Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apparent Movement of Successively Generated Subjective Figures

In the present studies a pair of random-dot frames was constructed so that two areas in the first frame (f1) were correlated with two areas in the second frame (f2). The alternation of the pair of frames (an f1-f2 sequence) gave rise to two subjective figures. When two pairs of random-dot frames (an f1-f2 sequence and an f3-f4 sequence), each of which produced two subjective figures in different locations, were themselves alternated, the subjective figures from the f1-f2 sequence interacted with the subjective figures from the f3-f4 sequence to produce apparent movement. With any one of the four general kinds of displays which we constructed, subjects usually perceived only one of two types of subjective-figure movement. The type of movement that was perceived with a given display depended primarily upon the degree of change (across the interval between an f1-f2 and an f3-f4 sequence) of the internal structure of the successively generated subjective figures. Relative intensity differences between the subjective figures and their backgrounds influenced the type of apparent movement seen, whereas variations in the density of elements in a display did not. We tentatively propose a two-stage model to explain the apparent movement of the subjective figures: the first stage is assumed to generate the subjective figures by means of a cross-correlation of the intensity distributions of the two frames within an f1-f2 sequence and within an f3-f4 sequence; on the basis of inputs from the first stage, the second stage generates apparent movement signals for the subjective figures.
A global optimization approach to structured regulation design under H∞ constraints.

This paper presents a global optimization approach to the structured H<sub>∞</sub> sensitivity problem. The problem is formulated as a min/max optimization problem, and is solved with a branch and bound algorithm based on interval arithmetic. The method is compared with other existing H<sub>∞</sub> synthesis methods and results are discussed.
Long-term forecasts of age-specific participation rates with functional data models

Many countries have implemented social programs providing long-term financial or in-kind entitlements. These programs often focus on specific age-groups and consequently their expenditure streams are subject to demographic change. Given the strains already existing on public budgets, long-term forecasts are an increasingly important instrument to monitor the budgetary consequences of social programs. The expected development of the labour force is a key input to these forecasts. We Produce forecasts of age-specific labour market participation rates, combining a functional data approach with information on education, marital status and other exogenous variables.
IL-1 beta induces the coexpression of both nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase by islets of Langerhans: activation of cyclooxygenase by nitric oxide.

Autoimmune diabetes is characterized by an early infiltration of lymphocytes into and around islets, which is followed by selective destruction of the insulin-secreting beta-cell. Cytokines released during this inflammatory reaction have been implicated as effector molecules which mediate beta-cell destruction. In vitro treatment of rat islets with the cytokine IL-1 beta results in an inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion that is mediated by the overproduction of nitric oxide. IL-1 beta also stimulates the production of the cyclooxygenase (COX) product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In this study we have examined the effects of IL-1 beta on both inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inducible cyclooxygenase (iCOX) expression, and the direct effects of nitric oxide on the activity of COX. Treatment of rat islets with 5 units/mL IL-1 beta induces a similar time-dependent production of both nitrite and PGE2. IL-1 beta-induced nitrite and PGE2 production is attenuated by the NOS inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), but NMMA has no inhibitory effect on the expression of either iCOX or iNOS as determined by immunoprecipitation. Actinomycin D prevents IL-1 beta-induced iCOX and iNOS expression and the production of both nitrite and PGE2 by islets, suggesting that mRNA transcription is required for IL-1 beta-induced expression of both iNOS and iCOX. The effects of exogenous arachidonic acid on both constitutive COX (cCOX) and iCOX activity were also investigated. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Intercultural Perspective

In 1998, researchers discovered that embryonic stem cells could be derived from early human embryos. This discovery has raised a series of ethical and public-policy questions that are now being confronted by multiple international organizations, nations, cultures, and religious traditions. This essay surveys policies for human embryonic stem cell research in four regions of the world, reports on the recent debate at the United Nations about one type of such research, and reviews the positions that various religious traditions have adopted regarding this novel type of research. In several instances the religious traditions seem to have influenced the public-policy debates.
[Association between 24 h urinary sodium to potassium ratio and metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults].

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between 24 h urinary sodium to potassium ratio and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese adults. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Chinese adults aged 18-69 years in Shandong province in 2011. Data on 24 h urinary excretion of sodium and potassium and components of MS were examined. Participants were divided into four groups according to the quartile of 24 h urinary sodium to potassium ratio. RESULTS Of the 1 906 Chinese adults eligible for final data analysis, 471 (24.7%) were with MS. After completion of multivariate logistic regression analysis, when compared to the participants with 24 h urinary sodium to potassium ratio < 4.3, the OR (95% CI) of participants with 24 h urinary sodium to potassium ratio during 4.3-5.6, 5.7-8.1, and ≥ 8.1 were 1.27 (0.93-1.71), 1.06 (0.78-1.46), and 1.45 (1.06-1.97), respectively (P values for linear trend < 0.05). As for the components of MS, the odds of central obesity and elevated blood pressure but not the odds of elevated triglycerides, low high density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated fasting glucose, had significantly increases with successive 24 h urinary sodium to potassium ratio quartiles (P values for linear trends < 0.05). CONCLUSION The 24 h urinary sodium to potassium ratio appeared significantly associated with the odds of MS.
Screening of ruptured plaques in patients with coronary artery disease by intravascular ultrasound

