Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURES OF STOCHASTIC CONDITIONAL INDEPENDENCE BY MEANS OF FACES AND IMSETS 1st part: introduction and basic concepts 1

Global Abstract (for all three parts) The work presents a new approach to the mathematical description of stochastic conditional independence structures of a finite number of random variables. The new approach is related to the classical approaches, that is to the use of directed acyclic graphs (Bayesian networks), undirected graphs (Markov networks) and dependency models (semigraphoids). The approach provides a deductive mechanism to infer probabilistically valid consequences of positive information about conditional independence structure. This mechanism is much more powerful than the use of semigraphoids as it includes, from the classical point of view, an infinite number of inference rules. Nevertheless, from the theoretical point of view, it is finitely implementable The developed theory is illustrated by examples showing how it is applicable.
Imprinting in Fish: a Little Explored Phenomenon with Possible Implications for Fish Welfare

Gómez-Laplaza LM, Gil-Carnicero P. Imprinting in Fish: a Little Explored Phenomenon with Possible Implications for Fish Welfare. ARBS Annu Rev Biomed Sci 2008;10:T51-T62. Imprinting, an early learning process that can determine later preferences for particular types of stimuli, is usually not a consideration in many activities related to fish. However, disruption of such learning and/or absence of suitable conditions for the development of preferences are frequent despite the lack of appropriate knowledge regarding the effects that these practices may have on later behaviour and health. The present study reviews the phenomenon of imprinting in fish and discusses its possible influence on fish welfare. Although there is also potential for acoustic imprinting, here we discuss how sexual, filial and olfactory imprinting should be considered when addressing welfare issues in fish. The review focuses on the relatively few fish species in which this phenomenon has been mainly researched, the results often proving that it may affect some behaviour patterns and social preferences. A diversity of factors, including species, context, behavioural repertoire and social systems may affect the actual existence of the phenomenon, although conditions normally prevailing in husbandry and other systems are not adjusted to allow the emergence of the process. Likewise, the effects of imprinting (or its absence) on fish welfare have still to be demonstrated in many fish species and should constitute a matter for further studies. The conclusion is drawn that much more needs to be learned. However, a better understanding of the relationship between this early learning process in fish and welfare is essential if a complete analysis of conditions promoting fish welfare is to be made.  by São Paulo State University – ISSN 1806-8774
Nonlinear susceptibility of composite optical materials in the Maxwell Garnett model.

Within the context of the Maxwell Garnett model, we calculate the nonlinear susceptibility of a composite optical material comprised of spherical inclusion particles contained within a host material. We allow both constituents to respond nonlinearly and to exhibit linear absorption. Our treatment takes complete account of the tensor nature of the nonlinear interaction, under the assumption that each constituent is isotropic and that the composite is macroscopically isotropic. The theory predicts that there are circumstances under which the composite material can possess a nonlinear susceptibility that is larger than that of either of its constituents. It also predicts that, for the case in which the host material responds nonlinearly, the tensor properties of the nonlinear susceptibility of the composite can be very different from those of the host material.
An X-band reconfigurable bandpass filter using phase change RF switches

In this paper, we report on a reconfigurable bandpass filter for X-band applications. The filter is composed of coupled X/2 microstrip line resonators. Center frequency tuning of each resonator is achieved using an RF switch based on a phase change chalcogenide compound, germanium telluride, which switches in and out a loading capacitor. A combination of electric and magnetic coupling between the resonators realizes a near constant absolute-bandwidth as the filter is tuned. The center frequency of the filter is switched between 7.45 and 8.07 GHz, with a 3-dB bandwidth of ~ 500 MHz, insertion loss of less than 3.2 dB, and return loss of better than 18 dB. The measured third-order intermodulation intercept point (IIP3) and 1-dB power compression point (P1dB) are better than 30 dBm at frequency offset of 1 kHz and 25 dBm, respectively. Measured and simulated results are in good agreement. To our best knowledge, this is the first time implementation of a tunable filter using germanium telluride based phase change switches.
echanisms for the initiation of human atrial fibrillation

