Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comment on: “The Blessings of Multiple Causes” by Yixin Wang and David M. Blei

We congratulate the authors of Wang and Blei (2018) on a thought-provoking article on causal inference in settings with unobserved confounders. We expect that their ideas will lead to further developments in this important area. In this comment, we offer some thoughts on one such direction. Specifically, we explore the relevance of the Wang and Blei (2018) multiple causes ideas for a canonical problem in economics, namely the identification of demand functions in simultaneous equations (supply and demand) models. This is an old problem in economics, going back to the origins of the field of econometrics in the 1920s. Classic references include Tinbergen (1930), Haavelmo (1943), Wright (1928), and many econometric textbooks. See Angrist, Graddy, and Imbens (2000) for an interpretation in the modern causal inference literature. We show that the Wang and Blei (2018) multiple causes ideas bring new insights to this setting, but that they will not be a panacea. First let us introduce a version of the canonical set up for demand function estimation to demonstrate how the presence of unobserved confounders naturally emerges. Consider initially a setting with a single product. For a number of markets, indexed by t, we observe the price for this product, Pt , and the quantity sold, Qt . These markets may correspond to geographically separated markets or to the same location at different points in time. The interest is in the demand function Qt : R → R that describes how much consumers are willing to buy at different prices. Causal effects correspond to comparisons of the demand function at different prices, possibly scaled by the price differences, for example, (Qt (p) − Qt (p′)/(p − p′). For illustrative purposes, we assume the demand function is linear:
Cell shape, and not 2D migration, predicts ECM-driven 3D cell invasion in breast cancer

Metastasis, the leading cause of death in cancer patients, requires the invasion of tumor cells through the stroma in response to migratory cues, such as those provided by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent advances in proteomics have led to the identification of hundreds of ECM proteins which are more abundant in tumors relative to healthy tissue. Our goal was to develop a pipeline to easily predict which of these ECM proteins is more likely to have an effect on cancer invasion and metastasis. We evaluated the effect of 4 ECM proteins upregulated in breast tumor tissue in multiple human breast cancer cell lines in 3 assays. We found there was no linear relationship between the 11 cell shape parameters we quantified when cells adhere to ECM proteins and 2D cell migration speed, persistence or 3D invasion. We then used classifiers and partial-least squares regression analysis to identify which metrics best predicted ECM-driven 2D migration and 3D invasion responses. ECM-driven 2D cell migration speed or persistence did not correlate with or predict 3D invasion in response to that same cue. However, cell adhesion, and in particular cell elongation and irregularity accurately predicted the magnitude of ECM-driven 2D migration and 3D invasion in all cell lines. Testing predictions revealed that our models are good at predicting the effect of novel ECM proteins within a given cell line, but that ECM responses are cell-line specific. Overall, our studies identify the cell morphological features that determine 3D invasion responses to individual ECM proteins. This platform will help provide insight into the functional role of ECM proteins abundant tumor tissue and help prioritize strategies for targeting tumor-ECM interactions to treat metastasis. Funding This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health [R00-CA207866-04 to M.J.O. ]; Tufts University [Start-up funds from the School of Engineering to M.J.O. ] and funds from NSF REU to A.W. Conflict-of-interest: None. Insight Box Metastasis, the dissemination of tumor cells, is driven by the interaction of invading tumor cells with their local environment, in particular with the ECM, which provides structure and support to our tissues. This study presents an integrated approach to predict the effect of individual ECM proteins on 3D invasion and metastasis based on simple adhesion assays which quantify cell shape. Machine learning classification and partial-least squares regression models reveal that ECM-driven 2D cell migration metrics are not predictive of 3D invasion, and that cell shape of cells adhered to ECM can predict that protein’s effect on 3D invasion. These data provide a pipeline for predicting the effect of ECM proteins on breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
KGIPSL: A Knowledge Graph Inference Method based on Probabilistic Soft Logic

