Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Question-Answering via Enhanced Understanding of Questions

We describe a machine learning centered approach to developing an open domain question answering system. The system was developed in the summer of 2002, building upon several existing machine learning based NLP modules developed within a uniﬁed framework. Both queries and data were pre-processed and augmented with pos tagging, shallow parsing information, and some level of semantic categorization (beyond named entity) using a SNoW based machine learning approach. Given these as input, the sys-tem proceeds as an incremental constraint satisfaction process. A machine learning based question analysis module extracts structural and semantic constraints on the answer, including a ﬁne classi-ﬁcation of the desired answer type. The system continues in several steps to identify candidate passages and then extracts an answer that best satis-ﬁes the constraints. With the available machine learning technologies, the system was developed in six weeks with the goal of identifying some of the key research issues of QA and challenges to it.
Direct correlation of collagen matrix deformation with focal adhesion dynamics in living corneal fibroblasts

The purpose of this study was to develop and apply a new model for investigating how the organization and movement of cell-matrix adhesion sites correlate with force generation by corneal fibroblasts on a fibrillar collagen extracellular matrix. Primary cultures of rabbit corneal fibroblasts were transfected using a vector encoding GFP-zyxin to allow visualization of adhesion sites. Cells were plated at low density on top of 100 μm thick fibrillar collagen lattices embedded with 2 μm diameter red fluorescent beads. Time-lapse imaging was performed at one minute intervals for up to 3 hours. At each time interval, GFP-zyxin, bead and DIC images were acquired in rapid succession using filter wheels. Cells were treated with cytochalasin D and/or Triton X-100 at the end of each experiment. The movements of adhesions and nearby matrix landmarks were measured and correlated from the time-lapse digital images, and the size, intensity and orientation of the adhesions were quantified. GFP-zyxin was detected in adhesions of transfected corneal fibroblasts as confirmed using vinculin counterstaining. Time-lapse imaging revealed extensions and retractions of cell processes and displacements of the fiduciary beads that were similar to control cells. Extending processes exhibited the most complex behavior, with new adhesions continuously forming at the leading edge while existing adhesions moved backward in a retrograde fashion. This process generated tractional forces as indicated by pulling in of the extracellular matrix in front of the cell. Interestingly, during extension, adhesions along the ventral surface of the cell body generally moved toward those at the tip, resulting in contractile-like shortening and matrix compression at the base of lamellipodia. Overall, a high correlation was found between both the magnitude (R=0.87, P<0.001) and direction (R=0.98, P<0.001) of the adhesions and nearby matrix displacements. Cytochalasin D induced rapid and reversible disassembly of adhesions, cell elongation and matrix relaxation, including decompression at the base of the lamellipodia. This new experimental model allows direct, dynamic assessment of cell-matrix interactions on a fibrillar collagen matrix. Our results are consistent with the previously described `frontal towing' model of cell motility and demonstrate for the first time that this mechanism is employed by cells interacting with a fibrillar extracellular matrix.
Occurrence and Duration of Interruptions During Nurses' Work in Surgical Wards: Findings From a Multicenter Observational Study

This was an observational multicenter study of 50 registered nurses, randomly selected, on 5 surgical wards in 5 Italian hospitals. There were on average 5.6 interruptions per hour. Interruptions occurred more frequently during the afternoon shift (n = 1061; 52.8%), were caused mainly by the staff members (n = 978; 48.7%) during medication administration (n = 1075; 53.5%), and were managed directly by the nurses (n = 1639; 81.6%). The average duration of an interruption was 32.7 seconds (95% confidence interval, 30.7-34.7).
BTB/POZ domain‐containing protein 7: Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition promoter and prognostic biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BTB/POZ domain‐containing protein 7 (BTBD7) regulates EMT‐associated proteins implicated in HCC progression. However, the role(s) of BTBD7 in HCC have not been identified. Using highly metastatic HCC HCCLM3 cells, immortalized L02 hepatocytes, metastatic HCC animal models, and three independent cohorts of HCC patient specimens, we aimed to determine the involvement of BTBD7 in HCC metastasis. We show that BTBD7 messenger RNA and protein was highly expressed in HCC cells and tumor tissues, with such expression being associated with: enhanced cell motility, venous invasion, and poor prognosis. BTBD7 promoted HCC angiogenesis and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, but did not influence cell proliferation or colony formation. BTBD7 enhancement of HCC invasion and EMT phenotype occurred through activation of a RhoC‐Rock2‐FAK‐signaling pathway, resulting in matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9 production and microvessel formation. Applying a predictive risk score model, Cox regression analysis revealed that high BTBD7 expression integrated with high microvessel density was a powerful independent predictive factor of HCC clinical outcome. Conclusion: The present study identifies BTBD7 as a novel candidate prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target of HCC. (HEPATOLOGY 2013; 57:2326–2337)
The protein product of the c-cbl protooncogene is phosphorylated after B cell receptor stimulation and binds the SH3 domain of Bruton's tyrosine kinase

