Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explanations in Dialogue Systems through Uncertain RDF Knowledge Bases

We implemented a generic dialogue shell that can be configured for and applied to domain-specific dialogue applications. The dialogue system works robustly for a new domain when the application backend can automatically infer previously unknown knowledge (facts) and provide explanations for the inference steps involved. For this purpose, we employ URDF, a query engine for uncertain and potentially inconsistent RDF knowledge bases. URDF supports rule-based, first-order predicate logic as used in OWL-Lite and OWL-DL, with simple and effective top-down reasoning capabilities. This mechanism also generates explanation graphs. These graphs can then be displayed in the GUI of the dialogue shell and help the user understand the underlying reasoning processes. We believe that proper explanations are a main factor for increasing the level of user trust in end-to-end human-computer interaction systems.
Comparison of CNN models for application in crop health assessment with participatory sensing

Timely and robust diagnosis of plant diseases and nutrient deficiencies play a major role in management of crop yield. Automation is a low cost alternative to human experts and can help to detect early onset of crop diseases which aids faster decision making and in giving recommendations to farmers to curb yield loss. We have developed a smart-phone based participatory sensing application for agriculture which is used by farmers to scout their fields for events of interest, especially those related to crop health. Recently, deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) have emerged as a prominent technique in computer vision related challenges and such deep-learning based models could prove as an important tool to do just-in-time assessment of crop health. With a view to building state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities on the phone, we present analysis of CNN models in terms of accuracy, memory, and inference time. Effects of change in hyperparameters have been evaluated in terms of accuracy. The trained model gives 99.7% classification accuracy with satisfactory inference time and model size which assures the application of CNN architectures for real-time crop state diagnosis on a large scale with limited hardware capabilities.
Lymphoid Tissue Inducer Cells: Pivotal Cells in the Evolution of CD4 Immunity and Tolerance?

Phylogeny suggests that the evolution of placentation in mammals was accompanied by substantial changes in the mammalian immune system: in particular lymph nodes and CD4 high affinity memory antibody responses co-evolved during the same period. Lymphoid tissue inducer cells (LTi) are members of an emerging family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that are crucial for lymph node development, but our studies have indicated that they also play a pivotal role in the long-term maintenance of memory CD4 T cells in adult mammals through their expression of the tumor necrosis family members, OX40- and CD30-ligands. Additionally, our studies have shown that these two molecules are also key operators in CD4 effector function, as their absence obviates the need for the FoxP3 dependent regulatory T (Tregs) cells that prevent CD4 driven autoimmune responses. In this perspective article, we summarize findings from our group over the last 10 years, and focus specifically on the role of LTi in thymus. We suggest that like memory CD4 T cells, LTi also play a role in the selection and maintenance of the Tregs that under normal circumstances are absolutely required to regulate CD4 effector cells.
Prognostic Value of Baseline Plasma Amino-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Its Interactions With Irbesartan Treatment Effects in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Findings From the I-PRESERVE Trial

Background— Plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides (NPs) are associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with systolic heart failure (HF). However, the role of NP as a prognostic marker in patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has not been studied in a large cohort of well-characterized patients. Moreover, it is unclear whether treatments have a differential effect on morbidity and mortality across the spectrum of NP levels. Methods and Results— N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured at baseline in 3480 patients in the I-PRESERVE (Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Trial). In a multivariable Cox regression model, NT-proBNP above the median of 339 pg/mL was independently associated with an increased risk of the primary end point of all-cause mortality and prespecified cardiovascular hospitalizations (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.79; 95% CI, 1.56 to 2.10; P<0.001); all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.68 to 2.47; P<0.001); and a composite of HF events, including death due to worsening HF or sudden death or hospitalization due to worsening HF (adjusted HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.43 to 2.20; P<0.001). There were significant interactions between the effect of irbesartan and median split of baseline NT-proBNP for the primary outcome (P=0.005), all-cause mortality (P=0.05), and the HF composite outcome (P<0.001). Use of irbesartan was associated with improved outcomes in patients with NT-proBNP below, but not above, the median. After adjusting for 20 baseline covariates, irbesartan still had a beneficial effect on the primary outcome (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60 to 90; P=0.003), all-cause mortality (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.99; P=0.046), and HF composite outcome (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.80; P=0.001) in patients with NT-proBNP below the median. Conclusions— The unexpected benefit of irbesartan in lower-risk patients with HFpEF in this post hoc analysis may indicate effects on early, but not later, high-risk stages of the disease. These findings question the strategy of using elevated plasma concentrations of NP as a patient selection criterion in HFpEF trials. More studies are needed to support or contest this practice. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00095238.
Eysenck's theory of crime revisited: Factors or primary scales?

