Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SVD-free Convex-Concave Approaches for Nuclear Norm Regularization

Minimizing a convex function of matrices regularized by the nuclear norm arises in many applications such as collaborative filtering and multi-task learning. In this paper, we study the general setting where the convex function could be non-smooth. When the size of the data matrix, denoted bym×n, is very large, existing optimization methods are inefficient because in each iteration, they need to perform a singular value decomposition (SVD) which takes O(mn) time. To reduce the computation cost, we exploit the dual characterization of the nuclear norm to introduce a convex-concave optimization problem and design a subgradient-based algorithm without performing SVD. In each iteration, the proposed algorithm only computes the largest singular vector, reducing the time complexity from O(mn) to O(mn). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first SVD-free convex optimization approach for nuclear-norm regularized problems that does not rely on the smoothness assumption. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed algorithm converges at an optimalO(1/ √ T ) rate where T is the number of iterations. We also extend our algorithm to the stochastic case where only stochastic subgradients of the convex function are available and a special case that contains an additional non-smooth regularizer (e.g., `1 norm regularizer). We conduct experiments on robust lowrank matrix approximation and link prediction to demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithms.
APLICACIÓN DE REDES NEURONALES ARTIFICIALES EN EL PROCESADO VERSÁTIL DE SEÑALES ELECTROCARDIOGRÁFICAS

Es bien conocida la importancia de la senal electrocardiografica para el diagnostico de multitud de enfermedades cardiacas, tanto mediante inspeccion visual como mediante tecnicas actuales de inspeccion automatica. Como en cualquier otra senal, la cantidad de informacion extraida y la calidad de la misma dependeran de propiedades tales como relacion senal-ruido, resolucion del conversor analogico-digital, frecuencia de muestreo, etc. Por esta razon, es de gran importancia que la senal ofrezca una `calidad' adecuada, maxime cuando el diagnostico de ciertas enfermedades cardiovasculares graves depende de ello. La reduccion del ruido en el electrocardiograma (ECG) ha sido uno de los temas mas abordados en la bibliografia sobre procesado de senal de ECG. Han sido y son muy diversas las maneras de afrontar el problema y no existe un unico metodo de aplicacion universal a todas las fuentes de ruido y todos los casos. En esta tesis doctoral se han estudiado las principales fuentes de ruido que aparecen en el registro del ECG. Algunas de estas pueden minimizarse en la fase de adquisicion de la senal prestando un especial cuidado a ciertas normas o reglas. Sin embargo, otras, como el ruido muscular, o la deriva de la linea base y artefactos, no pueden eliminarse o reducirse al maximo en la fase de adquisicion y se hacen necesarias tecnicas de procesado de senal a posteriori para su reduccion a un nivel aceptable. Una de las primeras opciones es el filtrado de la senal, mediante filtros lineales o no lineales que maximicen la relacion senal a ruido como, por ejemplo, el filtro de Wiener. Cuando el espectro de la senal de interes y el ruido se solapan, las tecnicas de filtrado dejan de ser eficaces. En ese caso, otra de las tecnicas comunes que se aplican es el promediado de senal. Su utilizacion resulta eficaz siempre y cuando la senal y el ruido a reducir cumplan ciertas condiciones. El filtrado adaptativo ha sido otra de las tecnicas que han obtenido resultados aceptables e
Essential roles of Homer‐1a in homeostatic regulation of pyramidal cell excitability: a possible link to clinical benefits of electroconvulsive shock

