Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning from Multiple Heuristics

Heuristic functions for single-agent search applications estimate the cost of the optimal solution. When multiple heuristics exist, taking their maximum is an effective way to combine them. A new technique is introduced for combining multiple heuristic values. Inspired by the evaluation functions used in two-player games, the different heuristics in a single-agent application are treated as features of the problem domain. An ANN is used to combine these features into a single heuristic value. This idea has been implemented for the sliding-tile puzzle and the 4-peg Towers of Hanoi, two classic single-agent search domains. Experimental results show that this technique can lead to a large reduction in the search effort at a small cost in the quality of the solution obtained.
Fusing Modalities in Forensic Identification with Score Discretization

The fusion of different forensic modalities for arriving at a decision of whether the evidence can be attributed to a known individual is considered. Since close similarity and high dimensionality can adversely affect the process, a method of score fusion based on discretization is proposed. It is evaluated considering the signatures and fingerprints. Discretization is performed as a filter to find the unique and discriminatory features of each modality in an individual class before their use in matching. Since fingerprints and signatures are not compatible for direct integration, the idea is to convert the features into the same domain. The features are assigned an appropriate matched score, MSbp which are based to their lowest distance. The final scores are then fed to the fusion, FSbp. The top matches with FSbp less than a predefined threshold value, η are expected to have the true identity. Two standard fusion approaches, namely Mean and Min fusion, are used to benchmark the efficiency of proposed method. The results of these experiments show that the proposed approach produces a significant improvement in the forensic identification rate of fingerprint and signature fusion and this findings support its usefulness. Keywords—forensic; multimodal; discretization; matching scores; fusion; identification
Cellular stress and DNA damage invoke temporally distinct Mdm2, p53 and PML complexes and damage-specific nuclear relocalization

Mdm2 is a nucleoplasmic and nucleolar protein interacting with p53 and alternative reading frame (ARF) tumor suppressor proteins. Here we demonstrate relocalization and novel interactions of Mdm2 with the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein following cellular stress and DNA damage. We show that Mdm2 and PML interact directly in vivo and in vitro depending on the Mdm2 RING finger domain and the PML C-terminus, and that Mdm2 is recruited to the PML nuclear bodies by overexpression of PML. Cellular stress and DNA damage caused by UV-radiation, downregulation of the proteasome and arsenic trioxide promoted Mdm2 and PML damage-specific nuclear relocalization and interaction in a p53-independent manner. However, in vitro analyses showed that PML, Mdm2 and p53 form trimeric complexes. UV-radiation caused rapid rearrangements of PML nuclear bodies and promoted PML-p53 and PML-Mdm2 complex formation, coinciding with p53 stabilization and preceding p53-Mdm2 interaction suggesting temporally distinct complexes. The results demonstrate novel associations between Mdm2 and PML and show the capacity of PML to participate in the activation and stabilization of p53 in response to cellular stress through PML interaction with Mdm2.
Inhibition of LOX-1 by statins may relate to upregulation of eNOS.

LOX-1, a receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), plays a critical role in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis; both of these conditions are associated with diminished expression of constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Recent studies show that HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) exert cardioprotective effect. We examined the role of LOX-1 in eNOS expression and modulation of this relationship by two different statins, simvastatin and atorvastatin in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Ox-LDL (40 microg/ml) upregulated the expression of LOX-1; simultaneously, there was a reduction in eNOS expression. Pretreatment of HCAECs with simvastatin or atorvastatin (1 and 10 microM) reduced ox-LDL-induced upregulation of LOX-1 and downregulation of eNOS (both P < 0.05). High concentration of statins (10 microM) was more potent than the low concentration (1 microM) (P < 0.05). Both statins also attenuated ox-LDL-mediated activation of MAP kinase. These observations indicate that statins attenuate the effect of ox-LDL on eNOS expression. Inhibitory effect on LOX-1 and subsequently MAP kinase activity provides a potential mechanism of beneficial effects of statins beyond lowering cholesterol.
Sleep, Occupation and the Passage of Time

This article explores the extent to which sleep has been considered in occupational therapy and occupational science and finds that the coverage of the subject is patchy: many authors do not mention it whereas some provide comprehensive and useful information. One reason for this variability could be that it is unclear whether sleep is an occupation and this question is debated. Although it is widely acknowledged that sleep is essential to the performance of daytime activity, most definitions of occupation and activity exclude sleep unless occupation is defined in the context of time use. A brief review of the social history of sleep and the timing of occupations suggests that modern life and the natural sleep-wake cycle might be out of synchrony. The science of sleep is explored and the factors necessary for initiating sleep are examined, with aspects of daily occupation being found to influence sleep. It is suggested that, given the range of conditions affecting sleep that are seen by occupational therapists, it may be helpful to have a better understanding of sleep and the measures that might improve it. Because sleep occupies so much time, research in occupational science is recommended.
Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to treat neurologic disease.

