we summarize the role of ERFs in general stress tolerance, including responses to biotic and abiotic stress factors, and endeavor to understand the cascade of ERF regulation resulting in successful signal-to-response translation in monocotyledonous plants.
Pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus in Invasive Aspergillosis

SUMMARY Aspergillus species are globally ubiquitous saprophytes found in a variety of ecological niches. Almost 200 species of aspergilli have been identified, less than 20 of which are known to cause human disease. Among them, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent and is largely responsible for the increased incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in the immunocompromised patient population. IA is a devastating illness, with mortality rates in some patient groups reaching as high as 90%. Studies identifying and assessing the roles of specific factors of A. fumigatus that contribute to the pathogenesis of IA have traditionally focused on single-gene deletion and mutant characterization. In combination with recent large-scale approaches analyzing global fungal responses to distinct environmental or host conditions, these studies have identified many factors that contribute to the overall pathogenic potential of A. fumigatus. Here, we provide an overview of the significant findings regarding A. fumigatus pathogenesis as it pertains to invasive disease.
Exploring emergent literacy development in a second language: A selective literature review and conceptual framework for research

While there have been reviews over the past decade of studies examining second-language (L2) acquisition and also emergent literacy development, these related bodies of knowledge have not generally been considered together in relation to the education of very young English-language learners. This paper attempts to do so in a selective manner by proposing a preliminary conceptual framework for second language emergent literacy development, thus paving the way for future research. The literature on the emergent literacy of native English speakers is first outlined, followed by a discussion of the general effects of bilingualism and cross-linguistic transfer, with the special case of Hong Kong children serving as an illustrative example. Finally, potential environmental influences are explored, with a focus on the home literacy environment.
A novel eye region based privacy protection scheme

This paper introduces a novel eye region scrambling scheme capable of protecting privacy sensitive eye region information present in video contents. The proposed system consists of an automatic eye detection module followed by a privacy enabling JPEG XR encoder module. An object detection method based on a probabilistic model of image generation is used in conjunction with a skin-tone segmentation to accurately locate eye regions in real time. The utilized JPEG XR encoder effectively deteriorate the visual quality of privacy sensitive eye region at low computational cost. Performance of proposed solution is validated using benchmark face recognition algorithms on face image database. Experimental results indicate that the proposed solution is able to conceal identity by preventing successful identification at low computational costs.
Pairwise Force SPH Model for Real-Time Multi-Interaction Applications

In this paper, we present a novel pairwise-force smoothed particle hydrodynamics (PF-SPH) model to enable simulation of various interactions at interfaces in real time. Realistic capture of interactions at interfaces is a challenging problem for SPH-based simulations, especially for scenarios involving multiple interactions at different interfaces. Our PF-SPH model can readily handle multiple types of interactions simultaneously in a single simulation; its basis is to use a larger support radius than that used in standard SPH. We adopt a novel anisotropic filtering term to further improve the performance of interaction forces. The proposed model is stable; furthermore, it avoids the particle clustering problem which commonly occurs at the free surface. We show how our model can be used to capture various interactions. We also consider the close connection between droplets and bubbles, and show how to animate bubbles rising in liquid as well as bubbles in air. Our method is versatile, physically plausible and easy-to-implement. Examples are provided to demonstrate the capabilities and effectiveness of our approach.
Design of polar-separable FIR filters by radial slice approximations

We introduce the design of polar-separable 2-D FIR filters by radial slice approximations (RSA). It is a two step procedure. First, 1-D filters for the radial and the angular components are designed. Then the desired filter response is approximated on many radial slices in a weighted mean square sense. In the case of circular filters, RSA outperforms other design procedures in terms of ripple size and circularity of the passband. Examples of filters with nonconstant angular functions prove the flexibility of the new method.
Micropolitics: Mechanisms of Institutional Change

While the corporation is hardly a microcosm of the state, study of the internal politics of universities and business concerns may develop insights contributing to the understanding of political action in general. Corporations are co-operative systems assembled out of the usable attributes of people. They are also social systems within which people compete for advancement; in so doing they may make use of others. Behavior is identified as political when others are made use of as resources in competitive situations. Material, or extrahuman, resources are also socially organized. Additional resources, resulting from innovation or new types of personal commitments alter the prevailing equilibrium and either instigate or release political action. Such action is a mechanism of social change. Tom Burns is a reader, Social Sciences Research Center, University of Edinburgh.
Localization for Solving Noisy Multi-Objective Optimization Problems

This paper investigates the use of a framework of local models in the context of noisy evolutionary multi-objective optimization. Within this framework, the search space is explicitly divided into several nonoverlapping hyperspheres. A direction of improvement, which is related to the average performance of the spheres, is used for moving solutions within each sphere. This helps the local models to filter noise and increase the robustness of the evolutionary algorithm in the presence of noise. A wide range of noisy problems we used for testing and the experimental results demonstrate the ability of local models to better filter noise in comparison with that of global models.
In situ understanding of performance bottlenecks through visually augmented code

Finding and fixing performance bottlenecks requires sound knowledge of the program that is to be optimized. In this paper, we propose an approach for presenting performance-related information to software engineers by visually augmenting source code shown in an editor. Small diagrams at each method declaration and method call visualize the propagation of runtime consumption through the program as well as the interplay of threads in parallelized programs. Advantages of in situ visualization like this over traditional representations, where code and profiling information are shown in different places, promise to be the prevention of a split-attention effect caused by multiple views; information is presented where required, which supports understanding and navigation. We implemented the approach as an IDE plug-in and tested it in a user study with four developers improving the performance of their own programs. The user study provides insights into the process of understanding performance bottlenecks with our approach.
Parallel Algorithms for Fuzzy Ontology Reasoning

The need to deal with imprecise and vague information in ontologies is rising in importance, as required by several real-world application domains. As a consequence, there is a growing interest in fuzzy ontologies, which combine ontologies and fuzzy logic theory. In fuzzy ontologies, some reasoning tasks usually become harder to solve, such as the concept subsumption problem and the computation of the Best Degree Bound (BDB) of an axiom. In fact, the current existing algorithms to solve these problems usually require performing some simpler tests several times. In this paper, we present a parallelization of these algorithms, implemented in the DeLorean reasoner, and discuss the encouraging results of an empirical evaluation.
Anytime path planning and replanning in dynamic environments

We present an efficient, anytime method for path planning in dynamic environments. Current approaches to planning in such domains either assume that the environment is static and replan when changes are observed, or assume that the dynamics of the environment are perfectly known a priori. Our approach takes into account all prior information about both the static and dynamic elements of the environment, and efficiently updates the solution when changes to either are observed. As a result, it is well suited to robotic path planning in known or unknown environments in which there are mobile objects, agents or adversaries