Knowledge graph inference has a wide range of applications in semantic search, question answering systems, entity disambiguation, link prediction, and recommendation systems. However, the accuracy and operational efficiency of existing methods do not meet the needs of large-scale knowledge graphs. Aiming at the problem of large-scale knowledge graph inference, this paper proposes a knowledge graph inference method based on probabilistic soft logic (KGIPSL). Firstly, KGIPSL uses the Markov logic network to construct the relationship between entities. Secondly, KGIPSL employs probabilistic soft logic to represent non-deterministic knowledge and infers the relationship between entities in the knowledge graph. Thirdly, KGIPSL conducts accurate knowledge inference. Experiments on real knowledge graph datasets show that the KGIPSL method is superior to the existing baseline method in accuracy, recall, and efficiency. Among them, the average accuracy of KGIPSL on the YAGO dataset is 14.9% higher than that of the baseline method.
Functional and structural consequences of epithelial cell invasion by Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whopping cough, produces an adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) that plays a key role in the host colonization by targeting innate immune cells which express CD11b/CD18, the cellular receptor of CyaA. CyaA is also able to invade non-phagocytic cells, via a unique entry pathway consisting in a direct translocation of its catalytic domain across the cytoplasmic membrane of the cells. Within the cells, CyaA is activated by calmodulin to produce high levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and alter cellular physiology. In this study, we explored the effects of CyaA toxin on the cellular and molecular structure remodeling of A549 alveolar epithelial cells. Using classical imaging techniques, biochemical and functional tests, as well as advanced cell mechanics method, we quantify the structural and functional consequences of the massive increase of intracellular cyclic AMP induced by the toxin: cell shape rounding associated to adhesion weakening process, actin structure remodeling for the cortical and dense components, increase in cytoskeleton stiffness, and inhibition of migration and repair. We also show that, at the low concentrations that may be found in vivo during B. pertussis infection, CyaA impairs the migration and wound healing capacities of the intoxicated alveolar epithelial cells. Our results suggest that the CyaA, beyond its major role in disabling innate immune cells, might also contribute to the local alteration of the epithelial barrier of the respiratory tract, that is an hallmark of pertussis.
Concept of application of the light-weight robot Robin Heart (“Pelikan”) in veterinary medicine: a feasibility study

The use of minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy, has become an alternative approach to the traditional laparotomy procedure used in the treatment of both humans and animals (4, 17). Laparoscopy has brought about significant changes in the world of surgery. Most important, it has eliminated the need for the large incision, which was once the only way to make the surgery field visible and accessible for a given procedure. The laparoscopic technique uses one (SILS surgery) or a few small incisions, through which surgical and optical instruments are inserted with the use of sealing ports (trocars). The introduction of the laparoscopic technique required the application of new tools (tools with long holding sections) as well as operating field visualization systems. During a surgery, the surgeon sees inside the patient via a screen, and the movements of the tool’s end effector mirror the movements of the surgeon’s hands. Additionally, in order to enlarge the operation field, gas is insufflated into the patient during the procedure, producing a pneumoperitoneum (6). With advantages, such as a shorter recovery time, reduced pain, excellent visualization of the abdominal cavity, and the possibility of being used not only in large animals (small-diameter tools), the laparoscopic technique is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine, as well (3, 5). Continuous progress in medical technology stimulates the demand for highly specialized tools designed for a specific type of surgery. The increasing demand for high precision and the ever-growing possibilities of maneuvering the tools inside the patient’s body have contributed to the introduction of robotic systems that support surgeons in the operating rooms. Robots equipped with laparoscopic tools have significantly shortened the duration of surgeries as well as improved their quality. The use of robots in veterinary surgery is in most cases limited to tests aimed at the clinical implementation of a given robot, tool, or procedure. Pigs have been the most commonly used animals in such experiments because of their anatomical features being similar to those of a human being. Pigs have provided a perfect cardiac surgery model necessary for comparative studies of laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Lomanto et al. (10) used the Zeus robot for cholecystectomy (a surgical removal of the gallbladder) in 7 pigs and, as their experience increased, Concept of application of the light-weight robot Robin Heart (“Pelikan”) in veterinary medicine: a feasibility study
Análisis del reportaje inmersivo de contenido social en los medios periodísticos españoles

espanolIntroduccion. El presente articulo profundiza en el reportaje inmersivo de contenido social, una modalidad presente desde los inicios de este tipo de periodismo. Metodologia. Para ello realizamos un analisis de contenido disenado a partir de una exhaustiva documentacion sobre el tema y del visionado de mas de 1.000 reportajes de este tipo. El corpus esta integrado por 347 piezas publicadas por medios periodisticos espanoles durante tres anos (2015-2017). Resultados. Los reportajes que abordan temas sociales representan un porcentaje escaso sobre el total de la muestra. El estudio comparado del empleo de las tecnicas narrativas que favorecen en el espectador una mayor vinculacion con la historia no muestra diferencias significativas respecto al que advertimos en reportajes que abordan otro tipo de temas. Conclusiones. Aunque la tecnologia en video en 360o ofrece un gran potencial para conectar al espectador con realidades sociales marginadas o injustas y concienciarle asi sobre su gravedad, parece conveniente continuar investigando sobre el impacto psicologico de las diferentes tecnicas narrativas para aprovechar mejor asi todo este potencial. EnglishIntroduction. This paper delves into the immersive feature covering social issues, a content that can be observed back in the very beginnings of immersive journalism. Methodology. To do so, we have conducted a content analysis based on exhaustive review on the topic and on the viewing of more than 1,000 pieces of this kind. The corpus is made up of 347 features published by Spanish news outlets during the last three years (2015-2017). Results. Features covering social issues represent a small percentage of the total sample. The comparative study on the use of several immersive techniques does not show significant differences between these features and other covering different issues. Conclusions. Although 360o video technology offers great potential to connect the viewer with unfair realities and thus raise awareness about its seriousness, it seems appropriate to continue researching on the psychological impact of the several narrative techniques in order to take full advantage of this huge potential.
Production-Oriented Approach on ESL Listening and Speaking Teaching in College*