AIM To visualise the characteristics of ruptured plaques by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and to correlate plaque characteristics with clinical symptoms to establish a quantitative index of plaque vulnerability. METHODS 144 consecutive patients with angina were examined using IVUS. Ruptured plaques, characterised by a plaque cavity and a tear on the thin fibrous cap, were identified in 31 patients (group A), of whom 23 (74%) presented with unstable angina. Plaque rupture was confirmed by injecting contrast medium filling the plaque cavity during IVUS examination. Of the patients without plaque rupture (group B, n = 108), only 19 (18%) had unstable angina. RESULTS No significant differences were found between groups A and B in relation to plaque and vessel area (p > 0.05). Mean (SD) per cent stenosis in group A was less than in group B, at 56.2 (16.5)% v67.9 (13.4)%; p < 0.001. Area of the emptied plaque cavity in group A (4.1 (3.2) mm2) was larger than the echolucent zone in group B (1.32 (0.79) mm2) (p < 0.001). The plaque cavity to plaque ratio in group A (38.5 (17.1)%) was larger than the echolucent area to plaque ratio in group B (11.2 (8.9)%) (p < 0.001). The thickness of the fibrous cap in group A was less than in group B, at 0.47 (0.20) mm v 0.96 (0.94) mm; p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Plaques seem to be prone to rupture when the echolucent area is larger than 4.1 (3.2) mm2, when the echolucent area to plaque ratio is greater than 38.5 (17.1)%, and when the fibrous cap is thinner than 0.7 mm. IVUS can identify plaque rupture and vulnerable plaques. This may influence patient management and treatment.
Deep model style: Cross-class style compatibility for 3D furniture within a scene

Harmonizing the style of all the furniture placed within a constrained space/scene has been regarded as one of the most important tasks in interior design. Most previous style analysis works measure the style similarity or compatibility of the objects based on predefined geometric features extracted from 3D models. However, “style” is a high-level semantic concept, which is difficult to be described explicitly by handcrafted geometric features. Deep neural network has been claimed to have more powerful ability to mimic the perception of human visual cortex. Therefore, in this work we utilize Triplet Convolutional Neural Network (Triplet CNN) to analyze style compatibility between 3D furniture models of different classes (e.g., a table and a lamp). It should be noted that analyzing the style compatibility between two or more furniture of different classes is quite difficult, as the given furniture may have distinctive structures or geometric elements. We conducted experiments based on a collected dataset containing 420 textured 3D furniture models. A group of raters were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT) to evaluate the comparative suitability of paired models within the dataset. The experimental results reveal that the proposed furniture style compatibility method based on deep learning is better than the state-of-the-art method and can be used for furniture recommendation.
Distribution of CA 125 in Placental Tissues

The presence of the tumor marker CA 125 was studied in different compartments of the human placenta. Levels of CA 125 in the cytosol of chorionic villi ranged from 27 - 17100 U/g (median 560 U/g). In the placental amnion and chorion concentrations ranged from 175-29000 U/g, median 1060 U/g and were not statistically different. In the umbilical cord values were significantly lower (range 44 - 7600 U/g; median 180 U/g). Maternal serum probes were above the upper limit of normal in all cases (range 48 - 500 U/ml; median 131 U/ml). Immunohistochemistry detected CA 125 exclusively within the amniotic cells of the placenta and the umbilical cord. This might be because CA 125 fixes more to insoluble structures in the amnion or because of contamination of chorionic villi with the underlying decidua.
The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with an appalling prognosis. The failure of anti-inflammatory therapies coupled with the observation that deranged epithelium overlies proliferative myofibroblasts to form the fibroblastic focus has lead to the emerging concept that IPF is a disease of deregulated epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk. IPF is triggered by an as yet unidentified alveolar injury that leads to activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and alveolar basement membrane disruption. In the presence of persisting injurious pathways, or disrupted repair pathways, activated TGF-β can lead to enhanced epithelial apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as fibroblast, and fibrocyte, transformation into myofibroblasts which are resistant to apoptosis. The resulting deposition of excess disrupted matrix by these myofibroblasts leads to the development of IPF.
Neuroendocrine Hepatic Metastases: Does Aggressive Management Improve Survival?

