Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aligning Entity Names with Online Aliases on Twitter

This paper presents new models that automatically align online aliases with their real entity names. Many research applications rely on identifying entity names in text, but people often refer to entities with unexpected nicknames and aliases. For example, The King and King James are aliases for Lebron James, a professional basketball player. Recent work on entity linking attempts to resolve mentions to knowledge base entries, like a wikipedia page, but linking is unfortunately limited to well-known entities with pre-built pages. This paper asks a more basic question: can aliases be aligned without background knowledge of the entity? Further, can the semantics surrounding alias mentions be used to inform alignments? We describe statistical models that make decisions based on the lexicographic properties of the aliases with their semantic context in a large corpus of tweets. We experiment on a database of Twitter users and their usernames, and present the first human evaluation for this task. Alignment accuracy approaches human performance at 81%, and we show that while lexicographic features are most important, the semantic context of an alias further improves classification accuracy.
Correlation between pentraxin-3 and endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Background and Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recent studies showed endothelial dysfunction and pentraxin-3 both of an early marker for development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between severity of OSAS and endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory markers including pentraxin-3 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which patients who had undergone a polysomnographic study for diagnosis of OSAS were recruited. Included patients were grouped according to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as mild (AHI between 5 and 14.9) and moderate-severe OSAS (AHI ΃ 15). Patients with AHI < 5 served as control group. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Serum pentraxin-3 and hs-CRP levels were measured. Results: Eighty-three patients enrolled for the study. We found a significant increment in pentraxin-3 and hs-CRP levels and a significant decrement in FMD as the severity of OSAS increased. There was a negative correlation between FMD and AHI, pentraxin, and hs-CRP. Conclusion: OSAS patients have significantly elevated pentraxin-3 levels and endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, both pentraxin-3 and endothelial dysfunction were independently associated with severity of OSAS defined by AHI.
Neither fixed nor random: weighted least squares meta‐analysis

This study challenges two core conventional meta‐analysis methods: fixed effect and random effects. We show how and explain why an unrestricted weighted least squares estimator is superior to conventional random‐effects meta‐analysis when there is publication (or small‐sample) bias and better than a fixed‐effect weighted average if there is heterogeneity. Statistical theory and simulations of effect sizes, log odds ratios and regression coefficients demonstrate that this unrestricted weighted least squares estimator provides satisfactory estimates and confidence intervals that are comparable to random effects when there is no publication (or small‐sample) bias and identical to fixed‐effect meta‐analysis when there is no heterogeneity. When there is publication selection bias, the unrestricted weighted least squares approach dominates random effects; when there is excess heterogeneity, it is clearly superior to fixed‐effect meta‐analysis. In practical applications, an unrestricted weighted least squares weighted average will often provide superior estimates to both conventional fixed and random effects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Threshold Based Relay Selection in Cooperative Wireless Networks

This paper considers two-hop cooperative relaying using multiple relays and proposes a threshold based relay selection protocol. In this protocol the relays are selected among those having received SNR higher than a threshold value. The relay selection is performed by the destination based on the received SNRs at the destination during the last hop. The exact bit error rate of this protocol is derived and it is shown that it achieves full diversity order. Unlike some other full diversity achieving protocols in the literature, the requirement that the exact/average SNRs of the source-relay links be known at the destination is eliminated using an appropriate SNR threshold.
Tubulin assembly sites and the organization of cytoplasmic microtubules in cultured mammalian cells

The number, distribution, and nucleating capacity of microtubule- organizing centers (MTOCs) has been investigated in a variety of cultured mammalian cells. Most interphase cells contain a single MTOC that is localized at the centrosome region and corresponds to the centriole and pericentriolar material. MTOCs, like centrioles, become duplicated during the S phase of the cell cycle and are equationally distributed to daughter cells in mitosis. Multiple MTOCs were rarely observed in cultured cells except in one cell line (neuroblastoma), which also displayed an equally large number of centrioles in the cytoplasm. The kinetics of microtubule assembly and the tubulin nucleating capacity of MTOCs was assayed by incubating tubulin- depleted, permeabilized 3T3 and simian virus 40-transformed 3T3 cells with phosphocellulose-purified 65 brain tubulin and microtubule assembly buffer. Initiation and assembly of 65 tubulin occurred in association with the cells' endogenous MTOCs, and the length, number, and distribution of microtubules generated about the organizing centers were regulated and cell specific. Our results are consistent with the notion that the specification of microtubule length, number, and spatial arrangement resides largely in the MTOCs and surrounding cytoplasm and not in the tubulin subunits.
Somatic mutations in the variable regions of a human IgG anti-double- stranded DNA autoantibody suggest a role for antigen in the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus

