Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fitting Gaussian copulae for efficient visual codebooks generation

The Bag of Words model is probably one of the most effective ways to represent images based on the aggregation of locally extracted descriptors. It uses clustering techniques to build visual dictionaries that map each image into a fixed length signature. Despite its effectiveness, one major drawback of this model is the codebook informativeness and its computational complexity. In this paper we propose Copula-BoW (C-BoW), namely an efficient local feature aggregator inspired by the Copula theory. In C-BoW, we build in a quadratic time an efficient codebook for vector quantization, based on the correlation of the marginal distributions of the local features. Our experimental results prove that the C-BoW signature is much more efficient and as discriminative as traditional BoW for scene recognition and video retrieval (TRECVID [14] data). Moreover, we also show that our new model provides complementary information when combined to existing local features aggregators, substantially improving the final retrieval performance.
Segregation and charge-density-wave order in the spinless Falicov-Kimball model

The spinless Falicov-Kimball model is solved exactly in the limit of infinite-dimensions on both the hypercubic and Bethe lattices. The competition between segregation, which is present for large U, and charge-density-wave order, which is prevalent at moderate U, is examined in detail. We find a rich phase diagram which displays both of these phases. The model also shows nonanalytic behavior in the charge-density-wave transition temperature when U is large enough to generate a correlation-induced gap in the single-particle density of states.
Studying psychosocial problems in aphasia: Some conceptual and methodological considerations

Abstract This paper describes problems of studies and research focusing on psychosocial and emotional sequelae in aphasic patients and their relatives. Based on a model of different components of the construct ‘psychosocial status’ and their interactions conceptual, methodological, and statistical problems are outlined. Furthermore, some specific aspects of evaluation, treatment, and outcome in aphasia rehabilitation are discussed.
Traumatic brain injury and potential safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) requires not only knowledge of safeguarding practice and procedures, but also the implications of a brain injury. This paper provides an introduction to the nature and impact of TBI upon individuals and their families. Drawing on anonymised case material and practice experience, it explores how the sequelae of TBI, in particular cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes can produce potential safeguarding issues. The person with TBI's potential vulnerability to different forms of abuse is then considered and the relevance of the legislative framework explored. The paper then summarises key points for safeguarding practice in this complex field. It concludes by emphasising that gaining knowledge of how TBI impacts on individuals and their families is essential to understand their risk of abuse. In doing so, it also highlights that simplistic dichotomies between victim and perpetrator can ignore the complexity of the interactions in which safeguarding occurs.
Relevance of pharmacokinetic parameters in animal models of methamphetamine abuse

Although the behavioral consequences of methamphetamine (METH) abuse have been extensively documented, a more precise and thorough understanding of underlying neurobiological mechanisms still requires the use of animal models. To study these biochemical processes in experimental animals requires consideration for the broad range of human METH abuse patterns and the many factors that have been identified to profoundly influence the behavioral and neurochemical effects of exposure to METH‐like stimulants. One potentially critical issue relates to pharmacokinetic differences between the species. In this review, METH plasma pharmacokinetic profiles after single and multiple dose intravenous METH administration are compared for the rat and human. Significant differences in elimination half‐life between the two species (t1/2: rat—70 min, human—12 h) result in markedly dissimilar profiles of METH exposure. However, the plasma profile of a human METH binge pattern can be approximated in the rat by increasing METH dose frequency. Consideration of METH pharmacokinetics in animal models should permit a closer simulation of the temporal profile of METH exposure in the human CNS and should provide further insight into the mechanisms contributing to the addiciton and psychopathology associated with METH abuse. Synapse 39:161–166, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RECOMBINANT HUMAN TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-RELATED APOPTOSIS-INDUCING LIGAND SELECTIVELY INDUCES APOPTOSIS IN MALIGNANT MELANOMA