Homer‐1a/Vesl1S, a member of the scaffold protein family Homer/Vesl, is expressed during seizure and serves to reduce seizure susceptibility. Cellular mechanisms for this feedback regulation were studied in neocortex pyramidal cells by injecting Homer‐1a protein intracellularly. The injection reduced membrane excitability as demonstrated in two ways. First, the resting potential was hyperpolarized by 5–10 mV. Second, the mean frequency of spikes evoked by depolarizing current injection was decreased. This reduction of excitability was prevented by applying each of the followings: the calcium chelator BAPTA, the calcium store depletor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), the insitol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) blocker heparin, the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U‐73122, the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)‐pyridine (MPEP), and the large‐conductance calcium activated potassium channel (BK channel) antagonist charybdotoxin. The small‐conductance calcium activated potassium channel (SK channel) blocker dequalinium was ineffective. These findings suggest that activation of mGluR by Homer‐1a produced IP3, which caused inositol‐induced calcium release and a consequent BK channel opening, thus hyperpolarizing the injected neurons. In slices from rats subjected to electroconvulsive shock (ECS), a comparable reduction of excitability was observed without Homer‐1a injection. The ECS‐induced reduction of excitability was abolished by MPEP, charybdotoxin, heparin or BAPTA. Intracellular injection of anti‐Homer‐1a antibody was suppressive as well, but anti‐Homer‐1b/c antibody was not. We propose that ECS‐induced Homer‐1a stimulated the same pathway as did the injected Homer‐1a, thereby driving a feedback regulation of excitability.
Ytterbium-Doping Related Stresses in Preforms for High-Power Fiber Lasers

Frozen-in mechanical stresses can significantly influence the optical and mechanical properties of optical fibers, especially in laser fibers for high-power operation. In the following, we will report on the polarimetric measurement of stresses induced by the spatially varying doping composition in fiber preforms. We investigated the effect of rare-earth laser ions and found that the dopant ytterbium generates higher stresses than other common dopants in lightwave technology such as phosphorus or aluminum. The stress-induced index change relevant for the guiding properties is derived from the stress data. Especially in large-mode-area laser fibers with low numerical apertures, such stresses can significantly modify the index profile and thereby influence the propagation behavior.
Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway: Implications for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

The gaseous radical nitric oxide is involved in numerous physiologic and pathophysiological events important in anesthesiology and intensive care. Nitric oxide is endogenously generated from the amino acid l-arginine and molecular oxygen in reactions catalyzed by complex nitric oxide synthases. Recently, an alternative pathway for nitric oxide generation was discovered, wherein the inorganic anions nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite (NO2−), most often considered inert end products from nitric oxide generation, can be reduced back to nitric oxide and other bioactive nitrogen oxide species. This nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway is regulated differently than the classic l-arginine-nitric oxide synthase nitric oxide pathway, and it is greatly enhanced during hypoxia and acidosis. Several lines of research now indicate that the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway is involved in regulation of blood flow, cell metabolism, and signaling, as well as in tissue protection during hypoxia. The fact that nitrate is abundant in our diet gives rise to interesting nutritional aspects in health and disease. In this article, we present an overview of this field of research with emphasis on relevance in anesthesiology and intensive care.
Combined Action of PHD and Chromo Domains Directs the Rpd3S HDAC to Transcribed Chromatin

Nucleosomes must be deacetylated behind elongating RNA polymerase II to prevent cryptic initiation of transcription within the coding region. RNA polymerase II signals for deacetylation through the methylation of histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36), which provides the recruitment signal for the Rpd3S histone deacetylase complex (HDAC). The recognition of methyl H3K36 by Rpd3S requires the chromodomain of its Eaf3 subunit. Paradoxically, Eaf3 is also a subunit of the NuA4 acetyltransferase complex, yet NuA4 does not recognize methyl H3K36 nucleosomes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we found that methyl H3K36 nucleosome recognition by Rpd3S also requires the plant homeobox domain (PHD) of its Rco1 subunit. Thus, the coupled chromo and PHD domains of Rpd3S specify recognition of the methyl H3K36 mark, demonstrating the first combinatorial domain requirement within a protein complex to read a specific histone code.
ANÁLISE DO TRANSPORTE MUCOCILIAR DE TABAGISTAS EM INTERVALOS DE ABSTINÊNCIA DO TABACO