K r ( Understanding of the mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) emain limited. However, both persistent and paroxysmal AF likely nitiate via the interaction of triggers such as premature atrial beats ith ‘substrate’, that includes static components such as fibrosis and car, as well as dynamic alterations that may include the rate-reponse of repolarization and conduction, autonomic modulation and tretch. This article attempts to synthesize concepts for AF initiation
Suitability of Active Rules for Model Transformation

Model transformation promises faster and higher-quality system development processes by automating certain development steps. There are numerous proposals such as QVT and triple graph grammars that are applied in practical design environments. To our surprise, active rule systems have not yet been considered as a platform to execute model transformations. We investigate in this paper the suitability of active rule systems via a case study. An empirical analysis of the complexity is provided as well. It turns out that active rules support the basic functional requirements but some extensions to their execution engine and join order optimization would be needed.
SIMARD: A simulated annealing based RNA design algorithm with quality pre-selection strategies

Most of the biological processes including expression levels of genes and translation of DNA to produce proteins within cells depend on RNA sequences, and the structure of the RNA plays vital role for its function. RNA design problem refers to the design of an RNA sequence that folds into given secondary structure. However, vast number of possible nucleotide combinations make this an NP-Hard problem. To solve the RNA design problem, a number of researchers have tried to implement algorithms using local stochastic search, context-free grammars, global sampling or evolutionary programming approaches. In this paper, we examine SIMARD, an RNA design algorithm that implements simulated annealing techniques. We also propose QPS, a mutation operator for SIMARD that pre-selects high quality sequences. Furthermore, we present experiment results of SIMARD compared to eight other RNA design algorithms using the Rfam datset. The experiment results indicate that SIMARD shows promising results in terms of Hamming distance between designed sequence and the target structure, and outperforms ERD in terms of free energy.
Soziale Unterstützung als Baustein eines betrieblichen Programms zur Sport- und Bewegungsförderung

Zusammenfassung. Untersucht wurde die spezifische Wirkung der Interventionstechnik „Planung sportbezogener sozialer Unterstutzung“ (PssU) im Rahmen eines betrieblichen Programms zur Sportforderung („MoVo-work“). Die Mitarbeitenden (N = 69) wurden cluster-randomisiert 2 Gruppen zugeordnet: die Interventionsgruppe (IG) erhielt MoVo-work mit dem Modul PssU, die Kontrollgruppe (KG) MoVo-work ohne dieses Modul. Sportaktivitat und soziale Unterstutzung wurden vor (T1) und nach der Intervention (T2) erhoben, sowie nach 6 Wochen (T3) und 6 Monaten (T4). In der IG nahm der Anteil der sportlich aktiven Personen beim Vergleich T1 – T3 um 24 % zu (p < .05); in der KG dagegen nur um 9 %. Auch beim Vergleich T1 – T4 war in der IG noch ein Zuwachs an sportlich aktiven Personen von 8 % festzustellen, wohingegen in der KG deren Anteil sogar um 3 % abnahm. Es fanden sich keine Gruppenunterschiede hinsichtlich der wahrgenommenen sozialen Unterstutzung. Die Resultate zeigen, dass betriebliche Bewegungsforderungsprogramme sub.
Working paper 2009 005 Tournament Behaviour in Malaysian Managed Funds : A Non-Parametric Analysis