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine whether aggressive management of neuroendocrine hepatic metastases improves survival. Summary Background Data:Survival in patients with carcinoid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors is significantly better than adenocarcinomas arising from the same organs. However, survival and quality of life are diminished in patients with neuroendocrine hepatic metastases. In recent years, aggressive treatment of hepatic neuroendocrine tumors has been shown to relieve symptoms. Minimal data are available, however, to document improved survival with this approach. Methods:The records of patients with carcinoid (n = 84) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (n = 69) managed at our institution from January 1990 through July 2004 were reviewed. Eighty-four patients had malignant tumors, and hepatic metastases were present in 60 of these patients. Of these 60 patients, 23 received no aggressive treatment of their liver metastases, 19 were treated with hepatic resection and/or ablation, and 18 were managed with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) frequently (n = 11) in addition to resection and/or ablation. These groups did not differ with respect to age, gender, tumor type, or extent of liver involvement. Results:Median and 5-year survival were 20 months and 25% for the Nonaggressive group, >96 months and 72% for the Resection/Ablation group, and 50 months and 50% for the TACE group. The survival for the Resection/Ablation and the TACE groups was significantly better (P < 0.05) when compared with the Nonaggressive group. Patients with more than 50% liver involvement had a poor outcome (P < 0.001). Conclusions:These data suggest that aggressive management of neuroendocrine hepatic metastases does improve survival, that chemoembolization increases the patient population eligible for this strategy, and that patients with more than 50% liver involvement may not benefit from an aggressive approach.
Implementation of prototype of natural language interface to database

In the present investigation we pretend to make a Spanish natural language translator to SQL using both the database schema and domain information, which is entered through a CSV file. For that end, the system uses prepositions, articles and main adverbs of Spanish language as part of their analysis and an approximation algorithm is used, it means, according to the words that are understood for the user input, the system will try to generate an SQL statement. Therefore, the problem wanted to be solved with this research is the difficulty that non-technical users have when doing queries to a database, implementing, for that reason, an interface in natural language.
MESURAÇÃO DO RISCO DE UM PROJETO DE BASE IMOBILIÁRIA A PARTIR DO CASH FLOW AT RISK 1 MEASUREMET OF THE RISK OF A PROJECTBASED REAL EST ATE FROM THE CASH FLOW AT RISK

RESUMO : A setor de incorporacao imobiliaria se aproxima cada vez mais do mercado de capitais, pela sua caracteristica de demandar capital intensivo. Dado o fato que os prazos de maturacao dos produtos imobiliarios sao demasiadamente longos, se abrem espacos para varias incertezas afetarem os resultados destes projetos. Neste sentido, este trabalho busca apresentar os resultados gerados a partir da utilizacao da variacao da metrica, o Cash Flow at Risk , para mensurar as probabilidades de perda financeira de um empreendimento de base imobiliaria, na Cidade de Balneario Camboriu, SC. Com a utilizacao desta metrica os incorporadores poderao apresentar aos potenciais investidores nao somente os tradicionais resultados demonstrados a partir dos calculos utilizados em estudos de viabilidade economico-financeira, como VPL, TIR, ROI, EVA, ROA e Payback, mas poderao mensurar os riscos de perda financeira para seus investidores e, consequentemente, gerenciar estes riscos no decorrer do projeto. Ou seja, poderao verificar as variabilidades para um projeto cujos indicadores originais demonstram viabilidade economico-financeira, com: TIR: 5,75% a.m.; TMA: 10% ao ano; Payback: 30o mes do projeto; VPL: R$ 6.099. 411,00; Taxa de Rentabilidade (B/C): 30,42% e; CFaR em confiabilidade estatistica de 96,9%, de cerca de R$ 449 mil, ou proximo a 7% dos valores originais.
Erythrocyte membrane defects and asymmetry in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorder of haematopoietic stem cells that may eventually lead to chronic anemia. The ultrastructural defects in erythrocyte membranes may have a role in early red cell destruction within circulation. The lifespan of the erythrocyte primarily correlates to externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and loss of glycophorins from the erythrocyte surface. The span of survival of mature erythrocytes in the circulation in case of MDS and PNH is yet unclear and has been studied by measuring simultaneous exposure of PS and loss of glycoconjugates, primarily glycophorins from membrane surface. The extent of the loss of PS asymmetry and cell surface glycophorins in density separated erythrocytes of six MDS and three PNH patients has been probed by fluorochrome conjugated annexin V and wheat germ agglutinin using flow cytometry. The cells with lighter density showed a higher amount of PS on the outer surface compared to those of heavier cells in all PNH and MDS cases, showing the opposite trend to that observed in normal erythrocytes. In addition, the lighter cells had more cell surface glycophorins compared to heaver cells in all the cases. Such lowering of glycophorin levels from the lighter to heavier cells was maximum in refractory anaemia (RA) and minimum in the normal cells studied. Greater loss of PS asymmetry and cell surface glycophorin in the lighter or younger erythrocytes together could be responsible for their faster destruction and removal (eryptosis) in PNH and MDS.
The CD14(bright) CD16+ monocyte subset is expanded in rheumatoid arthritis and promotes expansion of the Th17 cell population.