O tabagismo e considerado pela Organizacao Mundial da Saude (OMS) a principal causa de morte evitavel em todo o mundo. Portanto, o objetivo foi avaliar o efeito agudo do habito tabagistico no transporte mucociliar em diferentes momentos. Foi composto por 2 grupos (Grupo tabagista n=20; e Grupo nao tabagista n=20). Inicialmente foram obtidos dados pessoais, historia tabagica e, apos 12 horas em abstinencia tabagistica foi realizado teste de funcao pulmonar (espirometria), quantificacao do monoxido de carbono no ar exalado (Coex) e mensuracao do tempo de trânsito de sacarina (TTS). Para normalidade dos dados utilizou-se o teste de Shapiro Wilk, e para comparacao entre grupos t student ou Mann-Whitney, dependendo da distribuicao. O TTS mostrou valor inferior ao grupo controle, tendo a maior media encontrada apos 20 minutos. O transporte mucociliar dos participantes tabagistas nao foi diferente do grupo controle, mesmo apos exposicao aguda aos componentes do cigarro.
LncRNA SNHG12 contributes to multidrug resistance through activating the MAPK/Slug pathway by sponging miR-181a in non-small cell lung cancer

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12), as one of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), plays an oncogenic role in various cancers, however, its role in the chemoresistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of SNHG12 on multidrug resistance (MDR) in NSCLC. The results showed that SNHG12 was high-expressed and miR-181a was low-expressed in NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of SNHG12 reversed the resistance to cisplatin, paclitaxel and gefitinib in A549/DDP, A549/PTX and PC9/AB2 cells through inducing cell apoptosis. Moreover, SNHG12 silencing suppressed MAPK1 and MAP2K1 expression by upregulating miR-181a, leading to inhibition of the MAPK/Slug pathway through decreasing phosphorylated MAPK1 (p-MAPK1), phosphorylated MAP2K1 (p-MAP2K1) and Slug levels. Furthermore, downregulation of SNHG12 enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin in nude mice. Overall, our study is the first to identify a SNHG12-miR-181a-MAPK/Slug axis to elucidate in part how SNHG12 exert functions in NSCLC MDR, providing a novel therapeutic target to overcome MDR in NSCLC.
Dialogue structure models : an engineering approach to machine analysis and generation of dialogue

The problem area addressed within this research is the processing and understanding of natural English dialogue by computer. The presented work fundamentally constitutes the development of a theory for modelling natural dialogue, and the practical implementation of that theory. There are two major aspects of consideration within the theory: the modelling of dialogue structure is balanced against certain individual factors. The structure of the dialogue is modelled via the mechanism of the Dialogue Structure Models and its constituent parts, accounting for situational context, participant motivation, participant role(s) and other contributory factors. The individual factors, on the other hand, are peculiar to the dialogue currently in progress, and cannot be pre-determined in the way that structure can. These factors include:1. The personal characteristics of the participants (their personalities, backgrounds, interests and belief systems); 2. The overall mood of the participant (how (s)he is feeling today; the emotional state of the participant); 3. Instantiation factors relating to the events and circumstances of the particular dialogue in progress. (For example, how a participant reacts intellectually or emotionally to what the other person has just said). A description of the implementation of this theory is presented, followed by a discussion of the testing techniques used to ensure that the original criteria for success have been met.
Occurrence, types, properties and interactions of phenolic compounds with other food constituents in oil-bearing plants

ABSTRACT Phenolic phytochemicals have become of interest due to their therapeutic potential, particularly with regards to their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. An evolving area of research involving phenolics in foods and their products pertains to the functional, biological, and nutritional consequences resulting from the binding between certain phenolic compounds and the macronutrient and micronutrient constituents of foods. The goal of this review is to provide a summary of studies investigating endogenous phenolic interactions with major components in food systems, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins, with a focus on the phenolic compounds and nutrients in oil-bearing plants. Another major objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical nature of phenolic interactions with food constituents that could affect the quality, nutritional and functional properties of foods. Such information can assist in the discovery and optimization of specific phenolic complexes in plant-based foods that could be utilized towards various applications in the food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS: UM PACOTE R PARA ANÁLISE DE EXPERIMENTOS (pp.1-9)