The processes that govern the generation of pathogenic anti-DNA autoantibodies in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are largely unknown. Autoantibodies may arise as a consequence of polyclonal B cell activation and/or antigen-driven B cell activation and selection. The role of these processes in humoral autoimmunity may be studied by molecular genetic analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) variable (V) regions of antibodies that are characteristic of SLE. We have analyzed the gene elements that encode a high affinity, IgG anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibody secreted by a monoclonal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)- transformed cell line derived from a patient with active SLE. In addition, we have identified, cloned, and sequenced the germline counterparts of the VH and VL genes expressed in this autoantibody. The comparison of both sets of gene elements shows that the autoantibody VH and VL regions harbor numerous somatic mutations characteristic of an antigen-driven immune response. The light chain expressed in this autoantibody is a somatically mutated variant of the kv325 germline gene that is frequently associated with paraproteins having autoantibody activity and with Ig molecules produced by malignant B cells that express the CD5 antigen. Furthermore, the utilized DH segment has been repeatedly found in multireactive, low affinity IgM anti-DNA autoantibodies from SLE patients and healthy individuals. These results suggest that pathogenic IgG anti-DNA autoantibodies in human SLE may arise through antigen-driven selection of somatic mutations in the gene elements that frequently encode multireactive IgM autoantibodies.
Imbalance of von Willebrand factor and its cleaving protease ADAMTS13 during systemic inflammation superimposed on advanced cirrhosis

Systemic inflammation in advanced cirrhosis represents a spectrum ranging from subclinical pathological bacterial translocation and immune activation to overt bacterial infection and sepsis. We hypothesized that systemic inflammation in cirrhosis is accompanied by a failure of ADAMTS13 to control the prothrombotic function of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is increased in portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis.
Functional Diversification of Motor Neuron-specific Isl1 Enhancers during Evolution

Functional diversification of motor neurons has occurred in order to selectively control the movements of different body parts including head, trunk and limbs. Here we report that transcription of Isl1, a major gene necessary for motor neuron identity, is controlled by two enhancers, CREST1 (E1) and CREST2 (E2) that allow selective gene expression of Isl1 in motor neurons. Introduction of GFP reporters into the chick neural tube revealed that E1 is active in hindbrain motor neurons and spinal cord motor neurons, whereas E2 is active in the lateral motor column (LMC) of the spinal cord, which controls the limb muscles. Genome-wide ChIP-Seq analysis combined with reporter assays showed that Phox2 and the Isl1-Lhx3 complex bind to E1 and drive hindbrain and spinal cord-specific expression of Isl1, respectively. Interestingly, Lhx3 alone was sufficient to activate E1, and this may contribute to the initiation of Isl1 expression when progenitors have just developed into motor neurons. E2 was induced by onecut 1 (OC-1) factor that permits Isl1 expression in LMCm neurons. Interestingly, the core region of E1 has been conserved in evolution, even in the lamprey, a jawless vertebrate with primitive motor neurons. All E1 sequences from lamprey to mouse responded equally well to Phox2a and the Isl1-Lhx3 complex. Conversely, E2, the enhancer for limb-innervating motor neurons, was only found in tetrapod animals. This suggests that evolutionarily-conserved enhancers permit the diversification of motor neurons.
Movement patterns in cricket vary by both position and game format

Abstract We compared the movement patterns of cricketers in different playing positions across three formats of cricket (Twenty20, One Day, multi-day matches). Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence cricketers (n = 42) from five positions (batting, fast bowling, spin bowling, wicketkeeping, and fielding) had their movement patterns (walk, jog, run, stride, and sprint) quantified by global positioning system (GPS) technology over two seasons. Marked differences in movement patterns were evident between positions and game formats, with fast bowlers undertaking the greatest workload of any position in cricket. Fast bowlers sprinted twice as often, covered over three times the distance sprinting, with much smaller work-to-recovery ratios than other positions. Fast bowlers during multi-day matches covered 22.6 ± 4.0 km (mean ± s) total distance in a day (1.4 ± 0.9 km in sprinting). In comparison, wicketkeepers rarely sprinted, despite still covering a daily total distance of 16.6 ± 2.1 km. Overall, One Day and Twenty20 cricket required ∼50 to 100% more sprinting per hour than multi-day matches. However, multi-day cricket's longer duration resulted in 16–130% more sprinting per day. In summary, the shorter formats (Twenty20 and One Day) are more intensive per unit of time, but multi-day cricket has a greater overall physical load.
Compositional Basis of Biological Design