Listening and speaking, as two of the four requisite skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), are the most important factors that influence communication. Nowadays, improving English listening and speaking ability has been called to the front in English teaching and studying. However, it is still found some unsatisfaction in the current listening and speaking teaching. Based on the traditional input & output theories, the college English listening teaching is often characterized by teaching new words and grammatical knowledge, while English speaking teaching emphasizes imitating and repeating too much. In the listening classes, teachers are instructors while students were often acting as passive receivers. Initially, listening was believed as a passive one-way comprehensive process, just like reading. This way of listening teaching severely frustrated students' initiative and hinders students' interest and creativity, which may obstruct students' speaking as well. With the development of research on listening and speaking teaching process, it was gradually found that listening and speaking was an interactive process in which learners' production played an active and important role. Learningusing Integrated Principle in Production-oriented Approach (POA) laid a theoretical foundation for this discovery. Though researchers had done lots of research based on POA and English learning, few studies were conducted in listening and speaking based on Learning-using Integrated Principle. Therefore, the author tries to expand horizons on "POA on ESL Listening and Speaking Teaching in College". On the basis of previous theoretic researches, the writer conducts an experiment by teaching English listening and speaking based on Learning-using Integrated Principle in POA. It aims to check whether the theory is effective in improving students' English listening and speaking or not. The author also tries to find out whether there are some differences between high-mark students and low-mark students in using POA in listening and speaking. 60 freshmen from two classes with the similar achievements in English Listening and speaking test, who major in English in Xi'an Peihua University are treated as subjects. The teaching lasts for twelve weeks. POA is used in one of the classes as the experimental group and the other class is the control group taught by common used method (re-listening and imitating method called by the author in this paper). At the end of this teaching process, the two classes were asked to take the post-test. After the experiment, it is concluded that POA can improve the achievements of students' English listening and speaking more effectively. And students with high-mark are good at using POA in listening and speaking process. Keywords—production-oriented approach; Learning-using Integrated Principle; listening and speaking teaching
Cloud Resolving WRF Simulations of Precipitation and Soil Moisture Over the Central Tibetan Plateau: An Assessment of Various Physics Options

The evaluation of the regional climate model is of great importance for model's developments and applications. We assessed the performance of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) cloud resolving simulations with various physics options in terms of precipitation and soil moisture over the central Tibetan Plateau (TP) for a 2‐month simulation from July to August in 2015. The simulated precipitation is most sensitive to the microphysics scheme, followed by the land surface model, which plays a vital role in the soil moisture simulation, while the planetary boundary layer and radiation schemes have relatively minor impacts on the precipitation and soil moisture. Specifically, the heavy precipitation event has a close relationship with the land surface model. Among the different WRF schemes, the new Thompson microphysics scheme, the Noah land surface model, the GFDL radiation scheme, and the Mellor–Yamada planetary boundary layer scheme perform relatively better than other options over the central TP. In contrast, the Lin and WRF Single‐Moment 6‐class microphysics schemes tend to simulate an earlier precipitation peak in the diurnal cycle, excessively higher intensities, and greater frequencies for high precipitation events. The Rapid Update Cycle model performs the worst in the spatiotemporal pattern of precipitation and markedly exaggerates the diurnal variation of soil moisture. These results can provide valuable guidance for further fine‐scale simulation studies of land–atmosphere interaction over the TP.
Estimating the Cost of Equity Capital: Forecasting Accuracy for U.S. REIT Sector