Purpose. This study aims to advance the original formulation of Eysenck's theory of criminality from the factorial level to suggest that primary scales of personality best determine reports of delinquency. Method. Two self-report studies were conducted. The first consisted of 101 students and the second used an additional 101 students. The first study used measures of Self-Reported Delinquency (SRD) and Socialisation (Gough & Peterson, 1952) and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Edition (EPQ-R; H.J. Eysenck & Eysenck, 1991). The second study complemented the first study to utilize the EPQ-R and SRD only. Results. A series of exploratory hierarchical multiple entry regressions of the factors in the first study demonstrate that high Psychoticism predicts SRD, whereas high Psychoticism and Neuroticism predict Under-socialization. The primary scales of Disrespect for Rules, Depressed and Need for Stimulation significantly predict both criteria. The second study extends the first study through structural equation modelling to provide acceptable evidence of the concurrent validity of these primary scales with SRD. Conclusions. We propose that the significant primary scales of personality provide a clear reformulation of Eysenck's original theory of criminality as they explain the variance in delinquency and socialization in a systematic manner. Furthermore, primary scales provide a theoretical framework for behavioural interventions, as required by Blackburn (2000).
Effectiveness of rhythmic movement therapy: Case study of subjective well-being

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of rhythmic movement therapy (RMT) for increasing subjective well-being (SWB) in a healthy, non-clinical population. Methods: A total of 273 subjects seeking psychological counselling (coaching) were willing to participate in the study and assessed with the appropriate questionnaires. Two groups were formed: 1 (very low, low and medium SWB levels; n = 156) and 2 (high and very high SWB levels; n = 117). Subjects of Group 1 were randomly assigned to 10 RMT groups (n = 105) and 5 waiting-list control groups (n = 51). Results: The results demonstrated significant improvement in SWB level and several other personal variables in subjects of the RMT group compared with unimproved subjects of the control groups, except for personal standards and neuroticism. Conclusion: Substantial changes in SWB and psychological state were observed as a result of RMT intervention.
Cancer Therapy : Clinical Phase I Studies of CBP 501 , a G 2 Checkpoint Abrogator , as Monotherapy and in Combination with Cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Purpose: Two phase I dose-escalation studies were conducted to determine themaximum tolerated dose (MTD) and safety profile of the G2 checkpoint abrogator CBP501, as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin. Experimental Design: Patients with advanced solid tumors were treated with CBP501 alone (D1/D8/ D15, q4w, from 0.9 mg/m), or with cisplatin (both on D1, q3w, from 3.6 mg/m CBP501, 50 mg/m cisplatin). Dose escalation proceeded if dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed in 1 or less of 3 to 6 patients; CBP501 dose increments were implemented according to the incidence of toxicity. MTD was determined from DLTs occurring during the first two cycles. Results: In the combination study, the DLT was a histamine-release syndrome (HRS) occurring 10 to 60 minutes after initiating infusion that was attenuated by prophylaxis comprising dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, ranitidine, and loratadine. The MTDwas 25mg/m CBP501 and 75mg/m cisplatin, with two patients at the highest dose (36.4mg/m CBP501, 75mg/m cisplatin) experiencing grade 3 HRS. The only DLT with monotherapy was transient G3 rise of troponin in one patient. Grade 3 to 4 treatment–related events were rare. Promising activity was observed with CBP501/cisplatin, mainly in ovarian and mesothelioma patients who had previously progressed on platinum-containing regimens. Among ovarian cancer patients, low expression of DNA repair proteins was associated with partial response or stable disease. Conclusions: CBP501 is well tolerated in patients as monotherapy and with cisplatin. At the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), the combination is feasible and HRS manageable with prophylaxis. Evidence of antitumor activity was observed in platinum-resistant patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(10); 3431–42. 2011 AACR.
Participatory Design With Seniors: Design of Future Services and Iterative Refinements of Interactive eHealth Services for Old Citizens

