Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement Learning and the Reward Engineering Principle

AI agents are becoming signiﬁcantly more general and autonomous. We argue for the “Reward Engineering Principle”: as reinforcement-learning-based AI systems, become more general and autonomous, the design of reward mechanisms that elicit desired behaviours becomes both more important and more difﬁcult. While early AI research could ignore reward design and focus solely on the problems of efﬁcient, ﬂexible, and effective achievement of arbitrary goals in varied environments, the reward engineering principle will affect modern AI research, both theoretical and applied, in the medium and long terms. We introduce some notation and derive preliminary results that formalize the intuitive landmarks of the area of reward design.
Probabilistic Estimates of the Largest Strictly Convex Singular Values of Pregaussian Random Matrices

In this study, the p-singular values of random matrices with Gaussian entries defined in terms of the lp-p-norm for p>1, as is studied. Mainly, using analytical techniques, we show the probabilistic estimate, precisely, the decay, on the upper tail probability of the largest strictly convex singular values, when the number of rows of the matrices becomes very large and the lower tail probability of theirs as well. These results provide probabilistic description or picture on the behaviors of the largest p-singular values of random matrices in probability for p>1. Also, we show some numerical experiential results, which verify the theoretical results.
Radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells by 2-deoxyglucose

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy of men. Treatment options include radiotherapy with or without hormonal manipulation and radical prostatectomy. However, there is no effective treatment for disseminated disease. A hallmark of malignancy is abnormal metabolism which also confers survival advantages and contributes to resistance to therapy. In response to exposure to ionizing radiation, metabolic pathways are activated which can protect the cell from irreversible injury. Tumor cell glycolytic activity is elevated and correlates with aggressiveness and radio resistance, indicating that targeting glucose metabolism may sensitize cancer cells to radiation. We have demonstrated that the clonogenic kill of PC3 cells induced by exposure to x-rays was enhanced by the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2DG). In contrast, treatment with 2DG failed to inhibit growth of multicellular spheroids derived from LNCaP cells. However, 2DG treatment, in the absence of irradiation, induced similar toxicity to PC3 and LNCaP cells cultured as monolayers. Radiation-induced cell cycle arrest was prevented by the simultaneous administration of 2DG in both cell lines, indicating a possible mechanism underlying sensitization. Therefore, we hypothesise that observed differences in cellular response to incubation with 2DG in the presence or absence of ionizing radiation resulted from variation in metabolic processes between tumor cell types. We conclude that inhibition of glucose metabolism by 2DG is an effective method for sensitizing prostate cancer cells to experimental radiotherapy and that this may occur by preventing DNA repair during radiation-induced cell cycle arrest.
A parallel spectral element method for dynamic soil-structure interaction problems

We illustrate the capability of a spectral element method to efficiently handle the numerical analysis of complex dynamic soil-structure interaction problems. Spectral elements are naturally suited for this class of applications: they provide high accuracy, are CAD-oriented, enjoy the flexibility of finite elements and allow the implementation of optimized parallel algorithms. Furthermore, spectral accuracy is the key to reduce the number of degrees of freedom and efficiently include in the 3D computational model both the structure and the surrounding soil. Therefore the need of sub-structuring techniques to deal with this type of problems is avoided. We illustrate the implementation of the method and provide numerical tests about its parallel performance. Finally, we show how our spectral element method is suitable for handling a challenging computational problem, such as the 3D analysis of building vibrations induced by underground train passage.
New Recombinant Ad5 Vector Overcomes Ad5 Immunity Allowing for Multiple Safe, Homologous Immunizations

Recombinant viral vectors have been utilized in the settings of gene therapy, vaccination and immunotherapy but have encountered clinical challenges because they are recognized as foreign entities to the host. This recognition leads to an immunologic clearance of the vector and the inserted gene of interest. We have reported on a new viral vector technology that can be utilized as an immunization modality to induce immune responses even in the presence of vector immunity. We have reported immunization and immunotherapy results to infectious diseases and cancers. This improved viral platform, Ad5 [E1-, E2b-], can be utilized in the development of multiple vaccines and immunotherapies.
Glucose-lowering, Hepatoprotective and Hypolipidemic Activities of Stem Bark of Ficus racemosa in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study evaluated the antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic effects of F. racemosa bark powder and aqueous extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (n = 6) were treated with F. racemosa Linn (Moraceae) bark powder (FRP) and aqueous extract (FRAE) for six weeks. Blood glucose was determined every 15 days using a portable glucometer. At the end of the study period, the rats were sacriÞ ced and levels of serum glucose, protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, TBARS, and glutathione were determined as indicators of antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities, as well as of antioxidant potential. TBARS and glutathione levels were determined in the liver and the kidneys also. Both the bark powder and aqueous extract of F. racemosa bark caused a signiÞ cant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in blood glucose (54 and 66% respectively). A signiÞ cant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) was also observed in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels to the control levels. The aqueous extract was more effective and caused a signiÞ cant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in TBARS, AST, ALT levels compared to untreated diabetic rats. However, it did not reach control levels. A signiÞ cant increase in glutathione concentrations over the control levels was also observed in rats treated with F. racemosa bark. It is concluded that F. racemosa bark has a signiÞ cant hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effect besides being a potent antihyperglycemic agent. Key words: Antihyperglycemic, antioxidant effect, Ficus racemosa, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective.
Object Affordances by Inferring on the Surroundings*