X-linked agammaglobulinemia, a B cell immunodeficiency, is caused by mutations in the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) gene. The absence of a functional Btk protein leads to a failure of B cell differentiation and antibody production. B cell receptor stimulation leads to the phosphorylation of the Btk protein and it is, therefore, likely that Btk is involved in B cell receptor signaling. As a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Btk is likely to interact with several proteins within the context of a signal transduction pathway. To understand such interactions, we have generated glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins corresponding to different domains of the human Btk protein. We have identified a 120-kD protein present in human B cells as being bound by the SH3 domain of Btk and which, after B cell receptor stimulation, is one of the major substrates of tyrosine phosphorylation. We have shown that this 120-kD protein is the protein product of c-cbl, a protooncogene, which is known to be phosphorylated in response to T cell receptor stimulation and to interact with several other tyrosine kinases. Association of the SH3 domain of Btk with p120cbl provides evidence for an analogous role for p120cbl in B cell signaling pathways. The p120cbl protein is the first identified ligand of the Btk SH3 domain.
Supersymmetry of RS Bulk and Brane

We review the construction of actions with supersymmetry on spaces with a domain wall. The latter objects act as sources inducing a jump in the gauge coupling constant. Despite these singularities, supersymmetry can be formulated, maintaining its role as a square root of translations in this singular space. The setup is designed for the application in five dimensions related to the Randall-Sundrum (RS) scenario. The space has two domain walls. We discuss the solutions of the theory with fixed scalars and full preserved supersymmetry, in which case one of the branes can be pushed to infinity, and solutions where half of the supersymmetries are preserved.
Immunological Perspectives of Leishmaniasis

Leishmania parasites have been widely used in experimental models to understand generation, maintenance and failure of immune responses underlying resistance and susceptibility to infection. The clinical outcomes of Leishmania infection depend on the infecting species and the immune status of the host. Noticeably most people exposed Leishmania never develop overt disease. Understanding the immunological events that result in failure or successful control of the parasites is fundamental to both design and evaluation of vaccines and therapies against the leishmaniases. Recent studies visualizing immune response to Leishmania major in the skin have given new insights into the different immune cells acting as hosts the parasite during different stage of infection. Control of Leishmania infection and disease progression has been associated with generation of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th2 responses respectively. Though still valid in several aspects, the Th1/Th2 paradigm is an oversimplification in need of revision. Th2 polarization has never explained severity of human leishmanial disease and a number of other T-cell subsets, including regulatory T- and Th17- cells, have important roles in susceptibility and resistance of both experimental and human leishmanial disease. This review gives an updated overview of immunological response considered to be of importance in protection, susceptibility, disease progression and cure of leishmaniasis, with a special emphasis on human diseases.
A software package for the decomposition of long-term multichannel EMG signals using wavelet coefficients

This paper presents a method to decompose multichannel long-term intramuscular electromyogram (EMG) signals. In contrast to existing decomposition methods which only support short registration periods or single-channel recordings of signals of constant muscle effort, the decomposition software EMG-LODEC (ElectroMyoGram LOng-term DEComposition) is especially designed for multichannel long-term recordings of signals of slight muscle movements. A wavelet-based, hierarchical cluster analysis algorithm estimates the number of classes [motor units (MUs)], distinguishes single MUAPs from superpositions, and sets up the shape of the template for each class. Using three channels and a weighted averaging method to track action potential (AP) shape changes improve the analysis. In the last step, nonclassified segments, i.e., segments containing superimposed APs, are decomposed into their units using class-mean signals. Based on experiments on simulated and long-term recorded EMG signals, our software is capable of providing reliable decompositions with satisfying accuracy. EMG-LODEC is suitable for the study of MU discharge patterns and recruitment order in healthy subjects and patients during long-term measurements.
Human bile contains MicroRNA‐laden extracellular vesicles that can be used for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) presents significant diagnostic challenges, resulting in late patient diagnosis and poor survival rates. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients pose a particularly difficult clinical dilemma because they harbor chronic biliary strictures that are difficult to distinguish from CCA. MicroRNAs (miRs) have recently emerged as a valuable class of diagnostic markers; however, thus far, neither extracellular vesicles (EVs) nor miRs within EVs have been investigated in human bile. We aimed to comprehensively characterize human biliary EVs, including their miR content. We have established the presence of extracellular vesicles in human bile. In addition, we have demonstrated that human biliary EVs contain abundant miR species, which are stable and therefore amenable to the development of disease marker panels. Furthermore, we have characterized the protein content, size, numbers, and size distribution of human biliary EVs. Utilizing multivariate organization of combinatorial alterations (MOCA), we defined a novel biliary vesicle miR‐based panel for CCA diagnosis that demonstrated a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 96%. Importantly, our control group contained 13 PSC patients, 16 with biliary obstruction of varying etiologies (including benign biliary stricture, papillary stenosis, choledocholithiasis, extrinsic compression from pancreatic cysts, and cholangitis), and 3 with bile leak syndromes. Clinically, these types of patients present with a biliary obstructive clinical picture that could be confused with CCA. Conclusion: These findings establish the importance of using extracellular vesicles, rather than whole bile, for developing miR‐based disease markers in bile. Finally, we report on the development of a novel bile‐based CCA diagnostic panel that is stable, reproducible, and has potential clinical utility. (Hepatology 2014;60:896–907)
EFFECTS OF DEFECTS IN COMPOSITE WIND TURBINE BLADES: ROUND 2