Asymmetric sophisticated interactions between parts of a system that is embedded in the environment which changes from time to time leads to modularisation and to growing complexity because the environment has also evolved as a result of the activity of its inhabitants. The author has analysed research on modularity in biology and his own results in this field. Examples of a complex system and programmable self-assembling are given. Recognition and exploitation of modularity in artificial and natural systems are demonstrated. A particular role of horizontal gene transfer as a novel hypothesis on biological modularity is given special attention to. A formal model of compositional evolution under supervision of the environment that changes over time is considered. Some examples of the bottom-up design for artificial genetic networks of increasing complexity are obtainable. Different kinds of behaviour for virtual creatures – sperm cells and ova – are shown. Presented case studies may be useful for the development of a common theory of biological design.
Using Characters to Engage and Teach Novice Web Users: A Case Study

Starpoint Solutions was contracted by a major North American bank to design, develop, and usability test a series of five Web-based, interactive lessons teaching lowto middle-income people the basics of money management and financial independence in a classroom setting. The target audience is expected to have little or no experience with the Web or computers. Each of the five lessons had a character guide associated with it. These guides provided personal commentary from their fictional financial situations and were often integrated into interactive games and exercises. Subjective findings agreed with previous research, which has shown that the use of characters in user interfaces can greatly enhance the user experience – especially with people who may lack confidence and a sense of control. These traits were observed in usability testing participants and are expected to be common among novice end users.
Assessment of Formability of Hot-Rolled Steel through Determination of Hole-Expansion Ratio

Hole expansion ratio has been designed in recent past to characterize formability/stretch flangeability of hot-rolled high-strength steel. Various factors influencing the determination of hole-expansion ratio has been discussed. Parameters such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, carbon equivalent have been correlated with the hole-expansion ratio of various grades of hot-rolled steel. It is found that the ultimate tensile strength of steel is the most important criterion that correlates with hole expansion ratio provided the strengthening mechanism in the steel is the same.
Model Risk for European-Style Stock Index Options

In empirical modeling, there have been two strands for pricing in the options literature, namely the parametric and nonparametric models. Often, the support for the nonparametric methods is based on a benchmark such as the Black-Scholes (BS) model with constant volatility. In this paper, we study the stochastic volatility (SV) and stochastic volatility random jump (SVJ) models as parametric benchmarks against feedforward neural network (FNN) models, a class of neural network models. Our choice for FNN models is due to their well-studied universal approximation properties of an unknown function and its partial derivatives. Since the partial derivatives of an option pricing formula are risk pricing tools, an accurate estimation of the unknown option pricing function is essential for pricing and hedging. Our findings indicate that FNN models offer themselves as robust option pricing tools, over their sophisticated parametric counterparts in predictive settings. There are two routes to explain the superiority of FNN models over the parametric models in forecast settings. These are nonnormality of return distributions and adaptive learning
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy Compared With Abdominal, Vaginal, and Laparoscopic Vaginal Hysterectomy in a Primary Care Hospital Setting

Objective: This study compares the operative parameters of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, total vaginal hysterectomy, and total abdominal hysterectomy in patients in a small suburban medical center. Methods: This investigation is a Canadian Classification II-2. It was performed in a 238 bed not-for-profit community general hospital. Charts of 117 patients were reviewed. These patients had undergone the following procedures: laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, total vaginal hysterectomy, total abdominal hysterectomy; questionnaires completed by the patients were reviewed. All patients had hysterectomies performed by members of the Ob/Gyn department of Alamance Regional Medical Center. Comparisons of intraoperative and postoperative events were made in those patients who consented to the study and who returned their questionnaires. Parameters compared were patient age, weight, preoperative diagnosis, operative time, operative complications, blood loss, uterine weight, length of stay, postoperative complications, return to hospital, return to work, resumption of intercourse, dyspareunia, and bowel or bladder problems. Results: Patient demographics and outcomes are similar. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy showed lower morbidity and quicker return to normal function, but most findings did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The results support the conclusion that the patients in each arm of the study are similar. The operative parameters show a longer operating time for the laparoscopic procedures than for total abdominal hysterectomy and total vaginal hysterectomy, respectively. The other indicators of morbidity show slight advantages of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy in blood loss, length of stay, and resumption of normal activities.
UptakeInhibiting Receptor-Mediated Antigen Cross-Presentation and T Cell Responses by CD13 Regulates Dendritic Cell

