Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patents, Search of Prior Art, and Revelation of Information

This paper examines the strategic non-revelation of information by innovators when applying for patents. The lack of accessible prior art (i.e., an existing set of related inventions) may be responsible for the granting of questionable patents by examiners. In a model of a bilateral search of information we show that an innovator can conceal some information to increase the probability of being granted a patent, and the examiner makes her screening intensity contingent upon the level of prior art transmitted. We then analyze the effects of two policy changes: an existing one, called the Second Pair of Eyes Review, and another in which examiners ex ante commit to screening efforts. Even though the implementation of the former policy reduces strategic non-revelation, its overall implication remains unclear. The latter policy that involves equal screening intensity across all applications requires a limited commitment power from the examiner and induces truthful information transmission.
Multi-stage osteolytic spinal bone lesion detection from CT data with internal sensitivity control

Spinal bone lesion detection is a challenging and important task in cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. In this paper we present a method for fully-automatic osteolytic spinal bone lesion detection from 3D CT data. It is a multi-stage approach subsequently applying multiple discriminative models, i.e., multiple random forests, for lesion candidate detection and rejection to an input volume. For each detection stage an internal control mechanism ensures maintaining sensitivity on unseen true positive lesion candidates during training. This way a pre-defined target sensitivity score of the overall system can be taken into account at the time of model generation. For a lesion not only the center is detected but also, during post-processing, its spatial extension along the three spatial axes defined by the surrounding vertebral body's local coordinate system. Our method achieves a cross-validated sensitivity score of 75% and a mean false positive rate of 3.0 per volume on a data collection consisting of 34 patients with 105 osteolytic spinal bone lesions. The median sensitivity score is 86% at 2.0 false positives per volume.
Visual field loss following vitrectomy for stage 2 and 3 macular holes.

AIM--To describe the phenomenon of peripheral field loss following routine pars plana vitrectomy for stage 2 and 3 full thickness macular hole and to investigate the underlying mechanism. METHODS--Five patients, who reported peripheral field defects after apparently uncomplicated vitrectomy, posterior cortical vitreous peeling, and perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas tamponade, were studied retrospectively with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, automated and kinetic perimetry, fundal fluorescein angiography, focal electroretinography (ERG), and colour contrast sensitivity (CCS) testing. RESULTS--All five patients, who were between 50 and 73 years of age, reported an inferotemporal field defect following resolution of the intraocular gas bubble. In all eyes, the scotomata encroached to within 20 degrees to 30 degrees of fixation and to within 5 degrees to 15 degrees of the blind spot. In one eye, a partial altitudinal component was evident. All scotomata subsequently remained stable and three eyes developed subtle segmental nasal disc pallor and nerve fibre loss corresponding to the field defect. CCS testing revealed absent colour contrast in the scotomatous area, in the presence of a preserved focal quadrantic flash ERG, compared with normal CCS protan thresholds and focal ERGs in unaffected quadrants, indicating preserved outer retinal function in the area of the scotoma. CONCLUSIONS--These observations support the hypothesis that field defects occur as a result of retinal nerve fibre layer damage. It is proposed, on the basis of intraoperative observations and other evidence, that the most likely site of nerve fibre damage is at the nasal portion of the optic nerve rim or peripapillary retina, probably due to traction during cortical vitreous peeling.
Berberine, an Epiphany Against Cancer

Alkaloids are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. These compounds are synthesized in plants as secondary metabolites and have multiple effects on cellular metabolism. Among plant derivatives with biological properties, the isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid berberine possesses a broad range of therapeutic uses against several diseases. In recent years, berberine has been reported to inhibit cell proliferation and to be cytotoxic towards cancer cells. Based on this evidence, many derivatives have been synthesized to improve berberine efficiency and selectivity; the results so far obtained on human cancer cell lines support the idea that they could be promising agents for cancer treatment. The main properties of berberine and derivatives will be illustrated.
Novel Upf2p Orthologues Suggest a Functional Link between Translation Initiation and Nonsense Surveillance Complexes