Skin cancer is among the most commonly-diagnosed cancers with malignant melanoma being associated with the highest rate of metastasis and death. In its early stage, melanoma is easily cured, but the prognosis associated with metastatic malignant melanoma remains very poor and is one of the most treatment-refractory malignancies. This work was undertaken to assess the effectiveness and safety of recombinant human Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (rhTRAIL) as a potential therapeutic for malignant melanoma. rhTRAIL is the optimized version of the naturally-occurring death-ligand TRAIL. TRAIL shows cancer cell specificity through its innate ability to induce apoptosis in a broad range of transformed human cells while showing no toxicity toward normal healthy cells. Utilizing malignant melanoma A375 cells and normal human melanocytes, the efficacy and safety of rhTRAIL was determined in vitro and in vivo through nude mice A375 xenografts. rhTRAIL induced significant levels of apoptosis in malignant melanoma cells in vitro and at the same time did not induce apoptosis in non-transformed melanocytes. rhTRAIL showed remarkable in vivo potency and was able to inhibit the growth of established melanoma tumors while showing no toxicity towards the mice model. These data suggest that rhTRAIL is a valid candidate for the treatment of malignant melanoma, displaying significant anti-tumor activity with sustainably less negative side effects than traditional therapies. Received Date: October 28, 2016 Accepted Date: January 10, 2017 Published Date: January 17, 2017 Citation: Kalafatis, M. , et al. Recombinant Human Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Selectively Induces Apoptosis in Malignant Melanoma. (2017) Int J Cancer Oncol 4(1): 18. DOI: 10.15436/2377-0902.17. 1191 Kalafatis, M. , et al. New therapeutic strategies are needed to improve the treatment outcome and survival of malignant melanoma patients. Several members of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) family, including FasL, TNF-α and TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), robustly induce apoptosis in transformed cancer cells[5]. However, the therapeutic potential of FasL and TNF-α is hindered by their toxicity upon systemic administration. In contrast, TRAIL selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Even at supraphysiological concentrations, TRAIL shows minimal toxicity to healthy non-transformed cells[6,7]. TRAIL acts as a pro-apoptotic ligand through its interactions with extracellular death receptors (DR) DR4 and DR5[8]. Bind-
A Visual Representation of Online Interaction Patterns

To understand learning processes we need to consider many different aspects that come into play within online learning environments, including mediating tools, learners’ actions, their engagement in online discussions and how such discussions unfold over time. Content analysis of asynchronous discussions is usually applied to study knowledge construction, but little attention is paid on how interactions relate to each other over time and influence each other. Visual representations of online interactions can help us make sense of the temporal dimension of learning and its relation with other complex data. The present article proposes a new visualization tool, which is based on an interaction analysis coding scheme, to visually represent the multidimensional relationship between discussion content, participants’ interaction and time.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibition: a novel approach in the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension

Background: Pharmacological treatment of orthostatic hypotension is often limited because of troublesome supine hypertension. Objective: To investigate a novel approach to treatment using acetylcholinesterase inhibition, based on the theory that enhanced sympathetic ganglion transmission increases systemic resistance in proportion to orthostatic needs. Design: Prospective open label single dose trial. Material: 15 patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension caused by: multiple system atrophy (n = 7), Parkinson’s disease (n = 3), diabetic neuropathy (n = 1), amyloid neuropathy (n = 1), and idiopathic autonomic neuropathy (n = 3). Methods: Heart rate, blood pressure, peripheral resistance index (PRI), cardiac index, stroke index, and end diastolic index were monitored continuously during supine rest and head up tilt before and one hour after an oral dose of 60 mg pyridostigmine. Results: There was only a modest non-significant increase in supine blood pressure and PRI. In contrast, acetylcholinesterase inhibition significantly increased orthostatic blood pressure and PRI and reduced the fall in blood pressure during head up tilt. Orthostatic heart rate was reduced after the treatment. The improvement in orthostatic blood pressure was associated with a significant improvement in orthostatic symptoms. Conclusions: Acetylcholinesterase inhibition appears effective in the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic symptoms and orthostatic blood pressure are improved, with only modest effects in the supine position. This novel approach may form an alternative or supplemental tool in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension, specially for patients with a high supine blood pressure.
Manipulating Reliance on Intuition Reduces Risk and Ambiguity Aversion

Prior research suggests that those who rely on intuition rather than effortful reasoning when making decisions are less averse to risk and ambiguity. The evidence is largely correlational, however, leaving open the question of the direction of causality. In this paper, we present experimental evidence of causation running from reliance on intuition to risk and ambiguity preferences. We directly manipulate participants' predilection to rely on intuition and find that enhancing reliance on intuition lowers the probability of being ambiguity averse by 30 percentage points and increases risk tolerance by about 30 percent in the experimental sub-population where we would a priori expect the manipulation to be successful (males).
Obesity, weight change, hypertension, diuretic use, and risk of gout in men: the health professionals follow-up study.

BACKGROUND Limited prospective information exists on the relation between obesity and weight change and the risk of gout. Similarly, both hypertension and diuretic use have been considered risk factors for gout; however, their independent contributions have not been established prospectively. METHODS We prospectively examined over a 12-year period (1986-1998) the relation between adiposity, weight change, hypertension, and diuretic use and incident gout in 47,150 male participants with no history of gout at baseline. We used a supplementary questionnaire to ascertain the American College of Rheumatology criteria for gout. RESULTS During 12 years we documented 730 confirmed incident cases of gout. Compared with men with a body mass index (BMI) of 21 to 22.9, the multivariate relative risks (RRs) of gout were 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-2.65) for men with a BMI of 25 to 29.9, 2.33 (95% CI, 1.62-3.36) for men with a BMI of 30 to 34.9, and 2.97 (95% CI, 1.73-5.10) for men with a BMI of 35 or greater (P for trend <.001). Compared with men who had maintained their weight (+/-4 lb) since age 21 years, the multivariate RR of gout for men who had gained 30 lb or more since age 21 years was 1.99 (95% CI, 1.49-2.66). In contrast, the multivariate RR for men who had lost 10 lb or more since the study baseline was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.40-0.92). The multivariate RRs of gout were 2.31 (95% CI, 1.96-2.72) for the presence of hypertension and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.42-2.20) for diuretic use. CONCLUSIONS Higher adiposity and weight gain are strong risk factors for gout in men, while weight loss is protective. Hypertension and diuretic use are also important independent risk factors for gout.
The contribution of adult learning to health and social capital