Within the last 10 years the development of tools used to manipulate DNA have shown promise in the generation of a new form of therapeutic intervention known as gene therapy. Gene therapy involves the introduction of genetic material into cells to replace or supplement defective genes or to induce the expression of a novel gene to help alleviate a disease. These manipulations can be done in cells either outside the body and transplanted back in (ex vivo gene therapy) or directly within a specific target organ (in vivo gene therapy). To target and transfer DNA or RNA to cells a variety of techniques have been developed, including the use of replication-defective viruses, lipid bilayers that encapsulate DNA (liposomes), and DNA-coated gold particles that are ballistically shot into cells (gene gun). Most of these topics will be discussed in articles to follow in this series.
A platform for turn-based strategy games, with a comparison of Monte-Carlo algorithms

A lot of research has been done on classical games such as Chess or Shogi, but not so much on more recent games such as turn-based strategy games, where the players can move multiple pieces at each turn. In this paper, we analyze the game components found in most strategy games, and propose a set of simple rules that could be used as a standard game for research on turn-based strategy games. We have implemented these rules in an open platform, and in the second part of the paper we compare four different Monte-Carlo search algorithms with this platform. Especially, we show the importance of distinguishing and handling differently tactical moves and attacking moves.
A case study of the variability consequences of the CQRS pattern in online business software

In order to maximize their customer base, business software vendors are trying to offer software products that support the business needs of as many customers as possible. The more standardized a software product is, the easier it will be to serve large numbers of uniform customers. However, if customers are not homogeneous, a trade-off must be made between flexibility and complexity. A case study is presented showing the implementation of the Command Query Responsibility Pattern (CQRS), a pattern dictating the strict separation between commands and queries. The study was performed at a large software product vendor currently designing a software product based on CQRS. Seven sub patterns related to CQRS are identified and discussed. The research results show the CQRS pattern is implemented and how its different sub patterns can result in a high level of variability within a software product and how the different sub patterns can interact to achieve this.
Revisiting the Rice Theorem of Cellular Automata

A cellular automaton is a parallel synchronous computing model, which con- sists in a juxtaposition of finite automata whose state evolves according to that of their neighbors. It induces a dynamical system on the set of configurations, i.e. the infinite sequences of cell states. The limit set of the cellular automaton is the set of configurations which can be reached arbitrarily late in the evolution. In this paper, we prove that all properties of limit sets of cellular automata with binary-state cells are undecidable, except surjectivity. This is a refinement of the classical "Rice Theorem" that Kari proved on cellular automata with arbitrary state sets.
The Farmer Within an Institutional Environment. Comparing Danish and Belgian Organic Farming

This article is about variation in the expansion of organic farming sectors in different countries. It is suggested that variations in the absolute expansion of organic farming may be understood through a theoretical framework emphasizing the importance of the quality of the interrelationships among national institutions within organic farming as well as between organic and conventional agriculture. The theoretical proposition is illustrated by comparing the development in the institutional environment of organic farming in Denmark and Belgium from 1985 to 1999. In the Belgian case, the organic farming sector has expanded slowly due to an institutional environment of organic farming that has developed along regional lines and detached from the institutions of conventional farming. This development is seen as a result of an interrelationship characterized by pure competition where very little dialogue appears between organic and conventional farming. In the Danish case the organic farming sector has expanded throughout the period as a result of a series of creative conflicts, both within the organic farming sector and between the organic and conventional farming sectors.
Efficacy and safety of the farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid in patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Obeticholic acid (OCA; INT-747, 6α-ethyl-chenodeoxycholic acid) is a semisynthetic derivative of the primary human bile acid chenodeoxycholic acid, the natural agonist of the farnesoid X receptor, which is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. In animal models, OCA decreases insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. METHODS We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study to evaluate the effects of OCA on insulin sensitivity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients were randomly assigned to groups given placebo (n = 23), 25 mg OCA (n = 20), or 50 mg OCA (n = 21) once daily for 6 weeks. A 2-stage hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic insulin clamp was used to measure insulin sensitivity before and after the 6-week treatment period. We also measured levels of liver enzymes, lipid analytes, fibroblast growth factor 19, 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (a BA precursor), endogenous bile acids, and markers of liver fibrosis. RESULTS When patients were given a low-dose insulin infusion, insulin sensitivity increased by 28.0% from baseline in the group treated with 25 mg OCA (P = .019) and 20.1% from baseline in the group treated with 50 mg OCA (P = .060). Insulin sensitivity increased by 24.5% (P = .011) in combined OCA groups, whereas it decreased by 5.5% in the placebo group. A similar pattern was observed in patients given a high-dose insulin infusion. The OCA groups had significant reductions in levels of γ-glutamyltransferase and alanine aminotransferase and dose-related weight loss. They also had increased serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fibroblast growth factor 19, associated with decreased levels of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and endogenous bile acids, indicating activation of farnesoid X receptor. Markers of liver fibrosis decreased significantly in the group treated with 25 mg OCA. Adverse experiences were similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS In this phase 2 trial, administration of 25 or 50 mg OCA for 6 weeks was well tolerated, increased insulin sensitivity, and reduced markers of liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Longer and larger studies are warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT00501592.
Genome-Wide High-Throughput Screening to Investigate Essential Genes Involved in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 398 Survival