One of the fundamental concepts in financial economics is the cost of equity capital. The cost of equity is an important tool often used by a firm as a capital budgeting threshold for the required rate of return. The cost of equity of a firm also represents the compensation the market demands in exchange for owning the asset and bearing the risk of ownership. This paper focuses on the cost of equity capital estimates for a particular U.S. industry, the real estate investment trust (REIT) industry, to highlight the key role played by the choice of estimation method on the distant forecast. By using a comprehensive sample of 51 REITs over the period of January 1997 to December 2014, we compare the i§hybrid betai¨ approach developed by Cosemans et al. (2016) with the Carhart four-factor model, the REIT-factor model in Chen et al. (2012) and the five-factor model formulated by Fama and French (2015). Our results demonstrate the superiority of the i§hybrid betai¨ approach, which almost always produces, at the firm and portfolio-levels, absolute forecast errors that are lower than those of the other models implemented in our study.
Metoda i system adaptacyjnego sterowania parametrami algorytmu syntezy niskich częstotliwości dźwięków muzycznych

W ostatnich latach mozna zaobserwowac bardzo wyraźny i systematyczny wzrost wykorzystywania urządzen mobilnych jako środka do odtwarzania muzyki, czy odtwarzania filmow w dowolnych warunkach akustycznych. Ich uzytkownicy oczekują przy tym jak najlepszych walorow brzmieniowych dźwieku. W niniejszej rozprawie zostaly zaproponowane metody, mające na celu poprawe brzmienia urządzen mobilnych w zakresie niskich czestotliwości i korekcji barwy sygnalu muzycznego z uwzglednieniem gatunku muzycznego oraz warunkow akustycznych panujących w pomieszczeniu. W pierwszej kolejności przeprowadzono przegląd sposobow korekcji niskich czestotliwości oraz korekcji barwy dźwieku. Przedstawiono przyczyny ograniczen w zakresie przenoszenia niskich czestotliwości przez urządzenia mobilne i wprowadzanych znieksztalcen w odtwarzanym dźwieku. Zaproponowano i przetestowano na kilku bazach muzycznych metode automatycznego rozpoznawania gatunkow muzycznych, ktorej skutecznośc w kontekście znanych w literaturze wynikow mozna uznac za wysoką i wystarczającą dla celow przypisania utworu muzycznego do danego gatunku muzycznego. Wykorzystano szereg algorytmow uczących, oceniono ich skutecznośc, a takze mozliwośc ich zastosowania w zbudowanej aplikacji. W celu potwierdzenia skuteczności proponowanych algorytmow korekcji dźwieku przeprowadzono szereg testow odsluchowych, w ktorych sluchacze oceniali jakośc zmian dokonanych w sygnale muzycznym. Przenalizowano warunki akustyczne panujące w przykladowych wnetrzach i zaproponowano metode korekcji sygnalu muzycznego za pomocą korektora graficznego uwzgledniającego akustyke pomieszczenia, w ktorym muzyka jest odtwarzana. Otrzymane wyniki przeprowadzonych badan potwierdzily, ze uwzglednienie klasyfikacji gatunkow muzycznych i akustyki pomieszczen w procesie poprawy brzmienia sygnalow muzycznych podnosi subiektywną jakośc dźwieku, a zaproponowane metody poprawy brzmienia niskich czestotliwości i korekcji barwy są lepiej oceniane od dotychczas znanych i stosowanych algorytmow.
Thematic-integrative-based pictorial book for improving the understanding reading skills of elementary school students

The study aims at composing a picture book using the thematic-integrative approach that might improve the reading comprehension skills of the Grade IV students. With regards to the conduct of the study, the initiative that has been taken is research and development (R&D). Within this initiative, product development refers to the model that has been developed by Borg & Gall. Then, throughout the conduct of the study, 19 students had been involved as the field subjects and the data had been gathered by means of guided interview technique, observation, product fitness questionnaire, teacher and student response questionnaire and reading comprehension skills test. Furthermore, the product effectiveness had been tested by means of the quasi-experiment method and the data had been analysed by using the paired sample t-test with a significant rate of 0.05. The results of the study show that: (1) the thematic-integrative-based picture book has been fit for implementation as learning media based on the “Very Good” category that has been assigned by the media expert and the “Good” category by the material expert; and (2) the thematic-integrative-based picture book has been effective in improving the reading comprehension skills as having been confirmed by the improvement from the mean score 72.11 in the pre-test results into the mean score 81.63 in the post-test results. The improvement in the students’ reading comprehension skills has been shown by the significance value (p) 0.000. In addition, based on the paired-sample t-test it is found that p < 0.05. This value indicates that the thematic-integrative-based picture book has a significant influence on the improvement of reading comprehension skills among Grade IV students.