Robotic cognitive manipulation methods aim to imitate the human-object interactive process. Most of the of the state-of-the-art literature explore these methods by focusing on the target object or on the robot’s morphology, without including the surrounding environment. Most recent approaches suggest that taking into account the semantic properties of the surrounding environment improves the object recognition. When it comes to human cognitive development methods, these physical qualities are not only inferred from the object but also from the semantic characteristics of the surroundings. Thus the importance of affordances. In affordances, the representation of the perceived physical qualities of the objects gives valuable information about the possible manipulation actions. Hence, our research pursuits to develop a cognitive affordances map by (i) considering the object and the characteristics of the environment in which this object is more likely to appear, and (ii) achieving a learning mechanism that will intrinsically learn these affordances from self-experience.
Sentiment Analysis using Imperfect Views from Spoken Language and Acoustic Modalities

Multimodal sentiment classification in practical applications may have to rely on erroneous and imperfect views, namely (a) language transcription from a speech recognizer and (b) under-performing acoustic views. This work focuses on improving the representations of these views by performing a deep canonical correlation analysis with the representations of the better performing manual transcription view. Enhanced representations of the imperfect views can be obtained even in absence of the perfect views and give an improved performance during test conditions. Evaluations on the CMU-MOSI and CMU-MOSEI datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Effective Analysis of Emotiveness in Utterances Based on Features of Lexical and Non-Lexical Layer of Speech

Michal PTASZYNSKI, Pawel DYBALA, Rafal RZEPKA, Kenji ARAKI Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University {ptaszynski, paweldybala, kabura, araki}@media.eng.hokudai.ac. jp Abstract: We propose a highly effective method of analysis of emotiveness in utterances, which clearly outperforms present ones. The method is based on analysis of emotive features of the lexical layer of user's utterances and is supported by analysis of non-lexical emotive features conveyed in text. The system based on this method acquired 93% of accuracy in recognizing emotiveness of user’s utterances and was able to propose emotive value and extract specific emotion on a level comparable to human evaluators.
2 Previous Work on Locating Events

It is currently acknowledged that events constitute an integral part of the metaphysics and semantic machinery for interpreting natural language utterances [5, 4]. Most research into event semantics since Davidson and Parsons [23] has focused on questions relating to either aspectual classifications (Akstionsarten) or temporal semantics. One area that has received far less attention is the issue of event localization, that is, the problem of spatially situating events. In this paper, I discuss the procedures for identifying where events, as expressed in natural language, are located in space. Aspects of the semantics of event localization have been recently proposed, including the notion of the “shape” of a movement [7, 38], as well as treating movement verbs as “path creation” predicates [28]. In this paper, I build on these and some additional observations to outline a more general semantics of event localization. I then outline a procedure that extends the path metaphor used for motion predicates, distinguishing between the event locus and the spatial aspect of an event. In the process, I discuss how localization is supervenient upon the participants in the events, but not as straightforwardly as one might expect.
Risk factors, diagnosis, and management of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder: improving patient outcomes with a multidisciplinary treatment approach

: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a major complication after solid organ transplantation and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The spectrum of PTLD ranges from benign hyperplasia to malignant lymphoma, representing one of the most relevant malignancies in these patients. Most PTLDs are driven by latent Epstein–Barr virus infections. The backbone of treatment is reduction of immunosuppression. Further treatment depends on the type of PTLD and the type of transplantation. A multidisciplinary approach involving transplant team, hematologists, and other disciplines is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of PTLD and for concurrent preservation of the transplant function. In this study, known pathomechanisms, risk preemptive and especially emerging treatment algorithms in PTLD were reviewed.
Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells: The Key Role of Heterointerfaces and their Impact on the Performance