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) Sequence Type 398 (ST398) is an opportunistic pathogen that is able to colonize and cause disease in several animal species including humans. To better understand the adaptation, evolution, transmission and pathogenic capacity, further investigations into the importance of the different genes harboured by LA-MRSA ST398 are required. In this study we generated a genome-wide transposon mutant library in an LA-MRSA ST398 isolate to evaluate genes important for bacterial survival in laboratory and host-specific environments. The transposon mutant library consisted of approximately 1 million mutants with around 140,000 unique insertion sites and an average number of unique inserts per gene of 44.8. We identified LA-MRSA ST398 essential genes comparable to other high-throughput S. aureus essential gene studies. As ST398 is the most common MRSA isolated from pigs, the transposon mutant library was screened in whole porcine blood. Twenty-four genes were specifically identified as important for bacterial survival in porcine blood. Mutations in 23 of these genes resulted in attenuated bacterial fitness. Seven of the 23 genes were of unknown function, whereas 16 genes were annotated with functions predominantly related to carbon metabolism, pH shock and a variety of regulations and only indirectly to virulence factors. Mutations in one gene of unknown function resulted in a hypercompetitive mutant. Further evaluation of these genes is required to determine their specific relevance in blood survival.
Politicisation of performance appraisals

Orientation: Employees are a source of competitive advantage for organisations and human resource management seek to promote employee efficiency. One of the tools organisations utilise to achieve this goal is performance appraisals. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the weaknesses in performance appraisal and to determine whether it is politicised in the North West Department of Health and Social Development in South Africa. Motivation for study: Many organisations either ignore the existence of politics in the appraisal process or assume that its impact can be minimised if they refine their appraisal instruments. Executives admit that, in appraising others, they often intentionally avoid meeting the goal of accuracy in favour of achieving goals that have more to do with exercising discretion and maintaining departmental effectiveness. Ironically, these same executives lament that the appraisals they receive often do not accurately represent their abilities and performance (Gioia & Longenecker, 1994). Research approach, design and method: Self-administered questionnaires were used as a means of collecting data and analysis was done through the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Main findings: The results of the study showed that respondents believe that performance appraisals are highly politicised. Practical/managerial implications: If used effectively, performance appraisals may improve employee productivity and efficiency as well as motivation and performance. However, if performance appraisal is perceived as unfair and political, it can diminish rather than enhance employee attitudes and performance. Contribution: Amongst others, it is recommended that managers should consider separating assessment for development and assessment for rewards.
Automatic User Interface Generation from Declarative Models

Automatic user interface generation is a widely discussed topic in the research community. In recent years several approaches have been developed to support this kind of generation. There is a need to summarise this. This article should provide a basis for a founded discussion in this direction. The article gives an overview about model-based user interface software tools. The special attention is paid to the declarative models. The process of user interface generation is highlighted on a basis of a categorisation. The main section contains ideas of T ADEUS about automatic user interface generation explained by an example.
Different mechanisms contributing to savings and anterograde interference are impaired in Parkinson's disease