OBJECTIVE Circulating monocytes contain a subpopulation of CD14+CD16+ cells; this subpopulation of cells has been described to be proinflammatory and to have an increased frequency in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). New evidence suggests that this subpopulation can be further subdivided into CD14(dim) CD16+ and CD14(bright) CD16+ cells. The aim of this study was to determine which of the two CD16+ monocyte subpopulations is expanded in patients with RA and to investigate their possible role in disease pathogenesis. METHODS The frequencies of monocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of healthy donors and patients with RA were determined by flow cytometry. Monocyte subpopulations were sorted and cocultured with CD4+ T cells. Cytokines were determined in the supernatant, and Th17 cell frequencies were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS In comparison with the other monocyte subpopulations, CD14(bright) CD16+ cells showed higher HLA-DR and CCR5 expression and responded with higher tumor necrosis factor production to direct cell contact with preactivated T cells. They were observed at increased frequencies in the peripheral blood of patients with RA, while CD14(dim) CD16+ monocyte frequencies were not increased. CD14(bright) CD16+ cells were extremely potent inducers of Th17 cell expansion in vitro. Their frequency in the peripheral blood of patients with RA correlated closely with Th17 cell frequencies determined ex vivo. CONCLUSION This study is the first to provide a link between the increased frequency of the CD14(bright) CD16+ monocyte subpopulation in RA and the expansion of Th17 cells, which are likely to have a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
Identification and Characterization of ICH-2, a Novel Member of the Interleukin-1β-converting Enzyme Family of Cysteine Proteases (*)

Interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE) is a cytoplasmic cysteine protease required for generating the bioactive form of the interleukin-1β cytokine from its inactive precursor. We report the identification of ICH-2, a novel human gene encoding a member of the ICE cysteine protease family, and characterization of its protein product. ICH-2 mRNA is widely expressed in human tissues in a pattern similar to, but distinct from, that of ICE. Overexpression of ICH-2 in insect cells induces apoptosis. Purified ICH-2 is functional as a protease in vitro. A comparison of the inhibitor profiles and substrate cleavage by ICH-2 and ICE shows that the enzymes share catalytic properties but may differ in substrate specificities, suggesting that the two enzymes have different functions in vivo.
Design of power conversion system for Stirling engine Micro-CHP integrated into DC power distribution network

This paper describes a design of the power conversion system for the DC distribution network with the String engine micro-CHP source. The design of the PWM AC-DC and high step-up DC-DC power converters is presented for the Stirling engine with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). The maximum power control for a low voltage PMSG and PWM AC-DC converter is discussed and the high efficiency design of the high step-up isolated DC-DC converter is considered. The prototype converter with 1kW power rating and 400VDC output is implemented and the experimental results are provided to verify its operation and performance.
Invariance of SCL-90-R dimensions of symptom distress in patients with peri partum pelvic pain (PPPP) syndrome.

OBJECTIVES There are no studies available that have examined the factorial invariance of dimensions underlying the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) across at least three distinct samples. In the following study, we wished to determine whether a dimensional model comprising eight primary factors previously identified in psychiatric out-patients, phobics and the general population (Arrindell & Ettema, 2003) could be extended to a homogeneous sample of pain patients comprising females suffering from peri partum pelvic pain (PPPP) syndrome (N = 413). The internal consistency and discriminant validity of the dimensions were also examined. METHOD The SCL-90-R and measures of disability, pain-related fear, pain intensity and fatigue were administered to the participants. The multiple group method was used to determine factorial invariance. Pearson correlations were determined between the SCL-90-R and aforementioned measures. RESULTS The factorial invariance of an 8-dimensional model of primary factors underlying the SCL-90-R, namely, agoraphobia, anxiety, depression, somatization, cognitive-performance deficits, interpersonal sensitivity-mistrust, acting-out hostility and sleep difficulties, was extended with success to the present sample of PPPP patients. In spite of substantial correlations between the internally consistent SCL-90-R symptom dimensions, some evidence of discriminant validity was reported in that specific subscales showed different patterns of correlations with measures of disability, pain-related fear, pain intensity and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS The 8-dimensional system based on the work of Arrindell and Ettema (2003) was invariant across psychiatric patients, phobics, the general population and pain patients. The invariance of the SCL-90-R hostility dimensions may have implications for a re-formulation of Watson and Clark's tripartite model of general distress, specific anxiety and specific depression.