ABSTRACT Transcripts harboring premature signals for translation termination are recognized and rapidly degraded by eukaryotic cells through a pathway known as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). In addition to protecting cells by preventing the translation of potentially deleterious truncated peptides, studies have suggested that NMD plays a broader role in the regulation of the steady-state levels of physiologic transcripts. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, three trans-acting factors (Upf1p to Upf3p) are required for NMD. Orthologues of Upf1p have been identified in numerous species, showing that the NMD machinery, at least in part, is conserved through evolution. In this study, we demonstrate additional functional conservation of the NMD pathway through the identification of Upf2p homologues inSchizosaccharomyces pombe and humans (rent2). Disruption ofS. pombe UPF2 established that this gene is required for NMD in fission yeast. rent2 was demonstrated to interact directly with rent1, a known trans-effector of NMD in mammalian cells. Additionally, fragments of rent2 were shown to possess nuclear targeting activity, although the native protein localizes to the cytoplasmic compartment. Finally, novel functional domains of Upf2p and rent2 with homology to eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) and other translational regulatory proteins were identified. Directed mutations within these so-called eIF4G homology (4GH) domains were sufficient to abolish the function of S. pombe Upf2p. Furthermore, using the two-hybrid system, we obtained evidence for direct interaction between rent2 and human eIF4AI and Sui1, both components of the translation initiation complex. Based on these findings, a novel model in which Upf2p and rent2 effects decreased translation and accelerated decay of nonsense transcripts through competitive interactions with eIF4G-binding partners is proposed.
BeC3: A Crowd-centric composition testbed for the Internet of Things

With the emergence of IoT devices, such as smartphones, temperature and light devices, etc., the ways of creating IoT applications has changed. IoT applications are often created and managed by a set of central points (orchestration) for different users. However, users may desire to create and manage their own applications based on their own logic in a decentralized way (choreography). Hence, in this paper, we demonstrate BeC3, a tool for creating and deploying Crowd-based applications using the choreography method. BeC3 is based on D-LiTE, a lightweight RESTful virtual machine designed for IoT devices. The users could then compose the D-LiTe-enabled devices using the BeC3 tool. BeC3 provides a simple and intuitive way to compose interaction between IoT components.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Software Testing Practices in Industry

Four papers and a roundtable discussion shed light on the current state of software testing practices. Case studies from industry experience address topics including unit-testing practices, agile testing, and automating software testing. Although many of these approaches show promise, software testing is still one of the more neglected practices within the software development life cycle. Suggestions for improvements in industry and academia are offered.
A Survey Paper on Processor Workloads

Processors are ubiquitous in today's world. Almost any electronic device contains a processor, and their computing power ranges from a few thousand to millions of instruction per second. Processors are built for many different purposes, and so their capabilities vary greatly. Even within a specific area, processors are different enough to make it difficult to compare them. Benchmarks have been developed to measure performance of processors and rank them among their peers. Much research has been conducted to design and develop benchmarks capable of reflecting a processor's performance. This paper surveys benchmarks in five major processor families: general purpose processors, graphics processors, network processors, embedded processors, and processors in supercomputers. This paper also covers some basics about benchmarks.
Transfer Functions of Regular Linear Systems. Part I: Characterizations of Regularity

We recall the main facts about the representation of regular linear systems, essentially that they can be described by equations of the form x(t) = Ax(t) + Bu(t), y(t) = Cx(t) + Du(t) , like finite dimensional systems, but now A, B and C are in general unbounded operators. Regular linear systems are a subclass of abstract linear systems. We define transfer functions of abstract linear systems via a generalization of a theorem of Foures and Segal. We prove a formula for the transfer function of a regular linear system, which is similar to the formula in finite dimensions. The main result is a (simple to state but hard to prove) necessary and sufficient condition for an abstract linear system to be regular, in terms of its transfer function. Other conditions equivalent to regularity are also obtained. The main result is a consequence of a new Tauberian theorem, which is of independent interest.
Observed and CAM3 GCM Sea Surface Wind Speed Distributions: Characterization, Comparison, and Bias Reduction

Abstract Climatological surface wind speed probability density functions (PDFs) estimated from observations are characterized and used to evaluate, for the first time, contemporaneous wind PDFs predicted by a GCM. The observations include NASA’s global Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) dataset, the NCEP/Department of Energy Global Reanalysis 2 (NCEP-2) 6-hourly reanalysis, and the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO)/Triangle Trans-Ocean Buoy Network (TRITON) moored buoy data, all from 2000 to 2005. Wind speed mean, 90th percentile, standard deviation, and Weibull shape parameter climatologies are constructed from these data. New features that emerge from the analysis include the identification of a stationary pattern to the wind speed variance in the equatorial Pacific. Interestingly, a distinct wind speed shape anomaly migrates with the ITCZ across this stationary background. The GCM despite its coarser spatial and temporal resolution predicts wind speed PDFs in general agreement with observations. Relative to .
Financial Valuation and Risk Management Working Paper No . 711 Financial Markets Equilibrium with Heterogeneous Agents