This chapter is dedicated to the processes linked with the collection of photo-generated carriers in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells with a focus on the key role of the amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon heterojunction. The intention is to explain the role of carrier inversion at the heterointerface and connect it with the properties of the SHJ to obtain deeper understanding of carrier transport properties and collection, which goes beyond amorphous silicon-based structures and will contribute to understanding the new emerging SHJ based on amorphous silicon oxide and metal oxide emitter layers. The study is extended by a simulation of the TCO/emitter interface with the aim to reveal the effect of parasitic Schottky barrier height on the performance of the SHJ solar cell. In addition, the simulation study of SHJ under concentrated light and varied temperatures is outlined to show the main limitations and prospects of SHJ structures for utilization under concentrated light.
On the gravity wave forcing during the austral 1 stratospheric final warming as simulated by LMDz 2

6 The austral stratospheric final warming date is often predicted with substantial 7 delay in several climate models. This systematic error is generally attributed to insuf8 ficient parametrized gravity waves (GW) drag in the stratosphere around 60S. This 9 bias is not present in the LMDz general circulation model, a property that we use to 10 analyse the contribution of the different types of waves in the model. For this purpose, 11 the resolved and unresolved wave forcings of the middle atmosphere during the austral 12 spring are examined in LMDz and reanalysis data, and a good agreement is found be13 tween the two datasets. The role of parameterized orographic and nonorographic GWs 14 in LMDz is further examined, and it is found that orographic and nonorographic GWs 15 contribute evenly to the GW forcing in the stratosphere, unlike other climate models 16 where orographic GWs are the main contributor. This result is shown to be in good 17 agreement with GW-resolving operational analysis products. It is demonstrated that 18 ∗Currently at NCAR, Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. 1 the significant contribution of the nonorographic GWs is related to the fact that the 19 source-related nonorographic GW parameterizations used in LMDz produce very inter20 mittent momentum fluxes, in qualitative agreement with recent observations. It yields 21 sporadic high-amplitude events during which the GWs break in the stratosphere and 22 force the circulation at lower altitudes than more homogeneously distributed nonoro23 graphic GW parameterization do. 24
ADVANCES ON TRANSFORMS FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY VIDEO CODING

The increasing presence of high and ultra high definition video contents in several multimedia applications has led to the necessity of developing a new coding standard that can achieve further compression efficiency regarding the H.264/AVC state-of-the-art. As an answer to this need, ITU-T VCEG and ISO/IEC MPEG started a new standardization project called High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). In this context, a transform coding technique which can adaptively select the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) or a modified Karhunen-Loève Transform (KLT) is presented in this work. This modified KLT basis functions are computed at both the encoder and the decoder using a similar technique, avoiding coding them as required in the usual KLT. To evaluate the compression efficiency of this adaptive transform, it is combined with the HEVC codec. These experiments show that the adopted transform coding solution can achieve bitrate savings of up to 16% over the usual DCT.
A REVIEW ON EFFICACIOUS METHODS TO DECOLORIZE REACTIVE AZO DYE

This paper deals with the intensive review of reactive azo dye, Reactive Black 5. Various physicochemical methods namely photo catalysis, electrochemical, adsorption, hydrolysis and biological methods like microbial degradation, biosorption and bioaccumulation have been analyzed thoroughly along with the merits and demerits of each method. Among these various methods, biological treatment methods are found to be the best for decolorization of Reactive Black 5. With respect to dye biosorption, microbial biomass (bacteria, fungi, microalgae, etc), and outperformed macroscopic materials (seaweeds, crab shell, etc.) are used for decolorization process. The use of living organisms may not be an option for the continuous treatment of highly toxic organic/inorganic contaminants. Once the toxicant concentration becomes too high or the process operated for a long time, the amount of toxicant accumulated will reach saturation. Beyond this point, an organism's metabolism may be interrupted, resulting in death of the organism. This scenario is not existed in the case of dead biomass, which is flexible to environmental conditions and toxicant concentrations. Thus, owing to its favorable characteristics, biosorption has received much attention in recent years.
A new instrument for passive remote sensing : 2 . Measurement of leaf and canopy reflectance changes at 531 nm and their relationship with photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence

A previously described passive remote sensing fluorimeter (see companion paper) was modified to detect changes in the reflectance of vegetation. The utility of this remote sensing technique to measure the Physiological Reflectance Index (PRI) is shown at both leaf level under laboratory conditions and at the canopy level in the field. PRI, defined as the relative changes in reflectance at 531 nm with respect to those at 570 nm (PRI =R531 R570/R531 +R570), is related to xanthophyll-related, dynamic changes of non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. The robustness of this relationship by simultaneous remote sensing of PRI and chlorophyll fluorescence is strengthened. At the leaf level, the existence of two kinetically distinct components of PRI is shown. A fast (within seconds) component that is partly attributed to DpH induced chloroplast shrinkage, and a slow (within minutes), main component that is related to xanthophyll deepoxidation, as demonstrated by its disappearance in the presence of DTT. Overall, PRI correlated better with non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (NPQ) than with any other measured parameter, including the photochemical efficiency of PSII. Finally, at the canopy level and under field conditions, it is shown that PRI can be a useful tool for remote sensing of water stress in grapevines. D 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Rheological behavior and thermal stability of palmitoyl chitosan varying the degree of substitution

Degree of substitution (DS) 42%, 44% and 81% of palmitoyl chitosan were prepared by reacting chitosan and palmitoyl chloride at pH 7.2 by varying the reaction time. The chemical structure of prepared compounds were confirmed by using spectroscopy methods such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectroscopy. DS was determined by FT-IR spectroscopy. Both thermal stability and crystallinity of palmitoyl chitosan increased with increased DS. The palmitoyl chitosan solutions displayed shear thinning behavior while the viscosity of three different degree substituted 2% (w/v) palmitoyl chitosan solutions increased with increased DS. Since DS 81% palmitoyl chitosan solution had high viscosity with shear thinning property, it can be suitable for pharmaceutical formulations and as rheology modifiers. For the first time, physicochemical characteristics and rheological properties were studied by varying the DS of palmitoyl chitosan.
Mechanotransmission of haemodynamic forces by the endothelial glycocalyx in a full-scale arterial model

The glycocalyx has been identified as a key mechano-sensor of the shear forces exerted by streaming blood onto the vascular endothelial lining. Although the biochemical reaction to the blood flow has been extensively studied, the mechanism of transmission of the haemodynamic shear forces to the endothelial transmembrane anchoring structures and, consequently, to the subcellular elements in the cytoskeleton, is still not fully understood. Here we apply a multiscale approach to elucidate how haemodynamic shear forces are transmitted to the transmembrane anchors of endothelial cells. Wall shear stress time histories, as obtained from image-based computational haemodynamics models of a carotid bifurcation, are used as a load and a continuum model is applied to obtain the mechanical response of the glycocalyx all along the cardiac cycle. The main findings of this in silico study are that: (1) the forces transmitted to the transmembrane anchors are in the range of 1–10 pN, which is in the order of magnitude reported for the different conformational states of transmembrane mechanotranductors; (2) locally, the forces transmitted to the anchors of the glycocalyx structure can be markedly different from the near-wall haemodynamic shear forces both in amplitude and frequency content. The findings of this in silico approach warrant future studies focusing on the actual forces transmitted to the transmembrane mechanotransductors, which might outperform haemodynamic descriptors of disturbed shear as localizing factors of vascular disease.
The Milky Way rotation curve in Horava–Lifshitz theory

The Horava-Lifshitz (HL) theory has recently attracted a lot of interest as a viable solution to some quantum gravity related problems and the presence of an effective cosmological constant able to drive the cosmic speed up. We show here that, in the weak field limit, the HL proposal leads to a modification of the gravitational potential because of two additive terms (scaling, respectively, as r 2 and r -4 ) to the Newtonian 1/r potential. We then derive a general expression to compute the rotation curve of an extended system under the assumption that the mass density only depends on the cylindrical coordinates (R, z) showing that the HL modification induces a dependence of the circular velocity on the mass function which is a new feature of the theory. As a first exploratory analysis, we then try fitting the Milky Way rotation curve using its visible components only in order to see whether the HL modified potential can be an alternative to the dark matter framework. This turns out not to be the case so that we argue that dark matter is still needed, but the amount of dark matter and the dark halo density profile have to be revised according to the new HL potential.
A Corpus of Corporate Annual and Social Responsibility Reports: 280 Million Tokens of Balanced Organizational Writing

We introduce JOCo, a novel text corpus for NLP analytics in the field of economics, business and management. This corpus is composed of corporate annual and social responsibility reports of the top 30 US, UK and German companies in the major (DJIA, FTSE 100, DAX), middle-sized (S&P 500, FTSE 250, MDAX) and technology (NASDAQ, FTSE AIM 100, TECDAX) stock indices, respectively. Altogether, this adds up to 5,000 reports from 270 companies headquartered in three of the world’s most important economies. The corpus spans a time frame from 2000 up to 2015 and contains, in total, 282M tokens. We also feature JOCo in a small-scale experiment to demonstrate its potential for NLP-fueled studies in economics, business and management research.