The structure of the Malaysian fund market presents a unique setting in which to examine behavioural differences in the performance of fund managers. We utilise Taylor’s (2003) extension of the tournament model of Brown et al. (1996) who argued that using an exogenous (endogenous) benchmark induces losing (winning) managers to gamble. This presents two competing testable hypotheses that are investigated in the current study. We use a sample of Malaysian unit trusts period covering the period 1982 to 2005. We apply the non-parametric cross-product ratio methodology to test all Malaysian funds and determine whether there is empirical evidence of tournament behaviour. We then separate Malaysian funds into two main categories (conventional and Islamic) to find out whether different fund types affect the behaviour of the funds as a whole. Overall, Taylor’s (2003) theory does not hold in the Malaysian fund market, as conventional funds display tournament behaviour regardless of the benchmark used. However, Islamic funds do not display any significant tournament behaviour.
Modulation of Ion Channels and Synaptic Transmission by a Human Sensory Neuron-Specific G-Protein-Coupled Receptor, SNSR4/mrgX1, Heterologously Expressed in Cultured Rat Neurons

Human sensory neuron-specific G-protein-coupled receptors (SNSRs) are expressed solely in small diameter primary sensory neurons. This restricted expression pattern is of considerable therapeutic interest because small nociceptors transmit chronic pain messages. The neuronal function of human SNSRs is difficult to assess because rodent orthologs have yet to be clearly defined, and individual isoforms are found only in a small subset of primary sensory neurons. To circumvent this problem, we expressed human SNSR4 (hSNSR4; also known as Hs.mrgX1) in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG), dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and hippocampal neurons using nuclear injection or recombinant adenoviruses and examined modulation of ion channels and neurotransmission using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. BAM8-22 (a 15 amino acid C-terminal fragment of bovine adrenal medulla peptide 22), a peptide agonist derived from proenkephalin, inhibited high (but not low) voltage-activated Ca2+ current in both DRG and SCG neurons expressing hSNSR4, whereas no response was detected in control neurons. The Ca2+ current inhibition was concentration dependent and partially sensitive to Pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment. Additionally, the peptide was highly effective in modulating current arising from M-type K+ channels in SCG neurons expressing hSNSR4. In hippocampal neurons expressing hSNSR4, BAM8-22 induced presynaptic inhibition of transmission that was abolished after PTX treatment. Our data indicate that hSNSR4, when heterologously expressed in rat neurons, can be activated by an opioid-related peptide, couples to Gq/11-proteins as well as PTX-sensitive Gi/o-proteins, and modulates neuronal Ca2+ channels, K+ channels, and synaptic transmission.
AVE0991, a Nonpeptide Compound, Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation via Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 and Downregulation of p-38 MAPK Phosphorylation

The nonpeptide AVE0991 is an agonist of the angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) Mas receptor and is expected to be a putative new drug for treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative effects of AVE0991 are not fully understood. We saw that the compound attenuated proliferation in an angiotensin II-induced rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation model. Moreover, treatment with AVE0991 (10−5 mol/L or 10−7 mol/L) significantly attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and dose-dependently (10−8 to 10−5 mol/L) inhibited Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation. Meanwhile, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression increased in the AVE0991 + Ang II group (10−5 mol/L or 10−6 mol/L). However, the beneficial effects of AVE0991 were completely abolished when the VSMC were pretreated with A-779 (10−6 mol/L). Furthermore, treatment with the HO-1 inhibitor ZnPPIX attenuated the inhibitory effect of AVE0991 on Ang II-induced p38MAPK phosphorylation. These results suggest that AVE0991 attenuates Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion and that this effect is associated with the Mas/HO-1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy associated with kyphosis or sagittal sigmoid alignment: outcome after anterior or posterior decompression.