Background There is an increasing social isolation among the elderly today. This will be an even larger issue in the future with growing numbers of elderly and less resources, for example, in terms of economy and staff. Loneliness and social isolation can, however, be addressed in several ways using different interactive eHealth services. Objective This case study investigated novel eHealth services for the elderly, and their usage of a social interactive device designed especially for them. Methods In this work, we used an innovative mobile communication device connected to the television (TV), which worked as a remotely controlled large interactive screen. The device was tested by 8 volunteers who visited a senior center. They were between 65 and 80 years of age and lived in their own homes. Throughout the 1.5 year-long project, 7 design workshops were held with the seniors and the staff at the center. During these workshops, demands and preferences regarding existing and new services were gathered. At the end of the project the participants’ experience of the device and of the services was elaborated in 3 workshops to get ideas for improved or new meaningful services. During the data analyses and development process, what seniors thought would be useful in relation to what was feasible was prioritized by the development company. Results Regarding daily usage, the seniors reported that they mainly used the service for receiving information from the senior center and for communication with other participants in the group or with younger relatives. They also read information about events at the senior center and they liked to perform a weekly sent out workout exercise. Further, they played games such as Memory and Sudoku using the device. The service development focused on three categories of services: cognitive activities, social activities, and physical activities. A cognitive activity service that would be meaningful to develop was a game for practicing working memory. In the social activities category, the seniors wanted different quizzes and multi-player games. For physical activities, the seniors desired more workout exercises and suggestions for guided walking routes. A new category, “information and news”, was suggested since they lacked services like senior-customized global and local news. Conclusions This study showed the importance of input from a group of seniors when designing new services for elderly citizens. Besides input to interactive eHealth service development for seniors, this study showed the importance of a social context around such work. The seniors were very engaged throughout the project and workshops were frequently visited and the seniors became friends. The high amount of input from the seniors could be explained in terms of social inclusion; they belonged to a group and each member was considered important for the work. The friendly workshop atmosphere facilitated new ideas and redesign of the services.
Making the connection: the importance of engagement and retention in HIV medical care.

Despite the availability and proven efficacy of medical treatment, many individuals living with HIV in the United States today are not engaged in regular HIV medical care or receiving antiretroviral medications. This journal supplement highlights results of a national 5-year multisite Outreach Initiative, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in 2001 to "engage people in HIV care, turn sporadic users of care into regular users, and promote retention in care. " The introductory paper for the supplement provides background information on the characteristics of individuals who are not engaged in regular HIV care, the barriers they face, intervention options, and the public policy implications of this issue. Interventions to engage and retain underserved populations living with HIV in medical care are essential to ensure access to medical care and to reduce disparities in health outcomes.
Augmenting social awareness in a collaborative development environment

Social awareness, that is information that a person maintains about others in a social or conversational context, can contribute to counteract the lack of teamness in global software development and strengthen trust among remote developers. We hypothesize that information shared on social media can work for distributed software teams as a surrogate of the social awareness gained during informal face to face chats. As a preliminary step we have developed a tool that extends a collaborative development environment by aggregating content from social networks and microblogs into the developer's workspace.
bioDBnet: the biological database network

SUMMARY bioDBnet is an online web resource that provides interconnected access to many types of biological databases. It has integrated many of the most commonly used biological databases and in its current state has 153 database identifiers (nodes) covering all aspects of biology including genes, proteins, pathways and other biological concepts. bioDBnet offers various ways to work with these databases including conversions, extensive database reports, custom navigation and has various tools to enhance the quality of the results. Importantly, the access to bioDBnet is updated regularly, providing access to the most recent releases of each individual database. AVAILABILITY http://biodbnet.abcc. ncifcrf.gov.
A MedlinePlus® Kiosk Promoting Health Literacy

As an ongoing community outreach project, a pictorial touch-screen kiosk and Web site was developed for 48 MedlinePlus® tutorials. This learning experience serves Davidson County, Tennessee's uninsured patients at the University of Tennessee/Baptist Hospital's Internal Medicine Clinic. The availability of a health information kiosk at the University of Tennessee/Baptist Hospital primary care clinic significantly increases health literacy for patients by providing reliable, physician-recommended information in an appropriate format—information these patients did not previously find readily available. Participants report they have a greater understanding of their health issues, and the project is introducing hundreds of patients to MedlinePlus.
Prophylaxis Against Hepatitis B Recurrence Posttransplantation Using Lamivudine and Individualized Low‐Dose Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin

Although the combination of lamivudine (LAM) and high‐dose intravenous (IV) hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) is very effective in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT), the major limitation of this regimen is its high cost. A more cost‐effective, convenient and widely accepted regimen is urgently needed. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of another strategy using LAM and individualized low‐dose intramuscular (IM) HBIG. Between May 2002 and December 2009, a total of 254 adult patients undergoing LT for HBV‐related benign end‐stage liver diseases received this regimen in our center. The mean follow‐up of these patients was 41.2 ± 22.7 months. Their 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 85.3%, 77.4% and 76.4%, respectively, and 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year HBV recurrence rates were 2.3%, 6.2% and 8.2%. Fourteen patients experienced posttransplant HBV recurrence. Pretransplant high viral load and posttransplant prednisone withdrawal time were observed to be associated with recurrence. In conclusion, combination therapy with LAM and individualized low‐dose IM HBIG provides a safe and effective prophylaxis against HBV recurrence after LT at about 5% of the cost of conventional high‐dose IV HBIG regimens.
Modularism, holism, connectionism: Old conflicts and new perspectives in aphasiology and neuropsychology