The Wind Turbine Blade Reliability Collaborative (BRC) was formed with the goal of improving wind turbine blade reliability. Led by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), the BRC is made up of wind farm maintenance companies, turbine manufacturers and third party investigators. Specific tasks have been assigned by SNL to the various parties. The portion of the BRC that will focus on establishing the criticality of manufacturing defects (aka, Effect of Defects) is being researched by the Montana State University Composites Group (MSUCG). The research described herein compiles the second round of a multi-year year plan consisting of three rounds of work performed by Montana State University (MSU) within two areas—Flaw Characterization and Effects of Defects. The first round was published in SAND2012-8110. The purpose of this document is to capture and convey the progress which has been made by the MSUCG team since submission of the Round 1 Report. The work presented has built upon the established framework for quantitative categorization and analysis of flaws. Additional physical testing has been performed utilizing improved manufacturing techniques that have reduced manufacturing time and materials, while providing samples with flaws common to wind turbine blades. This additional physical testing was performed to fill two needs: additional data points to further understand the Effects of Defects; and, to increase in scale away from simple coupons toward larger structures. These data were also analyzed to allow for continued analytical/experimental correlation occurring in this and future portions of this study. Manufactured specimens were evaluated non-destructively to verify flaw parameters and visualize damage utilizing computed tomography and digital image correlation, respectively. A further understanding of the changes in the material properties associated with characterized flaws has been achieved on a coupon level with this additional physical testing. This testing further indicated that fiber misalignment and porosity resulted in decreased material performance . Modeling efforts toward matching these results have been performed utilizing two distinct and fundamentally different approaches. These are modeling damage as a degradation of properties, and modeling the actual damage in the material via finite element analysis with progressive damage. Reasonable agreement has been achieved when compared to the test data, though there is room for improvement. Work will continue with efforts to increase size and scale of tested samples. In addition, research will be continued into reliability methods suitable for wind turbine composites. Finally, analytical/experimental correlation will be improved through the use of improved and more accurate models. This is leading to the goals of establishing the severity and criticality of manufacturing defects, and to provide a cogent approach to accept/reject criteria, and the need for repair and/or maintenance in the field.
From crowdsourced rankings to affective ratings

Automatic prediction of emotions requires reliably annotated data which can be achieved using scoring or pairwise ranking. But can we predict an emotional score using a ranking-based annotation approach? In this paper, we propose to answer this question by describing a regression analysis to map crowdsourced rankings into affective scores in the induced valence-arousal emotional space. This process takes advantages of the Gaussian Processes for regression that can take into account the variance of the ratings and thus the subjectivity of emotions. Regression models successfully learn to fit input data and provide valid predictions. Two distinct experiments were realized using a small subset of the publicly available LIRIS-ACCEDE affective video database for which crowdsourced ranks, as well as affective ratings, are available for arousal and valence. It allows to enrich LIRIS-ACCEDE by providing absolute video ratings for the whole database in addition to video rankings that are already available.
The effects of background noise on dichotic listening to consonant-vowel syllables: An fMRI study

The present fMRI study attempts to identify brain areas that may underlie the effect of different background noises on functional brain asymmetry in a dichotic listening task. Previous studies have shown that the prominent right ear advantage in dichotic listening to consonant-vowel syllables is affected by background noise. To explore the underlying neuronal processes, haemodynamic brain responses using fMRI were recorded while participants performed the dichotic listening task in two different noisy backgrounds (conversational “babble” and traffic noise). The behavioural results showed a reduction of the right ear advantage in the background noise conditions, especially in the traffic noise condition. The behavioural results are discussed in terms of alertness-attentional mechanisms. The effects of background noise on brain activation involved significant activations in a speech-processing network. Specifically the changes in activations in the peri-Sylvian region of the superior temporal gyrus and in the temporo-parietal junction part in the left hemisphere, as well as in the superior temporal gyrus/sulcus area in the right hemisphere may mirror the effects of noise on behavioural performance. The effects of noise on brain activation are discussed with regard to pre-activation mechanisms.
Interacting with Virtual Humans through Body Actions