Dendritic cell (DC) Ag cross-presentation is generally associated with immune responses to tumors and viral Ags, and enhancement of this process is a focus of tumor vaccine design. In this study, we found that the myeloid cell surface peptidase CD13 is highly and speciﬁcally expressed on the subset of DCs responsible for cross-presentation, the CD8 + murine splenic DCs. In vivo studies indicated that lack of CD13 signiﬁcantly enhanced T cell responses to soluble OVA Ag, although development, maturation, and Ag processing and presentation of DCs are normal in CD13KO mice. In vitro studies showed that CD13 regulates receptor-mediated, dynamin-dependent endocytosis of Ags such as OVA and transferrin but not ﬂuid-phase or phagocytic Ag uptake. CD13 and Ag are cointernalized in DCs, but CD13 did not coimmunoprecipitate with Ag receptors, suggesting that CD13 does not control internalization of speciﬁc receptors but regulates endocytosis at a more universal level. Mechanistically, we found that phosphorylation of the endocytic regulators p38MAPK and Akt was dysregulated in CD13KO DCs, and blocking of these kinases perturbed CD13-dependent endocytic uptake. Therefore, CD13 is a novel endocytic regulator that may be exploited to enhance Ag uptake and T cell activation to improve the efﬁcacy of tumor-targeted vaccines. The Journal of Immunology , 2012, 188: 000–000.
Hardening, recovery, and creep in fcc mono- and polycrystals. [Strain hardening and softening superposition, strain-rate dependence]

It is shown that the Bailey-Orowan approach to simultaneous strain hardening and recovery is in conflict with experimental results on the work-hardening behavior of many fcc mono- and polycrystals, and therefore should not be used in creep theories either. A more promising approach is the superposition of strain hardening and strain softening, a term used for mechanically rather than thermally activated recovery processes. The strain-rate dependence of the mechanical properties is then characterized by two exponents m and n, one for the isostructural flow stress and one for the strain-softening process. The latter dominates steady-state creep up to temperatures of about 0.6 of the melting point, and can, by extrapolation, even explain high-temperature creep.
Direct Writing of Photonic Structures by Two-Photon Polymerization

Single-mode dielectric-loaded surface plasmon-polariton nanowaveguides with strong mode confinement at excitation wavelength of 830 nm and high- Q polymer whispering gallery mode microcavities with surface roughness less than 12 nm have been directly written by two-photon polymerization, which pave the way to fabricate 3D plasmonic photonic structures by direct laser writing.
Wireless SAW sensor for high temperature applications: material point of view

In addition to being small, simple and robust, surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices have the advantage of being passive (batteryless), remotely requestable (wireless) and inexpensive if fabricated on a large scale. The use of SAW devices as passive and wireless sensors allows them to operate in extreme conditions such as those with high levels of radiation, high temperatures up to 1000°C, or electromagnetic interference, in which no other wireless sensor can operate. This is obviously conditioned by the fact that the materials constituting the device can withstand these harsh conditions. General principle of the SAW sensor in wireless configuration is developed and a review of recent works concerning the field of high temperature applications is presented with a specific attention given to the characterization of materials constituting the SAW device: piezoelectric substrate and metallic electrodes.
Informed Source Separation of Orchestra and Soloist

A novel technique of unmasking to repair the degradation in sources separated by spectrogram masking is proposed. Our approach is based on explicit knowledge of the musical audio at note level from a score-audio alignment, which we termed Informed Source Separation (ISS). Such knowledge allows the spectrogram energy to be decomposed into note-based models. We assume that a spectrogram mask for the solo is obtained and focus on the problem of repairing audio resulting from applying the mask. We evaluate the spectrogram as well as the harmonic structure of the music. We either search for unmasked (orchestra) partials of the orchestra to be transposed onto a masked (solo) region or reshape a solo partial with phase and amplitude imputed from unmasked regions. We describe a Kalman smoothing technique to decouple the phase and amplitude of a musical partial that enables the modification to the spectrogram. Audio examples from a piano concerto are available for evaluation.
System-Level Specification Testing Of Wireless Transceivers

This paper presents an efficient system-level manufacturing test methodology for wireless transceiver systems. Conventional system-level testing procedures incur large test times and require the use of multiple test hardware configurations for measuring frequency and modulation-domain performance specifications, e.g., system-gain, nonlinearity, noise-figure, channel power, adjacent-channel power-ratio, error vector magnitude, modulation signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate. The proposed test methodology addresses these problems by simplifying the test stimulus application and test response capture/analysis procedures. In addition, the number of test hardware configurations needed to measure all the performance specifications is minimized and fewer as well as shorter tests are used to determine all the test specification values of interest. Test accuracy is achieved by optimizing the test stimulus so that the observed response has strong statistical correlation with the target test specification values. Experimental results show significant testing time reduction and was validated on 1.575 GHz and 900 MHz wireless transceiver prototypes.
Progress in preventing cervical cancer: Updated evidence on vaccination and screening.

This issue of Outlook provides an update on opportunities for preventing cervical cancer through vaccination and screening. It summarizes recent evidence on the safety and efficacy of human papillomavirus vaccines as well as successful approaches for screening and treatment in low-resource areas. Other topics include cost-effectiveness communication and training and implications for policy and programs.