This research uses the National Child Development Study to investigate the effects of adult learning upon 12 outcomes that act as proxies for health and social capital. To minimise selection bias we consider changes in outcomes rather than levels. We find that adult learning plays an important role in contributing to the small shifts in attitudes and behaviours that take place during mid‐adulthood. The results hold as controls are added for demographic, educational and other background factors, as well as for changes in life circumstances during mid‐adulthood. It is therefore very likely that there are substantive and genuine effects of adult learning. However, we do not suggest a purely one‐way causal relationship. Evidence from additional analyses suggests rather that participation in adult learning is a very important element in positive cycles of development and progression.
Serial analysis of gene expression in the corneal endothelium of Fuchs' dystrophy.

PURPOSE To compare the gene expression profiles of normal human corneal endothelium with Fuchs' corneal endothelium, by using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). METHODS Three pairs of normal human corneas were obtained from eye banks. Thirteen bisected Fuchs' corneal buttons were processed at the time of corneal transplantation. The endothelia of normal and Fuchs'-affected corneas were stripped, and total RNA was isolated. Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) was performed to identify and quantify gene transcripts. Genes over- and underexpressed by Fuchs' endothelium were limited to P < 0.01 by the method of Audic and Claverie. RESULTS A total of 19,136 tags were identified with 9,530 from normal and 9,606 from Fuchs' endothelium. The expression of 18 transcripts was upregulated, and 36 transcripts were downregulated in Fuchs' endothelium compared with normal tissue. Upregulated transcripts included serum amyloid A1 and A2, metallothionein, and apolipoprotein D. Of the downregulated transcripts, 26 matched known genes, 3 matched expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and 7 were unknown to current databases. One downregulated transcript involved a newly reported bicarbonate transporter. Decreased transcripts related to antioxidants and proteins conferring protection against toxic stress were noted in Fuchs' versus normal endothelium including nuclear ferritin, glutathione S-transferase-pi, and heat shock 70-kDa protein. Nine different SAGE tags matching mitochondrial sequences accounted for 25% of the ESTs that were decreased in Fuchs' endothelium. CONCLUSIONS SAGE analysis comparing normal to Fuchs' endothelium demonstrates diminished expression of mitochondrial, pump function, and antiapoptotic cell defense genes.
Partial example acquisition in cost-sensitive learning

It is often expensive to acquire data in real-world data mining applications. Most previous data mining and machine learning research, however, assumes that a fixed set of training examples is given. In this paper, we propose an online cost-sensitive framework that allows a learner to dynamically acquire examples as it learns, and to decide the ideal number of examples needed to minimize the total cost. We also propose a new strategy for Partial Example Acquisition (PAS), in which the learner can acquire examples with a subset of attribute values to reduce the data acquisition cost. Experiments on UCI datasets show that the new PAS strategy is an effective method in reducing the total cost for data acquisition.
Shift-variant non-negative matrix deconvolution for music transcription

In this paper, we address the task of semi-automatic music transcription in which the user provides prior information about the polyphonic mixture under analysis. We propose a non-negative matrix deconvolution framework for this task that allows instruments to be represented by a different basis function for each fundamental frequency (“shift variance”). Two different types of user input are studied: information about the types of instruments, which enables the use of basis functions from an instrument database, and a manual transcription of a number of notes which enables the template estimation from the data under analysis itself. Experiments are performed on a data set of mixtures of acoustical instruments up to a polyphony of five. The results confirm a significant loss in accuracy when database templates are used and show the superiority of the Kullback-Leibler divergence over the least squares error cost function.
The efficacy and mechanism of apoptosis induction by hypericin-mediated sonodynamic therapy in THP-1 macrophages