Since their inception, interactive virtual environments have not been able to interpret users' gestures. Researchers have investigated a few tentative solutions, but most of them concern a specific set of body parts like hands, arms, or facial expressions. However, when placing a participant in a virtual world to interact with synthetic inhabitants, it would be more convenient and intuitive to use body-oriented actions. To achieve this, we developed a hierarchical model of human actions based on fine-grained primitives. An associated recognition algorithm identifies simultaneous actions on the fly.
Practical design strategy for two-phase step up DC-DC Fibonacci Switched-Capacitor converter

The Fibonacci Switched-Capacitor (SC) converter demonstrates the highest performance by using minimum number of capacitors. However, as the Fibonacci SC requires a wide range of voltage rating of the devices, its implementation is difficult. This paper presents two gate driving techniques for designing and implementing two-phase Fibonacci SC converter for both low and high step-up conversion ratios. The proposed gate driving techniques only require few auxiliary transistors to provide the required boosted voltages for turning the charge transfer switches in the converter on and off. As a result, the proposed gate driving techniques reduce the design complexity and increase the reliability of the Fibonacci SC converter. Practical 8X and 5X Fibonacci SC converters are simulated and constructed based on the proposed techniques. The high conversion efficiencies achieved prove the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
A common cause of irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis: chronic distal colon distention from sedentary behavior and excessive dietary fiber

A multidisciplinary analysis restricted to validated reports was applied to the cause and management of irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular formation and subsequent diverticulitis. There is evidence that they are linked – both caused by attenuation of gravitational aid to distal intestinal motility, resulting in damaging chronic intestinal distention. Both irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular formation and subsequent diverticulitis have worsened in recent years owing to excessive dietary fiber intake. Potential solutions include augmenting weight-bearing time, moderating dietary fiber consumption, stimulating distal colon evacuation through chemical means and developing pharmaceuticals to block the reflexive distal colon distention associated with fiber consumption. Amplified intestinal distention commenced when all classes of Renaissance Europeans became the first group in human history to wear shoes, which led to a sedentary lifestyle that moderates gravitational aid to colon motility and evacuation.
Articulated Human Body Pose Inference from Voxel Data Using a Kinematically Constrained Gaussian Mixture Model

We present a novel method for learning and tracking the pose of an articulated body by observing only its volumetric reconstruction. We propose a probabilistic technique that utilizes a multi-component Gaussian mixture model to describe the spatial distribution of voxels in a voxel image. Each component describes a segment or rigid body, and the collection of components are kinematically constrained according to a pre-specified skeletal model. This model we refer to as a kinematically constrained Gaussian mixture model (kc-gmm). Pairs of components connected at a common joint are encouraged to assume a particular spatial configuration, forming a 1, 2 or 3 degree-of-freedom (DOF) joint. The pose learning algorithm, based on the EM algorithm, is evaluated using synthesized hand data, and the HumanEvaII dataset for facilitating algorithm comparison among different algorithms. Both datasets contain groundtruth information for accuracy measurements. A 16 component, 27 DOF mixture hand model and an 11 segment, 19 DOF mixture human body model were used. The results show that utilizing volume data, aided only by the degreesof-freedom constraints, show accuracies of joint location estimates within 0.5cm mean-absolute-error from groundtruth with the hand data set and 17cm from subjects S2 and S4 from the HumanEvaII datasets.
Cytotoxic Activity of Some Medicinal Plants from Hamedan District of Iran

Medicinal plants have been investigated for possible anti-cancer effects. The aim of the present study was to examine the cytotoxic activity of several medicinal plants on different tumor cell lines. 11 selected plant species which have been used in folkloric prescriptions were collected from different sites of Hamedan district of Iran. The methanolic extracts of the plants were prepared and their cytotoxic effects on four human cancer cell lines (A549, human lung adenocarcinoma; MCF7, human breast adenocarcinoma; HepG2, hepatocellular carcinoma and HT-29, human colon carcinoma) and one normal cell line (MDBK, bovine kidney) were examined using the MTT assay. Three of these were exhibited antiproliferative activity against one or more of the cell lines. The extract from Primula auriculata demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity with IC50 of 25.79, 35.79 and 43.34 μg. mL−1 against MCF7, HepG2 and HT- 29 cells, respectively. For some of the plants, their traditional use was correlated with the cytotoxic results, whereas for others the results may support the non-cytotoxicity of species used traditionally as natural remedies. The cytotoxic species could be considered as potential of anticancer compounds.