Os experimentos variam de uma pesquisa para outra; porem, todos eles sao regidos por alguns principios basicos, necessarios para que as conclusoes obtidas se tornem validas. De acordo com os principios necessarios (repeticao, casualizacao, controle local) tem-se os delineamentos experimentais. Uma situacao de interesse e o estudo do efeito de um tratamento extra ou testemunha, conhecido como tratamento adicional - cuja analise pode ser trabalhosa. Para analisar experimentos, sao amplamente utilizados softwares livres e gratuitos como o software R. Com a criacao da biblioteca de funcoes ExpDes, que realiza a analise de variância, testes de comparacao multipla de medias e ajustes de modelos de regressao linear em uma so rodada, o tratamento estatistico dos dados experimentais se tornou mais rapido, pratico e de facil compreensao, principalmente para usuarios nao estatisticos.
Peripheral endocannabinoid dysregulation in obesity: relation to intestinal motility and energy processing induced by food deprivation and re‐feeding

Background and purpose: Endocannabinoids in tissues controlling energy homeostasis are altered in obesity, thus contributing to metabolic disorders. Here we evaluate endocannabinoid dysregulation in the small intestine of mice with diet‐induced obesity (DIO) and in peripheral tissues of Zucker and lean rats following food deprivation and re‐feeding.
Cytokine production in the central nervous system

Cytokines participate in normal physiologic events within the CNS.At times of infection and inflammation, their role is emphasized by the upregulation of cytokines and their receptors within the CNS, with concomitant effects on brain function. Cytokines produced by glial cells, T cells, and macrophages interact within the CNS to determine the outcome of the inflammatory reaction. Cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many CNS diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), and their role continues to be intensely investigated. The possibility of novel cytokine therapies, such as anticytokine antibodies or receptor antagonists acting on the cytokine network, provides an optimistic future for treatment of MS and other CNS diseases in which cytokines have been implicated. NEUROLOGY 1995;45(Suppl 6): S6-S10
Phase-level Minimality in Romance VOS

This paper discusses the morphological and syntactic properties in VOS sentences in Iberian Romance languages. In particular, it explores the possibility that VOS structures are derived through movement of the object to a specifier that c-commands the subject, which predicts a minimality configuration between C-T (the nominative Case Probe), the subject (the Goal), and the raised object (the intervener). After considering different alternatives to account for the scenario just described, some pieces of evidence are put forward to argue that the minimality configuration is circumvented if the relevant portion of the subject (a null φ-clitic or a little pro; see Torrego 1998 and Belletti 2004) ends up in a position higher than that of the shifted object – namely, T –, a process that is related to Chomsky’s (2008) φ-inheritance. To the extent that it is tenable, the analysis not only offers a solution to a long-standing problem without resorting to ad hoc locality-modifying devices (e.g. equidistance), but also reinforces Chomsky’s (2001, 2007, 2008) recent conception of the cycle, whereby operations wait until a dedicated stage of the derivation (the phase level) is reached to take place.
Overview of the requirements and implementations of bidirectional isolated AC-DC converters for automotive battery charging applications