Abstract A number of prototypical features of theory construction in neurolinguistics and neuropsychology are evaluated from a predominantly biological point of view. The current state of neuropsychology, particularly of cognitive neuropsychology, is traced back both to the localizationist heritage and to the influence of artificial intelligence. The conventional assumption of modularity, i.e. of discreteness and autonomy of processing subsystems, is criticized as resulting from a non-biological engineering approach which is more appropriate for building clever machines than for understanding naturally selected intelligence. Furthermore, a relativistic interpretation of modularity versus holism, and similarly of innateness versus environmental determination, is proposed which permits us to understand such properties as graded and as dependent upon the interpretation of empirical data biassed by theoretical presuppositions.
[Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patientcarrying SOD1-V14M mutation].

OBJECTIVE To generate familial ALS patient specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines and motor neurons and provide a cell-based disease model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Han Chinese. METHODS iPS cells were derived from familial ALS patient by introducing 4 transcription factors OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC into fibroblast cells by retroviruses. Karyotypic analysis, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to identify the pluripotency of these iPS cell lines. In addition, motor neurons were derived from these iPS cells by inhibiting SMAD pathway. RESULTS IPS cell lines were established from ALS patient carrying SOD1-V14M mutation. They had pluripotency and were similar to human ES cells. Furthermore, motor neurons were successfully induced from these iPS cells. CONCLUSION SOD1-V14M mutation does not affect the reprogramming of fibroblast cells and pluripotency of iPS cells, nor does it prevent differentiation of motor neurons. Furthermore, the above cell-based disease model can recapitulate key aspects of ALS pathogenesis so that it provides an indispensible resource for further elucidating ALS disease pathogenesis and screening appropriate drug candidates in Han Chinese.
Actor or victim of aggression: divergent perspectives-divergent evaluations

The present study investigated the general assumption of perspective-specific dissent between actor and victim in evaluating aggressive interactions. Four experimental designs were established to test the relation of evaluations between (a) actor versus victim when judging a single act, (b) initiator versus reactor when judging action and reaction, and (c) actor as well as recipient when judging own versus other's behaviour. Results of 2 × 2 ANOVAs supported the hypotheses showing a consistently more favourable evaluation of identical actions by actors versus recipients with respect to the dependent variable ‘appropriateness’. For the second dependent variable ‘aggressiveness’ differences were not significant. Cette etude a examine l'hypothese generale d'une difference de perspective specifique entre l'acteur et la victime pour evaluer des interactions agressives. Quatre plans experimentaux ont ete etablis pour tester la relation existante entre les evaluations de: (1) un acteur ou une victime qui jugent un seǔl acte; (2) l'initiateur ou celui qui reagit lorsqu'ils jugent une action et une rtaction; (3) l'acteur et la victime lorsqu'ils jugent leur propre comportement ou celui de I'autre. Les rtsultats de 2 × 2 ANOVAS confortent les hypothtses. Ils montrent de facon consistante une evaluation plus favorable des měmes actes par les acteurs que par les victimes en ce qui concerne la variable dependante: ‘caractere approprie’. Les differences ne sont pas significatives pour la seconde variable dependante: ‘caractere agressif’.
Evaluación de la sensibilidad y la especificidad de un método basado en umbral en la detección de la actividad electromiográfica durante la marcha

The surface electromyography signal (sEMG) provides important information for the assessment of muscle function during gait. The intervals of SEMG activity in each muscle and the relationship between them are often used for evaluation. Intervals are often determined by a simple threshold method. In this paper the method was evaluated in terms of specificity and sensitivity in detecting activation intervals in real signals obtained during gait in a healthy subject. While it was observed that the behaviour of the method with different threshold is similar in all muscles, the sensitivity and specificity depend on the muscle in which it is applied. These differences in sensitivity and specificity could have an effect on the indicator's reliability proposed for the evaluation of the SEMG signal during gait.
Candidates and Issues

The 1952 presidential campaign has just got under way with the New Hampshire primary, and it seems appropriate to take a preliminary look at the candidates and the issues. The first question that presents itself is this: Which candidacies are to be taken seriously and which are to be treated as maneuvers that really aim at something other than the presidency? This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website , where most recent articles are published in full. Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.