Reinforcement and use-dependent plasticity mechanisms have been proposed to be involved in both savings and anterograde interference in adaptation to a visuomotor rotation (cf. Huang et al., 2011). In Parkinson's disease (PD), dopamine dysfunction is known to impair reinforcement mechanisms, and could also affect use-dependent plasticity. Here, we assessed savings and anterograde interference in PD with an A1-B-A2 paradigm in which movement repetition was (1) favored by the use of a single-target, and (2) manipulated through the amount of initial training. PD patients and controls completed either limited or extended training in A1 where they adapted movement to a 30° counter-clockwise rotation of visual feedback of the movement trajectory, and then adapted to a 30° clockwise rotation in B. After subsequent washout, participants readapted to the first 30° counter-clockwise rotation in A2. Controls showed significant anterograde interference from A1 to B only after extended training, and significant A1-B-A2 savings after both limited and extended training. However, despite similar A1 adaptation to controls, PD patients showed neither anterograde interference nor savings. That extended training was necessary in controls to elicit anterograde interference but not savings suggests that savings and anterograde interference do not result from equal contributions of the same underlying mechanism(s). It is suggested that use-dependent plasticity mechanisms contributes to anterograde interference but not to savings, while reinforcement mechanisms contribute to both. As both savings and anterograde interference were impaired in PD, dopamine dysfunction in PD might impair both reinforcement and use-dependent plasticity mechanisms during adaptation to a visuomotor rotation.
Metalloprotease Is Not Essential for Vibrio vulnificus Virulence in Mice

ABSTRACT Previous work suggested that a metalloprotease, Vvp, may be a virulence factor of Vibrio vulnificus, which causes severe wound infection and septicemia in humans. To determine the role of Vvp in pathogenesis, we isolated an isogenic protease-deficient (PD) mutant of Vibrio vulnificus by in vivo allelic exchange. This PD mutant was as virulent as its parental strain in mice infected intraperitoneally and was 10-fold more virulent in mice infected via the oral route. Furthermore, the PD mutant was indistinguishable from its parental strain in invasion from peritoneal cavity into blood stream, enhancement of vascular permeability, growth in murine blood, and utilization of hemoglobin and transferrin. These data suggest that Vvp is not essential for virulence in the mouse. However, the cytolysin activity in the culture supernatant of the PD mutant was found to be twofold higher than that of the wild-type strain and remained for a much longer period. The higher cytolysin activity of the PD mutant may be associated with the enhanced virulence in mice infected via the oral route.
Subsolutions of an Isaacs Equation and Efficient Schemes for Importance Sampling

Abstract : Previous papers by authors establish the connection between importance sampling algorithms for estimating rare-event probabilities, two-person zero-sum differential games, and the associated Isaacs equation. In order to construct nearly optimal schemes in a general setting, one must consider dynamic schemes, i.e., changes of measure that, in the course of a single simulation, can depend on the outcome of the simulation up till that time. The present paper and a companion paper show that classical sense subsolutions of the Isaacs equation provide a basic and flexible tool for the construction and analysis of nearly optimal schemes. Asymptotic analysis is the topic of the present paper, while the companion paper focuses on explicit methods for the construction of subsolutions, implementation aspects and numerical results.
Machine learning techniques for brain signal analysis with applications on seizure detection and brain-computer interfaces

Electroencephalographic (EEG) and electrocorticographic (ECoG) data have been widely used for brain signal analysis in the diagnosis of brain diseases and in the field of braincomputer interface (BCI). Our research emphasizes the role of machine learning (ML) techniques in feature extraction and classification of EEG/ECoG signals, where we primarily focus on their applications on epileptic seizure detection and translation of brain activities into control commands for BCI system.
Topology revisited: representing spatial relations

Topology is a central, defining feature of geographical information systems (GIS). The advantages of topological data structures are that data storage for polygons is reduced because boundaries between adjacent polygons are not stored twice, explicit adjacency relations are maintained, and data entry and map production is improved by providing a rigorous, automated method to handle artifacts of digitizing. However, what explains the resurgence of non-topological data structures and why do contemporary desktop GIS packages support them? The historical development of geographical data structures is examined to provide a context for identifying the advantages and disadvantages of topological and non-topological data structures. Although explicit storage of adjacent features increases performance of adjacency analyses, it is not required to conduct these operations. Non-topological data structures can represent features that conform to planar graph theory (i.e. non-overlapping, space-filling polygons). A data structure that can represent proximal and directional spatial relations, in addition to topological relationships is described. This extension allows a broader set of functional relationships and connections between geographical features to be explicitly represented.