OBJECT The effects of sagittal kyphotic deformities or mechanical stress on the development of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, or the reduction and fusion of kyphotic sagittal alignment have not been consistently documented. The aim in this study was to determine the effects of kyphotic sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in terms of neurological morbidity and outcome after 2 types of surgical intervention. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 476 patients who underwent cervical spine surgeries for spondylotic myelopathy between 1993 and 2006 at their university medical center. Among these were identified 43 patients-30 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 58.8 years-who had cervical kyphosis exceeding 10 degrees on preoperative sagittal lateral radiographs obtained in the neutral position, and their cases were analyzed in this study. Anterior decompression with interbody fusion was conducted in 28 patients, and en bloc open-door C3-7 laminoplasty in 15 patients. Both pre- and postoperative neurological, radiographic, and MR imaging findings were assessed in both surgical groups. RESULTS The mean preoperative kyphotic angle in all 43 patients was 15.9 +/- 5.9 degrees in the neutral position. Segmental instability was noted in 26 patients (61%) and reversed dynamic spinal canal stenosis at the level above the local kyphosis in 22 (51%). Preoperative T2-weighted MR images showed high-intensity signal within the cord at and around the level of maximal compression or segmental instability in 28 patients (65%). The mean kyphotic angle in both the neutral and flexion positions was significantly smaller at 4-6 weeks after surgery in the anterior spondylectomy group than in the laminoplasty group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the angle in the neutral position was significantly smaller on follow-up in the anterior spondylectomy group than in the laminoplasty group (p = 0.034). The transverse area of the spinal cord was significantly larger in the anterior spondylectomy group than in the laminoplasty group on follow-up (p = 0.037). Preoperative neurological scores (assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale) and improvement on follow-up > or = 2 years after treatment (average 3.3 years) were not significantly different between the 2 groups; however, there was a significant difference in Japanese Orthopaedic Association score at 4-6 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Kyphotic deformity and mechanical stress in the cervical spine may play an important role in neurological dysfunction. In a select group of patients with kyphotic deformity > or = 10 degrees , adequate correction of local sagittal alignment may help to maximize the chance of neurological improvement.
The effect of selected polymorphisms of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 and the ANKK-1 on the preference of concentrations of sucrose solutions in men with alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to determine the influence of DRD2 gene polymorphisms in exon 8 G/A (rs 6276) in the promoter region -141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) and the influence of ANKK-1 gene Taq-1A polymorphism (rs 1800497) on the preference of increasing sucrose concentrations in men with alcohol dependence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS 63 male patients with alcohol dependence were genotyped for the above polymorphisms. Their preference for increasing sucrose concentrations was tested and their taste intensity perception of sucrose solutions was assessed. The patients were tested with the 'Sniffin' Sticks' olfactory test. RESULTS We found a statistically significant association between some alleles of ANKK 1 gene Taq 1A polymorphisms and sucrose preference in the subjects. The A1 Taq 1A allele determined hedonistic response to the two highest concentrations of sucrose. No association was found regarding the other two polymorphisms (in the promoter region and in the exon 8 of the DRD2 gene). CONCLUSIONS Study results suggest Taq-1A polymorphism plays a role in the preference to high concentrations of sucrose and its potential association with alcohol dependence pathogenesis.
Omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Introduction: The estimated global prevalence of diabetes mellitus for adults aged 20-70 in 2015 was 415 million with approximately 90% of diagnosed cases being Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Improvements in lifestyle and effective therapies are key to management but due to the progressive nature of T2DM, pharmacotherapy is typically required. Whilst the initial therapy will usually be with metformin, thereafter treatment should be individualised, with consideration of several different second line options. These include the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, of which omarigliptin is the second once weekly version. Areas covered: The paper summarises key pharmoacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features and reviews the efficacy and safety trial data of omarigliptin, a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor. Expert opinion: Omarigliptin results in a significant improvement in glycaemia with an effective once weekly pharmacokinetic profile and low risk of drug-drug interactions. It has equivalent efficacy to existing once daily DPP-4 inhibitors and shares a similar side effect profile. It is weight neutral with a significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared with sulphonylureas. Adherence to prescribed medication is poor in patients with T2DM. Once weekly omarigliptin is a welcomed addition to the therapeutic armoury but whether it will improve compliance remains to be seen.
Bureaucracy in an Immobilist Society: The Case of Costa Rica