This paper presents an equilibrium model in a pure exchange economy when investors have three possible sources of heterogeneity. Investors may differ in their beliefs, in their level of risk aversion and in their time preference rate. We study the impact of investors heterogeneity on equilibrium properties. In particular, we analyze the consumption shares, the market price of risk, the risk free rate, the bond prices at different maturities, the stock price and volatility as well as the stock’s cumulative returns, and optimal portfolio strategies. We relate the heterogeneous economy with the family of associated homogeneous economies with only one class of investors. We consider cross sectional as well as long run properties.
Influence of Sequential vs. Simultaneous Dual-Task Exercise Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Emerging research indicates that exercise combined with cognitive training may improve cognitive function in older adults. Typically these programs have incorporated sequential training, where exercise and cognitive training are undertaken separately. However, simultaneous or dual-task training, where cognitive and/or motor training are performed simultaneously with exercise, may offer greater benefits. This review summary provides an overview of the effects of combined simultaneous vs. sequential training on cognitive function in older adults. Based on the available evidence, there are inconsistent findings with regard to the cognitive benefits of sequential training in comparison to cognitive or exercise training alone. In contrast, simultaneous training interventions, particularly multimodal exercise programs in combination with secondary tasks regulated by sensory cues, have significantly improved cognition in both healthy older and clinical populations. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal characteristics of a successful simultaneous training program for optimizing cognitive function in older people.
THE EFFECTS OF FAMILIAR MUSIC , UNFAMILIAR MUSIC , AND NO MUSIC ON FACE-NAME RECALL IN AGING ADULTS By JARA

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of familiar music, unfamiliar music, and no music on face-name recall in aging adults. Residents from assisted living facilities and individuals living independently served as participants. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to a control group (no music) and two treatment groups (familiar music and unfamiliar music). Participants in treatments one and two heard the names set to either familiar music or unfamiliar music while they viewed the corresponding faces. Participants were invited to sing along as the song was sung three times. Participants in the control group condition heard the names spoken while they viewed the corresponding faces. Participants were then asked to: recall as many names as possible (free recall), given a name, select the correct face from a closed response set of three faces (recognition), and recall the correct name for each face (face-name recall). All sessions were audio taped in order to record participants’ verbal responses. Data taken from these tapes were then analyzed using a oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) which indicated no significant differences between groups. While no significant difference was found between the groups, groups that received music had a higher mean score than did the control group. Furthermore, the group with familiar music had a higher mean score than did the group with unfamiliar music. Participants’ comments indicated that music made the recall task more enjoyable.
High frequency of silent brain infarcts associated with cognitive deficits in an economically disadvantaged population

OBJECTIVE: Using magnetic resonance imaging, we aimed to assess the presence of silent brain vascular lesions in a sample of apparently healthy elderly individuals who were recruited from an economically disadvantaged urban region (São Paulo, Brazil). We also wished to investigate whether the findings were associated with worse cognitive performance. METHODS: A sample of 250 elderly subjects (66-75 years) without dementia or neuropsychiatric disorders were recruited from predefined census sectors of an economically disadvantaged area of Sao Paulo and received structural magnetic resonance imaging scans and cognitive testing. A high proportion of individuals had very low levels of education (4 years or less, n=185; 21 with no formal education). RESULTS: The prevalence of at least one silent vascular-related cortical or subcortical lesion was 22.8% (95% confidence interval, 17.7–28.5), and the basal ganglia was the most frequently affected site (63.14% of cases). The subgroup with brain infarcts presented significantly lower levels of education than the subgroup with no brain lesions as well as significantly worse current performance in cognitive test domains, including memory and attention (p<0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Silent brain infarcts were present at a substantially high frequency in our elderly sample from an economically disadvantaged urban region and were significantly more prevalent in subjects with lower levels of education. Covert cerebrovascular disease significantly contributes to cognitive deficits, and in the absence of magnetic resonance imaging data, this cognitive impairment may be considered simply related to ageing. Emphatic attention should be paid to potentially deleterious effects of vascular brain lesions in poorly educated elderly individuals from economically disadvantaged environments.
Cytosolic delivery of siRNA by ultra-high affinity dsRNA binding proteins

Abstract Protein-based methods of siRNA delivery are capable of uniquely specific targeting, but are limited by technical challenges such as low potency or poor biophysical properties. Here, we engineered a series of ultra-high affinity siRNA binders based on the viral protein p19 and developed them into siRNA carriers targeted to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Combined in trans with a previously described endosome-disrupting agent composed of the pore-forming protein Perfringolysin O (PFO), potent silencing was achieved in vitro with no detectable cytotoxicity. Despite concerns that excessively strong siRNA binding could prevent the discharge of siRNA from its carrier, higher affinity continually led to stronger silencing. We found that this improvement was due to both increased uptake of siRNA into the cell and improved pharmacodynamics inside the cell. Mathematical modeling predicted the existence of an affinity optimum that maximizes silencing, after which siRNA sequestration decreases potency. Our study characterizing the affinity dependence of silencing suggests that siRNA-carrier affinity can significantly affect the intracellular fate of siRNA and may serve as a handle for improving the efficiency of delivery. The two-agent delivery system presented here possesses notable biophysical properties and potency, and provide a platform for the cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids.
Temporal and Social Context Based Burst Detection from Folksonomies