Purpose To investigate the sonoactivity of hypericin (HY), together with its sonodynamic effect on THP-1 macrophages and the underlying mechanism. Materials and methods CCK-8 was used to examine cell viability. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was performed to assess the localization of HY in cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) after different treatments. Apoptosis was analyzed using Hoechst–propidium iodide and transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) collapse was detected via fluorescence microscopy. Lipoprotein oxidation was determined in malondialdehyde (MDA) assays. Western blotting was conducted to determine the translocation of BAX and cytochrome C and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Results HY was sublocalized among the nuclei and the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosome in the cytosol of THP-1 macrophages. Under low-intensity ultrasound irradiation, HY significantly decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, greater ROS generation, higher MDA levels, and greater ΔΨm loss were observed in the sonodynamic therapy (SDT) group. Both ROS generation and MDA levels were significantly reduced by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and the singlet oxygen scavenger sodium azide. Most of the loss of ΔΨm was inhibited by pretreatment with NAC, sodium azide, and the mPTP inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA). mPTP opening was induced upon SDT but was reduced by pretreatment with bongkrekic acid, 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid disodium, CsA, and NAC. Western blot analyses revealed translocation of BAX and cytochrome C, downregulated expression of Bcl-2, and upregulated expression of cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in the SDT group, which were reversed by NAC. Conclusion HY mediated SDT-induced apoptosis in THP-1 macrophages via ROS generation. Then, the proapoptotic factor BAX translocated from the cytosol to the mitochondria, increasing the ratio of BAX/Bcl-2, and the mPTP opened to release cytochrome C. This study demonstrated the great potential of HY-mediated SDT for treating atherosclerosis.
Boost-invariant early time dynamics from AdS/CFT

Boost-invariant dynamics of a strongly-coupled conformal plasma is studied in the regime of early proper-time using the AdS/CFT correspondence. It is shown, in contrast with the late-time expansion, that a scaling solution does not exist. The boundary dynamics in this regime depends on initial conditions encoded in the bulk behavior of a Fefferman-Graham metric coefficient at initial proper-time. The relation between the early-time expansion of the energy density and initial conditions in the bulk of AdS is provided. As a general result it is proven that a singularity of some metric coefficient in Fefferman-Graham frame exists at all times. Requiring that this singularity at ? = 0 is a mere coordinate singularity without the curvature blow-up gives constraints on the possible boundary dynamics. Using a simple Pade resummation for solutions satisfying the regularity constraint, the features of a transition to local equilibrium, and thus to the hydrodynamical late-time regime, have been observed. The impact of this study on the problem of thermalization is discussed.
A synthetic Mn4Ca-cluster mimicking the oxygen-evolving center of photosynthesis

Mimicking the oxygen evolution center Making a synthetic analog of plant photosynthesis is a key goal for exploiting solar energy and replacing fossil fuels. Zhang et al. synthesized a manganese-calcium cluster that looks and acts like the oxygen evolution center in photosystem II (see the Perspective by Sun). The mimic structurally resembles the biological complex, with the notable exception of bridging protein ligands and water-binding sites on a dangling Mn atom. Functionally, however, the cluster's metal center readily undergoes four redox transitions, which contribute to splitting water into oxygen. This and other synthetic mimics will pave the way for developing more efficient catalysts for artificial photosynthesis. Science, this issue p. 690; see also p. 635 A synthetic analog could help shed light on the molecular tools plants use to make oxygen. [Also see Perspective by Sun] Photosynthetic splitting of water into oxygen by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria is catalyzed by the oxygen-evolving center (OEC). Synthetic mimics of the OEC, which is composed of an asymmetric manganese-calcium-oxygen cluster bound to protein groups, may promote insight into the structural and chemical determinants of biological water oxidation and lead to development of superior catalysts for artificial photosynthesis. We synthesized a Mn4Ca-cluster similar to the native OEC in both the metal-oxygen core and the binding protein groups. Like the native OEC, the synthetic cluster can undergo four redox transitions and shows two magnetic resonance signals assignable to redox and structural isomerism. Comparison with previously synthesized Mn3CaO4-cubane clusters suggests that the fourth Mn ion determines redox potentials and magnetic properties of the native OEC.
A Different Approach for Predicting Reaeration Rates in Gravity Sewers and Completely Mixed Tanks

A new semiempirical approach is presented for predicting air‐to‐water oxygen transfer rates in mixed tanks and gravity sewers, using methods adopted from mixing theory. First, a flocculation unit was used to impart selected mean velocity gradients (G) into a completely mixed tank, from which oxygen was first removed, and dissolved oxygen concentrations were measured with time. Regression analysis was used to fit the rate of oxygen transfer equation against G. The reaeration rate in completely mixed reactors was found to be proportional to G 2 (R 2 = 0.987). Subsequently, G was linked to headloss in sewers, and the equation was calibrated using a slope‐adjustable, 27‐m‐long, gravity‐flow, experimental sewer (internal diameter, D = 0.16 m). Here, the reaeration rate was proportional to G 1 (R 2 = 0.981). The equation was compared with existing oxygen transfer models and validated against experimental data from the literature, to which the overall mass transfer coefficient for oxygen, K L a, derived by the new approach, conformed well.