This is a brief ecological study of bureaucracy in an economically underdeveloped country, Costa Rica. Data from a questionnaire administered to bureaucrats in two agencies of the public administration are presented and three preliminary hypotheses are outlined: (1) If a strong modern party is established, this does not necessarily lead to the development of a society nor to political control of the administrative process. (2) If politics in a transitional society are immobilist, then the public administration will also be immobilized. (3) If the ideal type model dichotomizing politics and administration is assumed, it will be found no more relevant in Costa Rica and possibly in other transitional societies than it is in analyses of the economically developed societies.
Mining frequent itemsets in time-varying data streams

Mining frequent itemsets in data streams is beneficial to many real-world applications but is also a challenging task since data streams are unbounded and have high arrival rates. Moreover, the distribution of data streams can change over time, which makes the task of maintaining frequent itemsets even harder. In this paper, we propose a false-negative oriented algorithm, called TWIM, that can find most of the frequent itemsets, detect distribution changes, and update the mining results accordingly. Experimental results show that our algorithm performs as good as other false-negative algorithms on data streams without distribution change, and has the ability to detect changes over time-varying data streams in -time with a high accuracy rate.
Tameness of Joins involving the Pseudovariety of Local Semilattices

In this paper we prove that, if V is a -tame pseudovariety which satisfies the pseudoidentity xy ! +1 z = xyz, then the pseudovariety join LSl_V is also -tame. Here, LSl denotes the pseudovariety of local semilattices and denotes the implicit signature consisting of the multiplication and the (! 1)-power. As a consequence, we deduce that LSl_ V is decidable. In particular the joins LSl_ Ab, LSl_ G, LSl_ OCR and LSl_ CR are decidable.
Evaluation via Negativa of Chinese Word Segmentation for Information Retrieval

Numerous studies have analyzed the influences of word segmentation (WS) performance on information retrieval (IR) for Mandarin Chinese and have demonstrated a non-monotonic relationship between WS accuracy and IR effectiveness. The usefulness of the compound words that have been a focus of the IR literature is not reflected by common WS evaluation metrics of word-based precision (P) and recall (R). This investigation proposes alternative measurements of WS accuracy, which are based on negative segments that are annotated against four standards of referenced corpora, called true negative rate (TNR) and negative predictive value (NPV), and compares with P and R through search engine simulation,. Accuracy-controlled WS systems segment queries for the simulation including NTCIR collections and "Sogou" logs. Mean average precision (MAP) estimates the similarity of search results between the original and segmented queries. The statistics demonstrate that TNR and NPV are generally more closely correlated with MAP than are P and R.
Routes and regulation of NADPH production in steroidogenic mitochondria.

The first and rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis is catalyzed by the mitochondrial cholesterol side chain cleavage system that is dependent on NADPH. The pathways of NADPH generation in steroidogenic mitochondria include three major routes catalyzed by: 1. NADP-linked malic enzyme, 2. NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase, and 3. nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase. The main route may differ among cell types and across species. Generally operation of alternative routes, with different substrates is not excluded. The oxidation of NADPH by the mitochondrial P450 systems is not tightly coupled with substrate metabolism, as these systems can reduce O2 by a single electron to produce harmful superoxide radical. To minimize such futile NADPH oxidation, NADPH generation may be regulated by two types of mechanisms: 1. Feedback mechanisms that maintain the ratio of NADPH/NADP+ at a steady-state level by enhancing the rate of NADPH production to keep up with its rate of oxidation, e.g., allosteric regulation of enzymes involved in NADPH production. 2. Hormonal signals that enhance the level of NADPH production in coordination with steroidogenesis. One major hypothesis with experimental evidence is that stimulation of mitochondrial NAD(P)H synthesis is mediated by Ca++ as a second messenger of tropic factors. Tropic stimulation of cells increases the levels of Ca++ in the cytosol and then in the mitochondrial matrix, and the rise in Ca++ activates enzymes involved in NAD(P)H synthesis. These regulatory mechanisms most probably operate in concert adjusted to the steroidogenic activity of the cell.