Burst detection is an important topic in temporal stream analysis. Usually, only the textual features are used in burst detection. In the theme extraction from current prevailing social media content, it is necessary to consider not only textual features but also the pervasive collaborative context, e.g., resource lifetime and user activity. This paper explores novel approaches to combine multiple sources of such indication for better burst extraction. We systematically investigate the characters of collaborative context, i.e., metadata frequency, topic coverage and user attractiveness. First, a robust state based model is utilized to detect bursts from individual streams. We then propose a learning method to combine these burst pulses. Experiments on a large real dataset demonstrate the remarkable improvements over the traditional methods.
Efficient Descriptive Community Mining

Community mining is applied in order to identify groups of users which share, e.g., common interests or expertise. This paper presents an approach for mining descriptive patterns in order to characterize communities in terms of their distinctive features: For an efficient discovery approach, we introduce optimistic estimates for obtaining an upper bound for the community quality. We present an evaluation using data from the real-world social bookmarking system BibSonomy.
On Inductive Progress in Algorithmic Problem Solving

Induction is known, first and foremost, to mathematics and computer science students as an essential means for proving theorems. But induction is much more than that. Induction is also a core heuristic in the process of problem solving. In algorithmics, a problem solver should seek gradual observations of patterns of the problem at hand, and then capitalize on them in devising an algorithmic solution. In this paper we elaborate on the heuristic of inductive progress during algorithmic problem solving. We demonstrate its essential role with three different examples. Such an elaboration may enhance the awareness of tutors and students to components of the gradual process of problem solving.
Glycogen and Maltose Utilization by Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the Mouse Intestine

ABSTRACT Mutant screens and transcriptome studies led us to consider whether the metabolism of glucose polymers, i.e., maltose, maltodextrin, and glycogen, is important for Escherichia coli colonization of the intestine. By using the streptomycin-treated mouse model, we found that catabolism of the disaccharide maltose provides a competitive advantage in vivo to pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 and commensal E. coli K-12, whereas degradation of exogenous forms of the more complex glucose polymer, maltodextrin, does not. The endogenous glucose polymer, glycogen, appears to play an important role in colonization, since mutants that are unable to synthesize or degrade glycogen have significant colonization defects. In support of the hypothesis that E. coli relies on internal carbon stores to maintain colonization during periods of famine, we found that by providing a constant supply of a readily metabolized sugar, i.e., gluconate, in the animal's drinking water, the competitive disadvantage of E. coli glycogen metabolism mutants is rescued. The results suggest that glycogen storage may be widespread in enteric bacteria because it is necessary for maintaining rapid growth in the intestine, where there is intense competition for resources and occasional famine. An important implication of this study is that the sugars used by E. coli are present in limited quantities in the intestine, making endogenous carbon stores valuable. Thus, there may be merit to combating enteric infections by using probiotics or prebiotics to manipulate the intestinal microbiota in such a way as to limit the availability of sugars preferred by E. coli O157:H7 and perhaps other pathogens.
SYMBIODINIUM (DINOPHYTA) DIVERSITY AND STABILITY IN AQUARIUM CORALS 1

Indo‐Pacific reef corals growing for years in closed‐system aquaria provide an alternate means to investigate host–symbiont specificity and stability. The diversity of dinoflagellate endosymbionts (Symbiodinium spp.) from coral communities in private and public aquaria was investigated using molecular‐genetic analyses. Of the 29 symbiont types (i.e., species) identified, 90% belonged to the most prevalent group of Symbiodinium harbored by Indo‐Pacific reef corals, Clade C, while the rest belonged to Clade D. Sixty‐five percent of all types were known from field surveys conducted throughout the Pacific and Indian oceans. Because specific coral–dinoflagellate partnerships appear to have defined geographic distributions, correspondence of the same symbionts in aquarium and field‐collected specimens identifies regions where particular colonies must have been collected in the wild. Symbiodinium spp. in clade D, believed to be “stress‐tolerant” and/or “opportunistic,” occurred in a limited number of individual colonies. The absence of a prevalent, or “weedy,” symbiont suggests that conditions under which aquarium corals are grown do not favor competitive replacements of their native symbiont populations. The finding of typical and diverse assemblages of Symbiodinium spp. among aquarium corals living many years under variable chemical/physical conditions, artificial and natural light, while undergoing fragmentation periodically, indicates that individual colonies maintain stable, long‐term symbiotic associations.