This paper is divided into three main parts. In the first part, i.e. Section II, a general outline of the system level aspects regarding battery chargers (power converters) for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) is given. Thereby, the different charging modes of the converters, the corresponding power levels, and the infrastructural facilities are discussed. Moreover, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) operation by means of grid-forming, grid-feeding, and grid-supporting converter functionality is briefly explained, and the input power quality and electromagnetic compatibility requirements are summarized. In the second part, i.e. Section III, the mutually coupled indices that determine the overall performance of the system, such as power losses (efficiency), volume (power density), weight (specific power), failure rate (reliability), and costs (relative cost), are outlined. In this context, the role that wide band-gap power semiconductors (e.g. SiC, GaN) can play in order to further improve the system performance is highlighted. In the third part, i.e. Section IV, a concise overview of the possible topological implementations for the mentioned power converters is provided. The focus is on conductive, isolated AC-DC converter topologies with high AC input power quality in terms of power factor correction (PFC) and harmonic distortion, and with bidirectional power flow capability in order to facilitate V2G operation.
An Algorithmic Approach to the Lovász Local Lemma. I

The Lovasz Local Lemma is a remarkable sieve method to prove the existence of certain structures without supplying any efficient way of finding these structures. In this article we convert some of the applications of the Local Lemma into polynomial time sequential algorithms (at the cost of a weaker constant factor in the “exponent”). Our main example is the following: assume that in an n‐uniform hypergraph every hyperedge intersects at most 2n/48 other hyperedges, then there is a polynomial time algorithm that finds a two‐coloring of the points such that no hyperedge is monochromatic. © 1991 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Location of insulin receptors in the placenta and its progenitor tissues

The insulin receptor gene is constitutively expressed, so the presence of insulin receptor proteins might be expected on all mammalian tissues, with the plasma membrane as the predominant site of receptor location. Results reviewed here indicate that insulin receptors are also present in all placental tissues and the placenta's progenitor tissues and cells, i.e., oocytes, spermatozoa, and preimplantation embryos, in most of the species studied. Receptor densities, however, vary among individual cells and cell types and at various developmental stages. Three aspects deserve emphasis. 1) In human placenta, the insulin receptor distribution pattern is characterized by a spatiotemporal change between first trimester and term. At the beginning of pregnancy, insulin receptors are found predominantly on the maternal side (apical membrane of syncytiotrophoblast, low density on cytotrophoblast); at term, however, they are on the fetal side (lining the fetal vessels). This suggests that, in the first trimester, maternal insulin regulates insulin‐dependent processes, whereas, at term, it must be fetal insulin mainly controlling these processes. 2) The majority of insulin receptors is expressed on structures that are currently assumed to drive placental growth, i.e., syncytial sprouts and mesenchymal villi in first‐trimester placentas and fetal endothelium at term. Therefore, we hypothesize a growth‐promoting function, among others, of insulin on the placenta. 3) At present, no histologic evidence is available to demonstrate insulin receptors in structures commonly associated with receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Whether placental insulin receptors are internalized, therefore, awaits clarification. Microsc. Res. Tech. 38:63–75, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychosocial well-being of prospective orthognathic-surgical patients

Abstract Objective. To compare the psychosocial well-being of prospective orthognathic-surgical patients and controls. Materials and methods. Sixty patients referred for assessment of orthognathic-surgical treatment need and 29 controls participated. All participants filled in the modified version of Secord and Jourard’s Body Image Questionnaire, the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II and a structured diary developed by the authors. Patients also filled in the Symptom Checklist 90. Patients assessed their dental appearance on a visual analogue scale modified from the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Professional assessment was made from study models with the AC. Results. Patients rating their dental appearance as AC grades 5–10 suffered from lower orthognathic quality-of-life and poorer body image than the controls, while those with AC grades of 1–4 only had poorer oral function. Self-perceived dental appearance was more important to orthognathic quality-of-life and body image than an orthodontist’s assessment. Patients and controls had equal psychological flexibility and self-esteem. In all, 23–57% of patients had significant psychiatric symptoms, which explained the adverse emotions patients felt during the day. Fifteen per cent of the patients had been bullied. Conclusions. Many orthognathic-surgical patients cope well with their dentofacial deformities, despite functional masticatory problems. It seems that a subjective view of dental appearance may be a key factor in finding patients with psychosocial problems. It should be a major issue when considering psychosocial support and other treatment options.